Seven M-W student-athletes sign National Letters of Intent

Congratulations to the seven Monroe-Woodbury High School varsity athletes who signed National Letters of Intent during a recent ceremony at the high school with friends, family and members of the administration and staff in attendance.

The following profiles and Q&As were provided by Carole Spendley, the communications specialist for the Monroe-Woodbury School District:

Jordan Ader, Iona College, New Rochelle

Varsity Volleyball

M-W Coach: Steven Palloguidus

Career highlights: All-County first team; All-County second team; Team Captain; Scholar Athlete

Who do you wish to thank?

I’d like to thank my parents for supporting me every step of the way and being at every game. A huge thank you to my sister, Jess, for making me pick up a volleyball eight years ago and making me fall in love with the sport. I’d also like to thank my high school coaches and the staff at Downstate Juniors VBC for all their hard work and knowledge of the game.

Who inspires you to succeed?

My coach, Dan Altro, from Downstate inspires me to succeed. He always pushes us to our limit and wants the best for every single player.

Any advice for younger students?

Never stop believing in yourself even when practices and games get tough.

Emily Dovico, Marist College, Poughkeepsie

Girls Varsity Soccer

Coaches: William Mpasiakos, Elise Fugowski

Career highlights: 2019 NYS Girls Soccer Champion; 2019 Section IX Champion; 2021 Section IX Champion

Intended Major: Biology

Who do you wish to thank?

I would like to thank my parents for all of the countless hours in the car driving to practices, games and tournaments. I’ve been very fortunate to have coaches who believed in me. I would like to thank Coach Mpasiakos for his dedication in my conditioning and recognizing my potential both on the soccer field and on the track. Coach Kolmel for pushing me in practice and shaping me into the player that I am today.

Who inspires you to succeed?

My mom taught me to never give up and be confident. Those lessons will carry with me to the next chapter of my life.

Any advice for younger students?

Never give up on your goals, even when they seem impossible. There will definitely be days that you will question your abilities but be confident and surround yourself with great leaders and teachers.

Emma Lawson, Binghamton University

Varsity Softball

Coaches: Penny Roberts, Elaine Schellberg

Career highlights: 2019 Section 9 fourth team. 2021 Second Team All State

Who do you wish to thank?

My family, my coaches, my teammates, and my friends.

Who inspires you to succeed?

My parents and my sister.

Any advice for younger students?

Enjoy every minute of it. Every 8 a.m. practice, every bus ride, every minute you’re on the field because it goes by so fast.

Anna Maggi, Marist College, Poughkeepsie

Girls Varsity Soccer

Coaches: William Mpasiakos, Elise Fugowski

Career highlights: Winning states sophomore year; No. #l goal scorer junior year; one of three captains senior year

Intended Major: Sports medicine

Who do you wish to thank?

My family and coaches.

Who inspires you to succeed?

My mom because she always inspired me to be the best version of myself on and off the field.

Any advice for younger students?

Never give up and always push yourself to achieve your goals.

Amanda Palmer, St. Thomas Aquinas College, Orangeburg

Varsity Softball

Coaches: Penny Roberts, Elaine Schellberg

Career highlights: Scholar Athlete; 2021 Section IX champions; #1 NYSJV Softball Captain in eighth grade

Intended Major: Marketing major, business minor

Who do you wish to thank?

I would like to thank my dad for coaching me in softball since I was 6 years old, my mom for supporting me throughout my softball career, my sister Nicole, and all my past and present coaches for helping me achieve my goals.

Who inspires you to succeed?

My older sister Nicole inspires me to succeed being that we’ve played softball together since the beginning. She currently plays college softball at Mount Saint Mary College and is a nursing major.

Any advice for younger students?

Live in the moment and never take anything for granted.

Anna Paravati, Fairfield University, Fairfield, Conn.

Varsity Softball

Coaches: Penny Roberts, Elaine Schellberg

Career highlights: Varsity softball since freshman year

Intended major: Engineering

Who do you wish to thank?

My parents for always supporting me in my choices and athletic endeavors.

What inspires you to succeed?

I am always striving to be better than the next person.

Any advice for younger students?

Have fun!

Brianna Roberts, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia

Varsity Softball

Coaches: Penny Roberts, Elaine Schellberg

Career highlights: 2019 Rookie of the Year; 2021 MVP; 2021 Section IX Champion; 2021 First Team All New York State

Who do you wish to thank?

I would like to thank each of my coaches who inspired me and helped me grow in the game of softball. I would like to thank my teammates who always pushed me to succeed and who always had my back. I would like to thank the coaches at KSU for giving me this amazing opportunity. I would like to thank my family for always supporting me and coming to my games. And lastly, I would like to thank my mom for introducing me to the game. She has been there for me every step of the way and has guided me on this amazing journey. She always pushes me to work harder and has always believed that I could accomplish anything I put my mind to. She has been an amazing role model in my life and someone I will always look up to. I have traveled all over the country, I have met some amazing people, and I have made memories that I will never forget. I can’t imagine my life without softball, and for that I thank my mom for inspiring me to play.

Who inspires you to succeed?

My younger self inspires me to succeed and to keep working hard. I play for the little girl I once was who fell in love with the game and was determined to get stronger and better everyday. I work hard for my younger self to see that her dreams and aspirations become a reality.

Any advice for younger students?

Enjoy the moment! It goes by quickly, but the memories you make will last forever!