Winning Mentality
.jpg)
Ben Andrus, Haddonfield boys cross country
Andrus, a senior, posted a time of 16:03 to win the Group 2 individual state championship last year after placing second at sectionals, helping Haddonfield take first in the team standings at both races. He went on to take 19th at the Meet of Champions as the Bulldawgs finished second overall, and he is looking forward to a memorable finish to his high school career before moving on to Boston College.
Andrus, a senior, posted a time of 16:03 to win the Group 2 individual state championship last year after placing second at sectionals, helping Haddonfield take first in the team standings at both races. He went on to take 19th at the Meet of Champions as the Bulldawgs finished second overall, and he is looking forward to a memorable finish to his high school career before moving on to Boston College.
South Jersey Magazine: How is your senior season going heading into the major races?
Ben Andrus: I haven’t opened up yet. I was a little delayed because I was battling a sickness, but I’m going to open up [soon]. We’re going to do good things as a team and I’m excited for it.
Ben Andrus: I haven’t opened up yet. I was a little delayed because I was battling a sickness, but I’m going to open up [soon]. We’re going to do good things as a team and I’m excited for it.
SJM: Last year was obviously special for you and the team. Was the state title always a goal of yours, and what did it mean to accomplish it?
BA: Individually, I always knew I was capable of it. Last year, I wasn’t having the season I wanted to have, but it helps when you’re not having the season you want to have and there are four guys who can back you up on your team. I think we scored the lowest amount of points ever for a Haddonfield team at the state meet—we scored 24 I believe—so that was great. Going into the race, I knew I was capable of winning, and on that day I guess I just showed up. It was kind of my breakthrough moment and I’m super blessed for that.
BA: Individually, I always knew I was capable of it. Last year, I wasn’t having the season I wanted to have, but it helps when you’re not having the season you want to have and there are four guys who can back you up on your team. I think we scored the lowest amount of points ever for a Haddonfield team at the state meet—we scored 24 I believe—so that was great. Going into the race, I knew I was capable of winning, and on that day I guess I just showed up. It was kind of my breakthrough moment and I’m super blessed for that.
SJM: Your older brother George had done it when he was at Haddonfield. Was that cool to be able to match him?
Article continues below
advertisement
BA: It is cool. I said this in an interview right after the meet, but I was texting him as soon as the race finished. He said, ‘That’s cool, but it wasn’t the time I ran as a junior.’ But it’s amazing to have him. He’s an inspiration and the real reason why I got into running. Hopefully I’ll be able to race him at the collegiate level. I think it would be a good race, but he’s battling back from surgery so we’ll see.
advertisement
BA: It is cool. I said this in an interview right after the meet, but I was texting him as soon as the race finished. He said, ‘That’s cool, but it wasn’t the time I ran as a junior.’ But it’s amazing to have him. He’s an inspiration and the real reason why I got into running. Hopefully I’ll be able to race him at the collegiate level. I think it would be a good race, but he’s battling back from surgery so we’ll see.
SJM: He runs for Villanova, correct?
BA: Yes, and I’m committed to Boston College.
BA: Yes, and I’m committed to Boston College.
SJM: Do you two train together?
BA: Rarely. Like I said, this summer he was coming back from surgery so he couldn’t run. But in past year, whenever he was home it was always fun to run with him, and my freshman year it was special to run with someone like him. When you’re running with someone of that caliber, you’re always learning from them and they always push you to be great.
BA: Rarely. Like I said, this summer he was coming back from surgery so he couldn’t run. But in past year, whenever he was home it was always fun to run with him, and my freshman year it was special to run with someone like him. When you’re running with someone of that caliber, you’re always learning from them and they always push you to be great.
SJM: How did your brother get you into running?
BA: He had a breakout season when he was a junior and I was in eighth grade. He was going on college visits and I was joining him, so I thought to myself, ‘This could be me in a few years if I put in the work.’ It’s not as easy at it sounds, obviously, but seeing what he was doing was a big inspiration to me.
BA: He had a breakout season when he was a junior and I was in eighth grade. He was going on college visits and I was joining him, so I thought to myself, ‘This could be me in a few years if I put in the work.’ It’s not as easy at it sounds, obviously, but seeing what he was doing was a big inspiration to me.
SJM: What made you want to commit to Boston College?
BA: I definitely knew I wanted to be up north. I’m just a Northeast guy and this is where I wanted to be. The school itself is second to none: It’s a beautiful campus, an amazing college, and on top of that the team is great. I asked myself where I would be most comfortable if I ever got injured, and the guys on the team are amazing and the coaches are great. I was looking for a team that puts in a lot of work and puts in a lot of miles, and that’s what they do. I can’t wait to get into it.
BA: I definitely knew I wanted to be up north. I’m just a Northeast guy and this is where I wanted to be. The school itself is second to none: It’s a beautiful campus, an amazing college, and on top of that the team is great. I asked myself where I would be most comfortable if I ever got injured, and the guys on the team are amazing and the coaches are great. I was looking for a team that puts in a lot of work and puts in a lot of miles, and that’s what they do. I can’t wait to get into it.
SJM: Do you know what you’re going to major in?
BA: Not yet, but I have some ideas—maybe business or psychology. I’m going to take this year and see how my classes go, and focus on that when I get there.
BA: Not yet, but I have some ideas—maybe business or psychology. I’m going to take this year and see how my classes go, and focus on that when I get there.
SJM: Will you compete in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track in college?
BA: Yes, hopefully. I would say I’m more of a cross guy, but I think I excel in both.
BA: Yes, hopefully. I would say I’m more of a cross guy, but I think I excel in both.
SJM: What’s it like to be part of the remarkable running tradition at Haddonfield?
BA: The standard is great. A lot of people might see the standard and think, ‘What if we don’t meet that?’ But I think the standard always brings out the best in you. The consistency culture at Haddonfield is great—every single year, it seems like you want to one-up the year before. Seeing George win the state meet when I was a freshman, I was hoping that could be me in a few years, and I had four guys around me who had the same goal. It starts with the middle school—we have a really strong middle school program—and I think that’s where the culture builds from.
BA: The standard is great. A lot of people might see the standard and think, ‘What if we don’t meet that?’ But I think the standard always brings out the best in you. The consistency culture at Haddonfield is great—every single year, it seems like you want to one-up the year before. Seeing George win the state meet when I was a freshman, I was hoping that could be me in a few years, and I had four guys around me who had the same goal. It starts with the middle school—we have a really strong middle school program—and I think that’s where the culture builds from.
SJM: What do you like about growing up in Haddonfield?
BA: I’ve lived in Haddonfield my whole life and it’s a great small town. The school is very small, Group 2, and it’s nice to see us excel. I love the town, the community is amazing and everyone is so supportive.
BA: I’ve lived in Haddonfield my whole life and it’s a great small town. The school is very small, Group 2, and it’s nice to see us excel. I love the town, the community is amazing and everyone is so supportive.
SJM: What else do you do for fun?
BA: I’m a pretty big gamer, I guess. Recovery is a big part of running, so I like to sit down, relax and play Xbox with my friends. I love going out with my friends and having fun. If I’m ever bored, I’ll text my friends and say, ‘Who wants to play basketball?’ I love hanging out with the team as well. They’re all great, supportive guys and it’s great seeing everybody push toward the same goals.
BA: I’m a pretty big gamer, I guess. Recovery is a big part of running, so I like to sit down, relax and play Xbox with my friends. I love going out with my friends and having fun. If I’m ever bored, I’ll text my friends and say, ‘Who wants to play basketball?’ I love hanging out with the team as well. They’re all great, supportive guys and it’s great seeing everybody push toward the same goals.
SJM: Do you listen to music when you’re running?
BA: No. Maybe in the morning if I go out for a morning double, I’ll bring my phone and play some music, but as a team we never listen to music because there’s no music during the races. Just spending time with the guys who are your best friends in the world entertains you.
BA: No. Maybe in the morning if I go out for a morning double, I’ll bring my phone and play some music, but as a team we never listen to music because there’s no music during the races. Just spending time with the guys who are your best friends in the world entertains you.
SJM: Do you have a favorite teacher at Haddonfield?
BA: All of the teachers are great. Going to BC, you have to come from a pretty strong academic [background] because it’s such a great school. The teachers at Haddonfield do a good job of preparing you.
BA: All of the teachers are great. Going to BC, you have to come from a pretty strong academic [background] because it’s such a great school. The teachers at Haddonfield do a good job of preparing you.
Cole Aquino, Washington Township football
Aquino, a three-year starter at quarterback who can make plays with his arm and his legs, directed an explosive offense last season that helped the Minutemen capture the program’s first sectional championship since 1995. This fall, Washington Township has established itself as one of the best teams in South Jersey and has even loftier goals.
Aquino, a three-year starter at quarterback who can make plays with his arm and his legs, directed an explosive offense last season that helped the Minutemen capture the program’s first sectional championship since 1995. This fall, Washington Township has established itself as one of the best teams in South Jersey and has even loftier goals.
South Jersey Magazine: It has been a special season so far for you and the team. Has it met your expectations?
Cole Aquino: Definitely. We started off really hot … and have kept it going. It’s the brotherhood we have and the chemistry with one another, and that fuels us every day to go out and have fun.
Cole Aquino: Definitely. We started off really hot … and have kept it going. It’s the brotherhood we have and the chemistry with one another, and that fuels us every day to go out and have fun.
SJM: Washington Township was once an annual powerhouse in South Jersey, and after some lean years, your class has helped make that the case again. What does that mean to you?
CA: Especially since we’ve all been playing together since we were 5 years old, we knew this is where we wanted to be and we knew we could get here. I also have to give credit to the people we looked up to as freshmen, sophomores and juniors. They did a great job of motivating us every day and showing us the standard. We took that as a whole and used it as fuel for us.
CA: Especially since we’ve all been playing together since we were 5 years old, we knew this is where we wanted to be and we knew we could get here. I also have to give credit to the people we looked up to as freshmen, sophomores and juniors. They did a great job of motivating us every day and showing us the standard. We took that as a whole and used it as fuel for us.
SJM: Obviously, this is a new season, but do you still think about the sectional championship last year and how special that night was?
CA: For sure, a little bit. But the past is the past: It’s a new year, a new team, and we’re trying to go 1-0 every week. That’s our focus, every single week.
CA: For sure, a little bit. But the past is the past: It’s a new year, a new team, and we’re trying to go 1-0 every week. That’s our focus, every single week.
SJM: Do you think this team has the potential to win sectionals again and win a state title this time?
CA: For sure. We have almost every returning starter on both sides, so we have the pieces to bring home a state championship. But we’re just focused on what each week has in store for us.
CA: For sure. We have almost every returning starter on both sides, so we have the pieces to bring home a state championship. But we’re just focused on what each week has in store for us.
SJM: Were you always a quarterback?
CA: Yeah, since I was 5 years old. I started off playing for my dad, which was really cool, and progressing through every year has been special. I started off mainly using my legs, and then around fourth or fifth grade I started to throw more. Being with different trainers and quarterback coaches in the area has been great. Kudos to them for teaching me what I know now.
CA: Yeah, since I was 5 years old. I started off playing for my dad, which was really cool, and progressing through every year has been special. I started off mainly using my legs, and then around fourth or fifth grade I started to throw more. Being with different trainers and quarterback coaches in the area has been great. Kudos to them for teaching me what I know now.
SJM: Do you have favorite quarterbacks you like to watch?
CA: Marcus Mariota got me into football. I’m a huge fan of his and that’s why I like Oregon now. Seeing him not get drafted by the Eagles back in ’14 or ’15 broke my heart as a little kid. Jalen Hurts is obviously a good one to model too—he’s very humble and the way he goes about things is very cool. Other quarterbacks I like are Kyler Murray and Russell Wilson, and some college quarterbacks to name are Noah Fifita from Arizona and Micah Alejado from Hawaii. As a shorter quarterback, it’s really cool to model my game off of them and see what they do. It helps my game out.
CA: Marcus Mariota got me into football. I’m a huge fan of his and that’s why I like Oregon now. Seeing him not get drafted by the Eagles back in ’14 or ’15 broke my heart as a little kid. Jalen Hurts is obviously a good one to model too—he’s very humble and the way he goes about things is very cool. Other quarterbacks I like are Kyler Murray and Russell Wilson, and some college quarterbacks to name are Noah Fifita from Arizona and Micah Alejado from Hawaii. As a shorter quarterback, it’s really cool to model my game off of them and see what they do. It helps my game out.
SJM: Are you hoping to play in college?
CA: Yes, I am hoping to play in college. I don’t have any Division I or Division II looks yet, but I definitely have some Division III schools from the area [that are interested].
CA: Yes, I am hoping to play in college. I don’t have any Division I or Division II looks yet, but I definitely have some Division III schools from the area [that are interested].
SJM: Do you know what you want to study?
CA: Accounting, and I’ll probably minor in sports management. Staying in the sports field in some sense would be really cool for me.
CA: Accounting, and I’ll probably minor in sports management. Staying in the sports field in some sense would be really cool for me.
SJM: Do you play any other sports besides football?
CA: I played lacrosse last year. I played through youth, and then I stopped in eighth grade because I had a hamstring injury, and from then on I focused on football. But some friends wanted me to come out last year, so I did. We did pretty well—we lost to Kingsway in the sectional semifinal and I ended up getting second-team all-conference for defense.
CA: I played lacrosse last year. I played through youth, and then I stopped in eighth grade because I had a hamstring injury, and from then on I focused on football. But some friends wanted me to come out last year, so I did. We did pretty well—we lost to Kingsway in the sectional semifinal and I ended up getting second-team all-conference for defense.
SJM: What else do you do for fun?
CA: I just hang out with family and friends as much as I can. If not, I’m probably playing video games or doing something to keep busy. I like working out too.
CA: I just hang out with family and friends as much as I can. If not, I’m probably playing video games or doing something to keep busy. I like working out too.
SJM: What do you like about growing up in South Jersey?
CA: Sports wise, you see most of the other teams through youth and then you go up against the same kids in high school. It’s cool to not only see my progression and growth, but to see theirs too. I feel like South Jersey football is slept on. Everybody talks about up north, but we have a lot of good players.
CA: Sports wise, you see most of the other teams through youth and then you go up against the same kids in high school. It’s cool to not only see my progression and growth, but to see theirs too. I feel like South Jersey football is slept on. Everybody talks about up north, but we have a lot of good players.
Sofia Basto-Cabrera, Shawnee girls tennis
After a phenomenal freshman season in which she led the program to its first-ever state championship and became the first Shawnee player to reach the semifinals of he state singles tournament, Basto-Cabrera has been just as impressive as a sophomore. She once again made the semi-finals of the state tournament before falling to eventual three-time champ Nina Abalos, and helped the Renegades capture their fourth sectional title in five years.
After a phenomenal freshman season in which she led the program to its first-ever state championship and became the first Shawnee player to reach the semifinals of he state singles tournament, Basto-Cabrera has been just as impressive as a sophomore. She once again made the semi-finals of the state tournament before falling to eventual three-time champ Nina Abalos, and helped the Renegades capture their fourth sectional title in five years.
South Jersey Magazine: There are still a few tournaments left, but with most of your sophomore season complete,
are you happy with how it’s gone?
Sofia Basto-Cabrera: Yeah, of course, especially with how we won sectionals. The whole team won and it was a really good environment.
are you happy with how it’s gone?
Sofia Basto-Cabrera: Yeah, of course, especially with how we won sectionals. The whole team won and it was a really good environment.
SJM: Looking back on last year, what did it mean to become the first state championship team in program history?
SBC: Every time I walk into gym class, I see the banner where it has all the state champs, and the only one for tennis, boys and girls, is ours. It’s amazing.
SBC: Every time I walk into gym class, I see the banner where it has all the state champs, and the only one for tennis, boys and girls, is ours. It’s amazing.
SJM: Did you expect to have the kind of impact you did last year?
SBC: Well, to be honest, high school tennis is different because it’s a team. I thought I could contribute, but I knew we needed two other wins [in each match]. I knew we could do it and that we had a chance, but it wasn’t just because of me. I was going to try to do whatever I could to help the team, whether it was focusing on my court, helping other people, cheering them on.
SBC: Well, to be honest, high school tennis is different because it’s a team. I thought I could contribute, but I knew we needed two other wins [in each match]. I knew we could do it and that we had a chance, but it wasn’t just because of me. I was going to try to do whatever I could to help the team, whether it was focusing on my court, helping other people, cheering them on.
SJM: After making the semifinals of the state singles tournament two years in a row, do you feel like you’ll have a chance to win it all in your final two seasons?
SBC: Hopefully. I definitely think I performed better this year. [Abalos] is really good, but I was able to compete with her and it was close. There were a lot of 40-30s and deuces, so it was a good match.
SBC: Hopefully. I definitely think I performed better this year. [Abalos] is really good, but I was able to compete with her and it was close. There were a lot of 40-30s and deuces, so it was a good match.
SJM: How did you first get into tennis?
SBC: I started playing when I was 9 or 10. I was very active, so my parents decided to sign me up for tennis because you have to move a lot. The first day there, I realized that I really liked it. At the time I did dance too, so in the beginning I was doing tennis once or twice a week and doing dance too, but a year later I said, ‘I like tennis a lot and I want to fully dedicate my time to tennis.’ So I stopped doing dance and focused on tennis full time.
SBC: I started playing when I was 9 or 10. I was very active, so my parents decided to sign me up for tennis because you have to move a lot. The first day there, I realized that I really liked it. At the time I did dance too, so in the beginning I was doing tennis once or twice a week and doing dance too, but a year later I said, ‘I like tennis a lot and I want to fully dedicate my time to tennis.’ So I stopped doing dance and focused on tennis full time.
SJM: Do you ever take a break from the sport or do you play year round?
SBC: I try to play as much as I can. Obviously, sometimes your body demands a rest and I have school [requirements]. I care about my grades too, so sometimes I have to focus on my schoolwork and I might not be able to make a practice. But I always try to manage my time so I have time do both schoolwork and tennis.
SBC: I try to play as much as I can. Obviously, sometimes your body demands a rest and I have school [requirements]. I care about my grades too, so sometimes I have to focus on my schoolwork and I might not be able to make a practice. But I always try to manage my time so I have time do both schoolwork and tennis.
SJM: What are your long-term goals in the sport?
SBC: I definitely want to try to go D-I and play in college. Hopefully I can get a good scholarship. Tennis is great and it’s a great way to exercise, but the main thing is that it teaches you so much. You’re on the court independent, you’re all by yourself and you have to figure things out on your own. I think that happens a lot of times in life—not always, but it’s good practice.
SBC: I definitely want to try to go D-I and play in college. Hopefully I can get a good scholarship. Tennis is great and it’s a great way to exercise, but the main thing is that it teaches you so much. You’re on the court independent, you’re all by yourself and you have to figure things out on your own. I think that happens a lot of times in life—not always, but it’s good practice.
SJM: Do you know what kind of career you would like to go into?
SBC: I know that I want to work with athletes my whole life, so physical therapy is something I’ve been thinking about. I want to do something in the medical field because I want to help people out. Physical therapy helps people, and it helps athletes specifically.
SBC: I know that I want to work with athletes my whole life, so physical therapy is something I’ve been thinking about. I want to do something in the medical field because I want to help people out. Physical therapy helps people, and it helps athletes specifically.
SJM: At the end of the season you will be going for a repeat at the South Jersey Interscholastic Championships. Is it your goal to win that tournament all four years of high school?
SBC: I like to live in the present. Obviously, it’s something you can hope for and I would love to do it. It can be a goal, but more than anything you have to focus on one match at a time. Before getting to the final, you have to win four matches, so there’s no point in thinking about it before you win those matches.
SBC: I like to live in the present. Obviously, it’s something you can hope for and I would love to do it. It can be a goal, but more than anything you have to focus on one match at a time. Before getting to the final, you have to win four matches, so there’s no point in thinking about it before you win those matches.
SJM: As for the state tournament, it’s usually dominated by players from North Jersey, and only four South Jersey players have ever won. Is it a source of pride for you to represent our region and do so well there?
SBC: Definitely. For example, I played my quarterfinal match at Princeton University. For starters, Princeton has a beautiful facility and it was such an honor to play there. But for my quarterfinal match, these two people from Medford actually came to watch me, and the week before they also came to watch me, just because they knew this girl from South Jersey was doing good. That was so cool, for them to drive an hour on the weekend just to see me play. I’m so grateful.
SBC: Definitely. For example, I played my quarterfinal match at Princeton University. For starters, Princeton has a beautiful facility and it was such an honor to play there. But for my quarterfinal match, these two people from Medford actually came to watch me, and the week before they also came to watch me, just because they knew this girl from South Jersey was doing good. That was so cool, for them to drive an hour on the weekend just to see me play. I’m so grateful.
SJM: Do you have any favorite professional players?
SBC: My favorite tennis player of all time is Ashleigh Barty. I just liked everything about her and I was very upset when she retired early. For men’s, I like Carlos Alcaraz. He’s from where my mom grew up, so every time I go to Spain and see my family in Murcia, it’s so cool because our origins are similar. I also like his personality—he’s always having fun on the court.
SBC: My favorite tennis player of all time is Ashleigh Barty. I just liked everything about her and I was very upset when she retired early. For men’s, I like Carlos Alcaraz. He’s from where my mom grew up, so every time I go to Spain and see my family in Murcia, it’s so cool because our origins are similar. I also like his personality—he’s always having fun on the court.
SJM: Do you visit Spain often?
SBC: We try to go once a year, at least, to see family. Sometimes I’ll go and play in my mom’s hometown, and it’s a great opportunity.
SBC: We try to go once a year, at least, to see family. Sometimes I’ll go and play in my mom’s hometown, and it’s a great opportunity.
SJM: Have your ever been to the U.S. Open?
SBC: Yes. We try to go every year, and this year I was actually lucky enough to do the coin toss. I train at Legacy [Youth Tennis and Education in Philadelphia], and I’m very grateful to Legacy because the USTA gave 24 kids the chance to go to the U.S. Open for a week—the second week—and Legacy applied for me to go. So I was one of 24 kids to go, be on the grounds and
meet amazing players behind the scenes. Then the USTA chose me to do the coin flip for the semifinal match between [Amanda] Anisimova and [Naomi] Osaka, and that was so cool. It was such a great experience. I shook hands with the players and everything.
SBC: Yes. We try to go every year, and this year I was actually lucky enough to do the coin toss. I train at Legacy [Youth Tennis and Education in Philadelphia], and I’m very grateful to Legacy because the USTA gave 24 kids the chance to go to the U.S. Open for a week—the second week—and Legacy applied for me to go. So I was one of 24 kids to go, be on the grounds and
meet amazing players behind the scenes. Then the USTA chose me to do the coin flip for the semifinal match between [Amanda] Anisimova and [Naomi] Osaka, and that was so cool. It was such a great experience. I shook hands with the players and everything.
SJM: If you could go to any other Grand Slam, which would you pick?
SBC: I would have said Wimbledon, but I actually went to Wimbledon this summer. We were going to go to England this summer, and we chose a date without knowing that Wimbledon was actually going on. It was coincidental, but since we were there we decided to go to Wimbledon for a day, and it was an amazing experience. It was so, so beautiful. Like they always say on the Tennis Channel and ESPN, there is so much history there, and seeing everything in person that you usually see on TV is so cool. I highly recommend it.
SBC: I would have said Wimbledon, but I actually went to Wimbledon this summer. We were going to go to England this summer, and we chose a date without knowing that Wimbledon was actually going on. It was coincidental, but since we were there we decided to go to Wimbledon for a day, and it was an amazing experience. It was so, so beautiful. Like they always say on the Tennis Channel and ESPN, there is so much history there, and seeing everything in person that you usually see on TV is so cool. I highly recommend it.
SJM: What else do you do for fun?
SBC: I hang out with my friends and family. I like to go on vacation a lot, even if it’s not on an airplane, just taking a road trip. I don’t like to be stuck in my house all day—I like to be active and doing stuff. If I do have to stay home, I like to cook or do something creative.
SBC: I hang out with my friends and family. I like to go on vacation a lot, even if it’s not on an airplane, just taking a road trip. I don’t like to be stuck in my house all day—I like to be active and doing stuff. If I do have to stay home, I like to cook or do something creative.
SJM: Are you anti-pickleball as a tennis player?
SBC: No, not really. It’s a good thing to play for fun. Obviously, I like tennis way more, but pickleball is good when you’re with your friends. It’s easier to play pickleball with friends than tennis. The lines on the tennis court for pickleball, that can be annoying sometimes, but you get used to it.
SBC: No, not really. It’s a good thing to play for fun. Obviously, I like tennis way more, but pickleball is good when you’re with your friends. It’s easier to play pickleball with friends than tennis. The lines on the tennis court for pickleball, that can be annoying sometimes, but you get used to it.
SJM: What do you like about growing up in South Jersey?
SBC: We’re close to Philadelphia and New York and places like that, but it also gives me an opportunity to have a lot of friends from the area. I can drive an hour to Legacy and train with people from Pennsylvania, or I can go to a tournament and meet other people from South Jersey. It’s all connected and it’s a great place to play tennis. You meet a lot of great people.
SBC: We’re close to Philadelphia and New York and places like that, but it also gives me an opportunity to have a lot of friends from the area. I can drive an hour to Legacy and train with people from Pennsylvania, or I can go to a tournament and meet other people from South Jersey. It’s all connected and it’s a great place to play tennis. You meet a lot of great people.
Lindsay Bonavita, Moorestown girls volleyball
Bonavita is in her third season as the starting setter for the Quakers, and the first two ended with all-conference recognition. She helped Moorestown go 20-8 and win the program’s first sectional championship last year, and this fall she is approaching 1,000 career assists for a team that once again looks like a contender.
Bonavita is in her third season as the starting setter for the Quakers, and the first two ended with all-conference recognition. She helped Moorestown go 20-8 and win the program’s first sectional championship last year, and this fall she is approaching 1,000 career assists for a team that once again looks like a contender.
South Jersey Magazine: Can you believe this is your senior season already?
Lindsay Bonavita: It hasn’t sunk in yet, but I think it will soon. It’s definitely bittersweet. I’m excited to start a new chapter of my life, but I’ve met some pretty amazing girls that I’m going to be sad to leave.
Lindsay Bonavita: It hasn’t sunk in yet, but I think it will soon. It’s definitely bittersweet. I’m excited to start a new chapter of my life, but I’ve met some pretty amazing girls that I’m going to be sad to leave.
SJM: You’ll certainly have some special memories. What did it mean to you to make school history last year with the first sectional title?
LB: It was amazing. We were the underdogs coming into the season and I don’t think people expected us to win. When we did, it was just a great moment.
LB: It was amazing. We were the underdogs coming into the season and I don’t think people expected us to win. When we did, it was just a great moment.
SJM: What are the goals this year?
LB: Our team has a ton of potential. I think we can definitely get back and win another sectional championship, and that would be great.
LB: Our team has a ton of potential. I think we can definitely get back and win another sectional championship, and that would be great.
SJM: Do you have any individual goals?
LB: I would love to hit 1,000 assists by the end of the season. That support will come from my coaches and my teammates, but I do think it would really exciting to hit that goal.
LB: I would love to hit 1,000 assists by the end of the season. That support will come from my coaches and my teammates, but I do think it would really exciting to hit that goal.
SJM: How did you first get into volleyball?
LB: I actually was a competitive dancer throughout middle school and a little bit of high school. Freshman year, I tried out for volleyball just for fun with my friends. I made the freshman team and I just enjoyed playing so much and I loved the energy that came from volleyball. So sophomore year, I came back and tried out again and played club, and it all just got better from there.
LB: I actually was a competitive dancer throughout middle school and a little bit of high school. Freshman year, I tried out for volleyball just for fun with my friends. I made the freshman team and I just enjoyed playing so much and I loved the energy that came from volleyball. So sophomore year, I came back and tried out again and played club, and it all just got better from there.
SJM: Did you have any idea you would be this good?
LB: I don’t think anyone knew, because I grew up dancing and dancing is much different. It’s more individualized, so when I got to volleyball I had to learn how to play with a team and work together. I definitely never saw this coming.
LB: I don’t think anyone knew, because I grew up dancing and dancing is much different. It’s more individualized, so when I got to volleyball I had to learn how to play with a team and work together. I definitely never saw this coming.
SJM: Setter is such an important position, almost like a quarterback. How did you develop chemistry with your hitters?
LB: A little bit of sophomore year and junior year is when I feel like the connections really started clicking with my teammates. As soon as I got to know my teammates on a more personal level, it was easier to click on the court and have that cohesiveness. Especially now that I’ve been playing with the same hitters for three years, it’s a lot easier to connect.
LB: A little bit of sophomore year and junior year is when I feel like the connections really started clicking with my teammates. As soon as I got to know my teammates on a more personal level, it was easier to click on the court and have that cohesiveness. Especially now that I’ve been playing with the same hitters for three years, it’s a lot easier to connect.
SJM: How has the transition been to new coach Erika McGinley?
LB: I love her. She brings really great energy, and I really like that she gives us constructive criticism on the sidelines. She’ll tell me a play to run or what to fix right away, and I can fix it and move on. I love the energy she brought with her to Moorestown.
LB: I love her. She brings really great energy, and I really like that she gives us constructive criticism on the sidelines. She’ll tell me a play to run or what to fix right away, and I can fix it and move on. I love the energy she brought with her to Moorestown.
SJM: Do you know what you’re doing next year?
LB: I’m not sure where I’m going to college yet; I’m still going through the application process. I think if I were to play volleyball, it would be club or intramural.
LB: I’m not sure where I’m going to college yet; I’m still going through the application process. I think if I were to play volleyball, it would be club or intramural.
SJM: Do you know what you want to study?
LB: I think I’m going to major in psychology, but I’m not sure if I want to go into the medical field or go to law school. I’m kind of in between.
LB: I think I’m going to major in psychology, but I’m not sure if I want to go into the medical field or go to law school. I’m kind of in between.
SJM: What else do you do for fun? Do you still dance?
LB: I do still dance. I dance a lot less, just because I took up volleyball a lot more when I got into high school. But I try to dance one day a week with my friends, and I also enjoy hanging out with my friends and family.
LB: I do still dance. I dance a lot less, just because I took up volleyball a lot more when I got into high school. But I try to dance one day a week with my friends, and I also enjoy hanging out with my friends and family.
SJM: Have you always lived in Moorestown, and what do you like about it?
LB: Yes, I have. I like that the community is very welcoming, and I think that everyone is always positive about Moorestown. It’s a great place to live.
LB: Yes, I have. I like that the community is very welcoming, and I think that everyone is always positive about Moorestown. It’s a great place to live.
SJM: What are you going to miss most about South Jersey when you go to college?
LB: The food and my family.
LB: The food and my family.
SJM: Do you have a favorite restaurant in the area?
LB: I really like the Pie Lady Café on Main Street in Moorestown. It’s a really good breakfast place.
LB: I really like the Pie Lady Café on Main Street in Moorestown. It’s a really good breakfast place.
SJM: How do you get ready for a big volleyball game?
LB: I have a very specific meal I have to eat before a game: I have to eat half a banana and half a piece of toast. I don’t really listen to music—I like to sit in the bleachers while the JV team is playing and dial in and focus.
LB: I have a very specific meal I have to eat before a game: I have to eat half a banana and half a piece of toast. I don’t really listen to music—I like to sit in the bleachers while the JV team is playing and dial in and focus.
Cruz Candray, Cherry Hill East boys soccer
A senior forward, Candray led the Cougars in goals and assists as a junior and has been named all-conference each of the past two seasons. This fall, he is once again one of the premier playmakers in the region for a team that is ranked in the state’s top 20.
A senior forward, Candray led the Cougars in goals and assists as a junior and has been named all-conference each of the past two seasons. This fall, he is once again one of the premier playmakers in the region for a team that is ranked in the state’s top 20.
South Jersey Magazine: This has been a great season for the team so far. Did you see it coming?
Cruz Candray: I really did. The mentality has been so different this year. Last year, we went 7-10-3, and this year we had nine wins—already two more than last year—halfway through the season. Last year we had a lot of talent on the team, but the mentality wasn’t there. This year, everyone chips in and works for each other, and we listen to our coach [Mike Melograna]. He gives us good speeches every day before practice and before games, and we all are buying into the fact that we’re a great team and we can do a lot this year.
Cruz Candray: I really did. The mentality has been so different this year. Last year, we went 7-10-3, and this year we had nine wins—already two more than last year—halfway through the season. Last year we had a lot of talent on the team, but the mentality wasn’t there. This year, everyone chips in and works for each other, and we listen to our coach [Mike Melograna]. He gives us good speeches every day before practice and before games, and we all are buying into the fact that we’re a great team and we can do a lot this year.
SJM: How far do you think this team can go?
CC: Our main goal is win the Coaches Cup, win sectionals and to go on and win states. We want to go for the best and that’s what we’re going to try to do.
CC: Our main goal is win the Coaches Cup, win sectionals and to go on and win states. We want to go for the best and that’s what we’re going to try to do.
SJM: You’ve always been a playmaker, but do have you also become more of a leader as a senior?
CC: I think I definitely am more of a leader. This is my first year being a captain, and this is definitely the loudest I’ve ever been on the field. I try to tell my teammates to pick their heads up if we go down a goal. For example, in our game against Seneca we were down 1-0, and in the last 20 minutes of the game I was able to score two. It wasn’t just me, my teammates helped me do that, especially Mason Fowler. We always link up play—I’ve assisted him and he’s assisted me.
CC: I think I definitely am more of a leader. This is my first year being a captain, and this is definitely the loudest I’ve ever been on the field. I try to tell my teammates to pick their heads up if we go down a goal. For example, in our game against Seneca we were down 1-0, and in the last 20 minutes of the game I was able to score two. It wasn’t just me, my teammates helped me do that, especially Mason Fowler. We always link up play—I’ve assisted him and he’s assisted me.
SJM: How did you first get into soccer?
CC: I’ve been playing since I was 5 years old. At first, I started off doing T-ball, but that spring I also played soccer. I loved it so much and I started watching YouTube videos, games online, games on TV. I fell in love with the sport all around, and ever since then I’ve been practicing every single week, playing all the time and doing everything I could to get better.
CC: I’ve been playing since I was 5 years old. At first, I started off doing T-ball, but that spring I also played soccer. I loved it so much and I started watching YouTube videos, games online, games on TV. I fell in love with the sport all around, and ever since then I’ve been practicing every single week, playing all the time and doing everything I could to get better.
SJM: Are you looking to play in college?
CC: Definitely. I’m not sure where I’m going yet, but playing in college is my No. 1 goal right now.
CC: Definitely. I’m not sure where I’m going yet, but playing in college is my No. 1 goal right now.
SJM: Do you know what you want to study?
CC: I think I want to go into finance and accounting. I might do a double major, or a major and a minor. I’m also thinking about economics, but I have to read more about it and see what I want to do.
CC: I think I want to go into finance and accounting. I might do a double major, or a major and a minor. I’m also thinking about economics, but I have to read more about it and see what I want to do.
SJM: Do you have favorite players who you like to watch?
CC: My GOAT would be [Cristiano] Ronaldo. I used to like [Lionel] Messi a lot, but when I really got into it I thought I played more like Ronaldo. Now I really like to watch Vinicius Junior and also a player who plays in the Premier League for Brighton named [Kaoru] Mitoma. He’s a Japanese player and he’s really good at dribbling and beating players one-on-one.
CC: My GOAT would be [Cristiano] Ronaldo. I used to like [Lionel] Messi a lot, but when I really got into it I thought I played more like Ronaldo. Now I really like to watch Vinicius Junior and also a player who plays in the Premier League for Brighton named [Kaoru] Mitoma. He’s a Japanese player and he’s really good at dribbling and beating players one-on-one.
SJM: What do you think of seeing some local guys reach the highest levels of soccer?
CC: When I watch the U.S. Men’s National Team, I always look at Brenden Aaronson and think, ‘Wow, that’s a really great story, to see someone from South Jersey play for the U.S. at the highest level.’ I think it’s a great thing and he’s someone we can see as a role model, especially coming from South Jersey.
CC: When I watch the U.S. Men’s National Team, I always look at Brenden Aaronson and think, ‘Wow, that’s a really great story, to see someone from South Jersey play for the U.S. at the highest level.’ I think it’s a great thing and he’s someone we can see as a role model, especially coming from South Jersey.
SJM: Are you excited for the World Cup to be played here next year?
CC: I definitely am. I hope to get to one of the games. It’s going to be crazy.
CC: I definitely am. I hope to get to one of the games. It’s going to be crazy.
SJM: What else do you do for fun?
CC: In my free time, I like to do a couple of clubs at my school. There’s a business club called DECA and we get to go to a regional event where we get to compete and do things business-related. From there, you can go to states and even nationals, and nationals is a week long in April. It’s a really fun experience. I also like to play guitar. I’ve been playing since I was 13 and it’s one of the key hobbies that I do. I also like playing sports in general—not on a team, but pickup football with my friends and things like that.
CC: In my free time, I like to do a couple of clubs at my school. There’s a business club called DECA and we get to go to a regional event where we get to compete and do things business-related. From there, you can go to states and even nationals, and nationals is a week long in April. It’s a really fun experience. I also like to play guitar. I’ve been playing since I was 13 and it’s one of the key hobbies that I do. I also like playing sports in general—not on a team, but pickup football with my friends and things like that.
SJM: What kind of music do you play?
CC: At first, I was really into indie music like the Red Hot Chili Peppers when I was in sixth grade. Once I got to seventh grade, I learned pretty much every Nirvana song there is. I know how to play their entire catalogue at this point.
CC: At first, I was really into indie music like the Red Hot Chili Peppers when I was in sixth grade. Once I got to seventh grade, I learned pretty much every Nirvana song there is. I know how to play their entire catalogue at this point.
SJM: How was your final game against rival Cherry Hill West this season?
CC: It was a great experience. Even when I wasn’t on varsity freshman year, I had never experienced a win against them in high school. My freshman year, it was a 0-0 tie, and then my sophomore year they won 1-0, but nobody really scored because it was an own goal. Last year it was 0-0 again, so to finally win it meant a lot to us. The atmosphere is what made it the best. The [football] stadium was packed, and it was the first game I ever played in the stadium. It was a cool experience to run toward the crowd when we finally scored in the first half, and seeing all our countrymen—that’s what we call the fans at our school—do things like throw baby powder up in the air and make it look like smoke was a really cool experience.
CC: It was a great experience. Even when I wasn’t on varsity freshman year, I had never experienced a win against them in high school. My freshman year, it was a 0-0 tie, and then my sophomore year they won 1-0, but nobody really scored because it was an own goal. Last year it was 0-0 again, so to finally win it meant a lot to us. The atmosphere is what made it the best. The [football] stadium was packed, and it was the first game I ever played in the stadium. It was a cool experience to run toward the crowd when we finally scored in the first half, and seeing all our countrymen—that’s what we call the fans at our school—do things like throw baby powder up in the air and make it look like smoke was a really cool experience.
Brianna Lauer, Lenape gymnastics
Lauer, a junior, has placed fourth in the all-around and third in the bars at the Olympic Conference Championships each of her first two seasons, and last year she also took eighth at sectionals in the bars. She has helped Lenape enjoy an undefeated season so far this fall and hopes to make noise again at the championship meets.
Lauer, a junior, has placed fourth in the all-around and third in the bars at the Olympic Conference Championships each of her first two seasons, and last year she also took eighth at sectionals in the bars. She has helped Lenape enjoy an undefeated season so far this fall and hopes to make noise again at the championship meets.
South Jersey Magazine: Did you have high hopes for the team coming into this season?
Brianna Lauer: Our goal coming into the season was to beat Cherokee, because they’ve been undefeated for a long time. So beating them the first meet was a big [confidence boost], and after that our goal has been to win all of our meets.
Brianna Lauer: Our goal coming into the season was to beat Cherokee, because they’ve been undefeated for a long time. So beating them the first meet was a big [confidence boost], and after that our goal has been to win all of our meets.
SJM: Do you have any individual goals?
BL: I’m trying to qualify for states. I haven’t competed in the all-around yet because I sprained my ankle in the beginning of the school year, but I just had my first meet back and I got one of the scores I needed. I just need one more score and I can go to states. It will be my first time going, so I’m excited about that. I’d also like to win the conference one of these years, either this year or next year, because I feel like I’m capable of that.
BL: I’m trying to qualify for states. I haven’t competed in the all-around yet because I sprained my ankle in the beginning of the school year, but I just had my first meet back and I got one of the scores I needed. I just need one more score and I can go to states. It will be my first time going, so I’m excited about that. I’d also like to win the conference one of these years, either this year or next year, because I feel like I’m capable of that.
SJM: How did you get into this sport in the first place?
BL: My mom did gymnastics—she went to Rutgers. I tried it when I was 5 and hated it, but I tried it again with one of my friends two years later and I kept with it.
BL: My mom did gymnastics—she went to Rutgers. I tried it when I was 5 and hated it, but I tried it again with one of my friends two years later and I kept with it.
SJM: Do you have a favorite event?
BL: I like bars the best. It probably comes the most naturally to me, and I like swinging. My second favorite is floor, because I feel like that is the most fun to compete in and you get to show off your routine. It feels the easiest while you’re competing and less stressful.
BL: I like bars the best. It probably comes the most naturally to me, and I like swinging. My second favorite is floor, because I feel like that is the most fun to compete in and you get to show off your routine. It feels the easiest while you’re competing and less stressful.
SJM: What is the difference between high school and club gymnastics?
BL: High school is more for fun and it helps me with the competing aspect. We compete every week, which is not how it works for club. I get a lot more experience and it’s helped me like that part of gymnastics more. Club is where you go if you’re trying to go for college.
BL: High school is more for fun and it helps me with the competing aspect. We compete every week, which is not how it works for club. I get a lot more experience and it’s helped me like that part of gymnastics more. Club is where you go if you’re trying to go for college.
SJM: Do you play any other sports?
BL: No, I don’t have time for any other sports.
BL: No, I don’t have time for any other sports.
SJM: What do you do for fun when you get a break from gymnastics?
BL: I really like to read. I like crime books—I’ve been reading Freida McFadden a lot recently, Holly Jackson, Jennifer Barnes.
BL: I really like to read. I like crime books—I’ve been reading Freida McFadden a lot recently, Holly Jackson, Jennifer Barnes.
SJM: What do you like about going to school at Lenape?
BL: There are a lot of opportunities to do things at Lenape. It’s very different from middle school. There are clubs for everything, and you can do sports. I was never able to do gymnastics for school, and getting to do that has been big for me.
BL: There are a lot of opportunities to do things at Lenape. It’s very different from middle school. There are clubs for everything, and you can do sports. I was never able to do gymnastics for school, and getting to do that has been big for me.
SJM: What do you like about growing up in South Jersey?
BL: I think [Mount Laurel] is a really nice town and all of the people around here are really nice. There’s a lot of stuff to do when you get together with friends.
BL: I think [Mount Laurel] is a really nice town and all of the people around here are really nice. There’s a lot of stuff to do when you get together with friends.
SJM: Have you thought about college yet?
BL: I’ve started the recruiting process for gymnastics, and I’ve gone to camps at William & Mary, West Chester and Towson this summer. We’ll see where it takes me.
BL: I’ve started the recruiting process for gymnastics, and I’ve gone to camps at William & Mary, West Chester and Towson this summer. We’ll see where it takes me.
SJM: Do you have any idea what you would like to study?
BL: I’ve been thinking about psychology.
BL: I’ve been thinking about psychology.
SJM: Do you like to watch gymnastics, especially around the Olympics?
BL: Yes. I watch college sometimes and I’ve gone to a couple of Rutgers meets. The summer is the Elite season—that’s more like the Olympic route—and I’ll always watch those meets too.
BL: Yes. I watch college sometimes and I’ve gone to a couple of Rutgers meets. The summer is the Elite season—that’s more like the Olympic route—and I’ll always watch those meets too.
SJM: Do you have any favorite gymnasts?
BL: I really like Aly Raisman and Shawn Johnson. I also like watching people coming up: There’s one girl, Reese Espanda—I don’t know how well-known she is yet, but I really like her. I also like Jocelyn Roberson.
BL: I really like Aly Raisman and Shawn Johnson. I also like watching people coming up: There’s one girl, Reese Espanda—I don’t know how well-known she is yet, but I really like her. I also like Jocelyn Roberson.
Erin O’Brien, Cherokee field hockey
A senior goalie, O’Brien has been the varsity starter since she was a freshman and has been named all-conference every season, along with all-South Jersey second-team honors last year, when she recorded 193 saves and six shutouts. Earlier this season, the West Chester recruit became Cherokee’s all-time leader in saves.
A senior goalie, O’Brien has been the varsity starter since she was a freshman and has been named all-conference every season, along with all-South Jersey second-team honors last year, when she recorded 193 saves and six shutouts. Earlier this season, the West Chester recruit became Cherokee’s all-time leader in saves.
South Jersey Magazine: You have had such a special career at Cherokee. Did you expect to have this kind of impact?
Erin O’Brien: I knew with the support of my coaches and my teammates [that I could]. We have a really supportive atmosphere at Cherokee, and we always say that we’re a big family, the whole program. So I always knew that everyone believed in me and I just had to work hard and try to meet the expectations that were set for me. We pride ourselves on setting high expectations and working really hard.
Erin O’Brien: I knew with the support of my coaches and my teammates [that I could]. We have a really supportive atmosphere at Cherokee, and we always say that we’re a big family, the whole program. So I always knew that everyone believed in me and I just had to work hard and try to meet the expectations that were set for me. We pride ourselves on setting high expectations and working really hard.
SJM: Do you have any particular goals for the team this year?
EO: I think we’re trying to go all the way, to Group 4 states. Our team is really special this year. It looks like we’re a young team but we’re all experienced and we’re all meshing really well together. We’ve set high expectations for ourselves, and our coaches have set those expectations as well. We’re willing to put in the work to get all the way to states, and I think we can do it.
EO: I think we’re trying to go all the way, to Group 4 states. Our team is really special this year. It looks like we’re a young team but we’re all experienced and we’re all meshing really well together. We’ve set high expectations for ourselves, and our coaches have set those expectations as well. We’re willing to put in the work to get all the way to states, and I think we can do it.
SJM: What did it mean to you to get the school saves record? Did you know you were close?
EO: I knew I was close just because the record wasn’t set too long ago. The past few years, I’ve been building up [toward it] just by working hard, and it all paid off. There was a lot of hard work that went into it and a lot of support from my coaches and teammates. A lot of people believed in me and cheered me on for every single save that I made the whole way.
EO: I knew I was close just because the record wasn’t set too long ago. The past few years, I’ve been building up [toward it] just by working hard, and it all paid off. There was a lot of hard work that went into it and a lot of support from my coaches and teammates. A lot of people believed in me and cheered me on for every single save that I made the whole way.
SJM: Did they stop the game to honor you, or wait until after it was over?
EO: They waited until after, but our sideline was really loud when I hit it.
EO: They waited until after, but our sideline was really loud when I hit it.
SJM: Have you always been a goalie?
EO: I actually started being a goalie because my little sister was a lacrosse goalie, so they threw her into being a field hockey goalie. One day she was sick so she couldn’t go to our game, and I had the pads at our house, so I had to bring them. They said, ‘OK Erin, get in the cage.’ I really liked it and I’ve always played it since then.
EO: I actually started being a goalie because my little sister was a lacrosse goalie, so they threw her into being a field hockey goalie. One day she was sick so she couldn’t go to our game, and I had the pads at our house, so I had to bring them. They said, ‘OK Erin, get in the cage.’ I really liked it and I’ve always played it since then.
SJM: How old is your sister?
EO: She’s a year younger than me. She goes to Holy Cross and she only plays lacrosse now. We’re best friends, and we also have an older sister and we’re all super close.
EO: She’s a year younger than me. She goes to Holy Cross and she only plays lacrosse now. We’re best friends, and we also have an older sister and we’re all super close.
SJM: What did you like about West Chester that made you commit there?
EO: I really liked that it was a good balance of academics and athletics. With it being D-II, I get to play at a really high level and West Chester has a super competitive program, but I also get to focus on my academics. It’s also close to home and I picked the place that felt most like home. The team is tight-knit and it seemed like the perfect fit for me.
EO: I really liked that it was a good balance of academics and athletics. With it being D-II, I get to play at a really high level and West Chester has a super competitive program, but I also get to focus on my academics. It’s also close to home and I picked the place that felt most like home. The team is tight-knit and it seemed like the perfect fit for me.
SJM: Do you know what you want to study?
EO: I think I want to do something in business, but I’m also very interested in environmental science, so I’ve been looking at environmental law. I’m not too sure yet.
EO: I think I want to do something in business, but I’m also very interested in environmental science, so I’ve been looking at environmental law. I’m not too sure yet.
SJM: What else do you do for fun?
EO: I really like to hang out with my friends. I like going to concerts and going to the beach, and me and my sister are always out doing something whenever I have free time from field hockey and school.
EO: I really like to hang out with my friends. I like going to concerts and going to the beach, and me and my sister are always out doing something whenever I have free time from field hockey and school.
SJM: What’s the last concert you went to?
EO: I went to Halsey and I also went to Zach Bryan this summer.
EO: I went to Halsey and I also went to Zach Bryan this summer.
SJM: Do you listen to music to get hyped for a game?
EO: We always listen to music before games. We have a big speaker to blast music in the locker room and on the bus. It brings a lot of energy to our team. The louder we scream on the bus, the better we’ll play.
EO: We always listen to music before games. We have a big speaker to blast music in the locker room and on the bus. It brings a lot of energy to our team. The louder we scream on the bus, the better we’ll play.
SJM: What do you like about going to school at Cherokee?
EO: I love that there’s a community for everyone because it’s such a big school. Anyone can be friends and you’ll always find someone who has the same interests as you. There are also opportunities and good classes that I wouldn’t have at a smaller school, and a lot of clubs to join and extracurricular activities.
EO: I love that there’s a community for everyone because it’s such a big school. Anyone can be friends and you’ll always find someone who has the same interests as you. There are also opportunities and good classes that I wouldn’t have at a smaller school, and a lot of clubs to join and extracurricular activities.
SJM: What’s your favorite part about growing up in South Jersey?
EO: I love how close we are to the beach, because I love going to the beach in the summer. There’s just a lot of things to do. Me and my sisters have taken the train to the city and just walked around and gotten lunch.
EO: I love how close we are to the beach, because I love going to the beach in the summer. There’s just a lot of things to do. Me and my sisters have taken the train to the city and just walked around and gotten lunch.
Leah Schuenemann, Eastern girls soccer
Still just a junior, Schuenemann made the all-conference first team and all-South Jersey second team as a center back last year after helping the Vikings win the program’s eighth sectional title and reach the state final. This season, she has played multiple positions for a team that hopes to hit its stride heading into the playoffs.
Still just a junior, Schuenemann made the all-conference first team and all-South Jersey second team as a center back last year after helping the Vikings win the program’s eighth sectional title and reach the state final. This season, she has played multiple positions for a team that hopes to hit its stride heading into the playoffs.
South Jersey Magazine: I know you graduated a lot of talented players from last year’s sectional championship squad. How do you think the team is adapting?
Leah Schuenemann: We definitely lost a lot of [key] seniors and had to fill some spots. But we have a lot of returning varsity players, which is really good based on how we did last year, and we all have playoff experience. We started off a little slow, but the last couple of games we’ve picked it up.
Leah Schuenemann: We definitely lost a lot of [key] seniors and had to fill some spots. But we have a lot of returning varsity players, which is really good based on how we did last year, and we all have playoff experience. We started off a little slow, but the last couple of games we’ve picked it up.
SJM: Are you playing a different position this year?
LS: [Coach Jamie McGroarty] started me off in the midfield, but I think two games ago I got moved back to defense. I feel a lot more comfortable there and more confident, just because everything is in front of me and I have more control over the play itself. I don’t have to rely on what other people are doing as much.
LS: [Coach Jamie McGroarty] started me off in the midfield, but I think two games ago I got moved back to defense. I feel a lot more comfortable there and more confident, just because everything is in front of me and I have more control over the play itself. I don’t have to rely on what other people are doing as much.
SJM: Is defense your natural position?
LS: No. I never played defense until last season. We lost our whole back line, so he was trying out new people and I guess he liked me back there.
LS: No. I never played defense until last season. We lost our whole back line, so he was trying out new people and I guess he liked me back there.
SJM: How long have you been playing soccer?
LS: I’ve been playing since I was 4 or 5 and it’s always been my main sport. I do still play basketball, but soccer has always been No. 1.
LS: I’ve been playing since I was 4 or 5 and it’s always been my main sport. I do still play basketball, but soccer has always been No. 1.
SJM: What’s it like to play for Eastern, which is one of the best programs in South Jersey year in and year out?
LS: It feels like every time we play someone, they’re all bringing 110% against us because of our reputation as a school and as a soccer program. I think that makes it even more fun and competitive, which is good.
LS: It feels like every time we play someone, they’re all bringing 110% against us because of our reputation as a school and as a soccer program. I think that makes it even more fun and competitive, which is good.
SJM: Do you want to play in college?
LS: I think I definitely want to play soccer in college, but I’m still in the recruiting process. I definitely don’t want to go super far. I want to stay close, but I don’t know about the size or anything yet.
LS: I think I definitely want to play soccer in college, but I’m still in the recruiting process. I definitely don’t want to go super far. I want to stay close, but I don’t know about the size or anything yet.
SJM: Do you know what kind of career you’d like to go into?
LS: My favorite subject in school is math, so if I can figure out something math-related, that would be cool. I haven’t looked into it too much.
LS: My favorite subject in school is math, so if I can figure out something math-related, that would be cool. I haven’t looked into it too much.
SJM: What else do you do for fun?
LS: I play basketball for Eastern, but when I’m not playing sports, I like to hang out with my friends and I just got a new puppy, so I like playing with her. She’s an Aussiedoodle.
LS: I play basketball for Eastern, but when I’m not playing sports, I like to hang out with my friends and I just got a new puppy, so I like playing with her. She’s an Aussiedoodle.
SJM: What do you like about growing up in South Jersey?
LS: My favorite part about growing up in South Jersey is one, Philly sports, and also just the fact that you’re close to the beach and close to the city, so you get the best of both worlds. My grandparents live close too, a town away, so I like that my family is close.
LS: My favorite part about growing up in South Jersey is one, Philly sports, and also just the fact that you’re close to the beach and close to the city, so you get the best of both worlds. My grandparents live close too, a town away, so I like that my family is close.
SJM: How do you get ready for a big game?
LS: I personally don’t really have any rituals, but the Eastern soccer program has a lot of home-game rituals. We all meet at a certain spot and we go over our goals, and we have this big ritual of walking down to the field. In our warm-up, we do it the exact same way and we all try to synch up. I think that gives you confidence when everything is the same every game, and it gives you an advantage against other teams.
LS: I personally don’t really have any rituals, but the Eastern soccer program has a lot of home-game rituals. We all meet at a certain spot and we go over our goals, and we have this big ritual of walking down to the field. In our warm-up, we do it the exact same way and we all try to synch up. I think that gives you confidence when everything is the same every game, and it gives you an advantage against other teams.
SJM: Do some of the former great players from Eastern ever come back to your practices or games?
LS: Kelli [McGroarty] came in the summer for a week before she went to Iowa for her season, which was cool. A lot of last year’s seniors came and practiced with us before they went to their colleges.
LS: Kelli [McGroarty] came in the summer for a week before she went to Iowa for her season, which was cool. A lot of last year’s seniors came and practiced with us before they went to their colleges.
Star Watch:
FOOTBALL
Jalen Parker, Winslow: After leading Winslow to the Group 4 state championship and a perfect 14-0 record last year as an all-state quarterback, this junior continues to star for South Jersey’s top-ranked team. He became the program’s all-time leader in passing yards earlier this season.
Xavier Sabb, Glassboro: A threat to score every time he gets his hands on the ball—whether as a wide receiver, out of the backfield or as a punt returner—this junior is also a shut-down cornerback getting recruited by some of the top college programs in the country. He helped Glassboro win the Group 1 state title last fall.
Damari Simeon, St. Augustine: A 6-foot-4, 280-pound linemen who anchors the Hermits’ defense and terrorizes opposing running backs and quarterbacks, Simeon is committed to reigning national champion Ohio State.
Jalen Parker, Winslow: After leading Winslow to the Group 4 state championship and a perfect 14-0 record last year as an all-state quarterback, this junior continues to star for South Jersey’s top-ranked team. He became the program’s all-time leader in passing yards earlier this season.
Xavier Sabb, Glassboro: A threat to score every time he gets his hands on the ball—whether as a wide receiver, out of the backfield or as a punt returner—this junior is also a shut-down cornerback getting recruited by some of the top college programs in the country. He helped Glassboro win the Group 1 state title last fall.
Damari Simeon, St. Augustine: A 6-foot-4, 280-pound linemen who anchors the Hermits’ defense and terrorizes opposing running backs and quarterbacks, Simeon is committed to reigning national champion Ohio State.
BOYS SOCCER
Alafy DePaula, Moorestown: DePaula, a senior midfielder, make the all-South Jersey second team last fall and is once again a key player for a team with sectional and state title aspirations.
Darrin Doyle, Shawnee: A senior defender, Doyle made the all-state first team last year for playing a major role in the Renegades’ march to the Coaches Cup and Group 3 state titles.
Sean Tarsatana, Washington Township: A senior attacking midfielder, Tarsatana is the leader in goals and assists for a team ranked in the top 20 in the state. He passed the 100-point milestone for his career earlier this season.
Alafy DePaula, Moorestown: DePaula, a senior midfielder, make the all-South Jersey second team last fall and is once again a key player for a team with sectional and state title aspirations.
Darrin Doyle, Shawnee: A senior defender, Doyle made the all-state first team last year for playing a major role in the Renegades’ march to the Coaches Cup and Group 3 state titles.
Sean Tarsatana, Washington Township: A senior attacking midfielder, Tarsatana is the leader in goals and assists for a team ranked in the top 20 in the state. He passed the 100-point milestone for his career earlier this season.
GIRLS SOCCER
Talia Armando, Cherry Hill East: Armando, a senior forward, is leading the Cougars in goals for the second year in a row after making the all-South Jersey third team as a junior.
Hunter Kintzing and Emma McCarthy, Paul VI: Two of the top players from last year’s state championship squad—the first in program history—Kintzing, a junior forward, and McCarthy, a senior midfielder, continue to lead the way for one of New Jersey’s premier teams.
Madison Zaun, Shawnee: A junior forward, Zaun has emerged as the leader in goals and assists for the Renegades, who lost several key players to graduation and injury from last year’s undefeated team but still look like sectional and maybe even state title contenders.
Talia Armando, Cherry Hill East: Armando, a senior forward, is leading the Cougars in goals for the second year in a row after making the all-South Jersey third team as a junior.
Hunter Kintzing and Emma McCarthy, Paul VI: Two of the top players from last year’s state championship squad—the first in program history—Kintzing, a junior forward, and McCarthy, a senior midfielder, continue to lead the way for one of New Jersey’s premier teams.
Madison Zaun, Shawnee: A junior forward, Zaun has emerged as the leader in goals and assists for the Renegades, who lost several key players to graduation and injury from last year’s undefeated team but still look like sectional and maybe even state title contenders.
FIELD HOCKEY
Ella Gandy, Clearview: A senior center midfielder who makes an impact all over the field, this Rutgers commit made the all-state second team as a junior. She helped the Pioneers repeat as Group 3 state champions and will have them in the mix for another this fall.
Izzy Ounjian, Seneca: Ounjian, a senior midfielder, has already blown away her career-high for goals this year and also continues to set up her teammates for scoring chances. The Golden Eagles are ranked in the top five in the state.
Sophia Stazi, Camden Catholic: An all-state first-team selection each of her first two seasons, this junior forward is well on her way to the honor again. One of New Jersey’s premier playmakers, she hopes to lead the Irish to their seventh sectional title in a row.
Ella Gandy, Clearview: A senior center midfielder who makes an impact all over the field, this Rutgers commit made the all-state second team as a junior. She helped the Pioneers repeat as Group 3 state champions and will have them in the mix for another this fall.
Izzy Ounjian, Seneca: Ounjian, a senior midfielder, has already blown away her career-high for goals this year and also continues to set up her teammates for scoring chances. The Golden Eagles are ranked in the top five in the state.
Sophia Stazi, Camden Catholic: An all-state first-team selection each of her first two seasons, this junior forward is well on her way to the honor again. One of New Jersey’s premier playmakers, she hopes to lead the Irish to their seventh sectional title in a row.
GIRLS TENNIS
Victoria vonHahmann, Shawnee: The Renegades’ second sophomore star behind Sofia Basto-Cabrera, vonHahmann repeated as the Burlington County Open second singles champion and won a match at the state singles tournament this fall.
Anna Fisicaro, Pitman: A senior who has played first singles every season of her career, Fisicaro won the Gloucester County Tournament title earlier this season and led the Panthers to their second straight sectional championship.
Mia Swiecicki, Haddonfield: A senior in her third season at No. 1 singles, Swiecicki repeated as Camden County champion, made the third round of the state singles tournament for the second year in a row and led the Bulldawgs to their 24th consecutive sectional title.
Jessica Yao, Lenape: Yao, a senior, has been a starting singles player ever since she was a freshman and has been in the top spot for the past three years. Not coincidentally, the Indians have won three sectional championships during her career, including this season.
Victoria vonHahmann, Shawnee: The Renegades’ second sophomore star behind Sofia Basto-Cabrera, vonHahmann repeated as the Burlington County Open second singles champion and won a match at the state singles tournament this fall.
Anna Fisicaro, Pitman: A senior who has played first singles every season of her career, Fisicaro won the Gloucester County Tournament title earlier this season and led the Panthers to their second straight sectional championship.
Mia Swiecicki, Haddonfield: A senior in her third season at No. 1 singles, Swiecicki repeated as Camden County champion, made the third round of the state singles tournament for the second year in a row and led the Bulldawgs to their 24th consecutive sectional title.
Jessica Yao, Lenape: Yao, a senior, has been a starting singles player ever since she was a freshman and has been in the top spot for the past three years. Not coincidentally, the Indians have won three sectional championships during her career, including this season.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Maggie Carcillo and Megan Evans, Paul VI: Carcillo, a senior setter/outside hitter who is committed to St. John’s, and Evans, a senior outside hitter headed to UConn, led the Eagles to an undefeated record through their first 19 games and are looking to cap off their sensational careers with a state title.
Stella Eberly, Williamstown: As usual, the Braves are among the elite teams in the state, and this senior outside hitter who leads Williamstown in kills is a big reason for that success.
Maggie Carcillo and Megan Evans, Paul VI: Carcillo, a senior setter/outside hitter who is committed to St. John’s, and Evans, a senior outside hitter headed to UConn, led the Eagles to an undefeated record through their first 19 games and are looking to cap off their sensational careers with a state title.
Stella Eberly, Williamstown: As usual, the Braves are among the elite teams in the state, and this senior outside hitter who leads Williamstown in kills is a big reason for that success.
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
Rex Takakjy, Cherry Hill West: Takakjy became his program’s first Camden County champion in eight years last season, and this fall he took first in Division 2 at the South Jersey Open.
Jack Tindall, Cherokee: Tindall, a sophomore, is coming off a memorable freshman season in which he captured sectional, Burlington County and Olympic Conference individual titles.
Rex Takakjy, Cherry Hill West: Takakjy became his program’s first Camden County champion in eight years last season, and this fall he took first in Division 2 at the South Jersey Open.
Jack Tindall, Cherokee: Tindall, a sophomore, is coming off a memorable freshman season in which he captured sectional, Burlington County and Olympic Conference individual titles.
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
Theresa Albertson, Eastern: Still just a junior, Albertson took third at sectionals and 13th at states as a sophomore.
Riley Austin, Haddonfield: This senior’s outstanding career has included two straight sectional championships and a runner-up finish at states last fall.
Maddie Meder, Cherokee: Meder claimed sectional and Olympic Conference titles last season as a junior in her first year of cross country, and hopes to be in contention again as a senior.
Theresa Albertson, Eastern: Still just a junior, Albertson took third at sectionals and 13th at states as a sophomore.
Riley Austin, Haddonfield: This senior’s outstanding career has included two straight sectional championships and a runner-up finish at states last fall.
Maddie Meder, Cherokee: Meder claimed sectional and Olympic Conference titles last season as a junior in her first year of cross country, and hopes to be in contention again as a senior.
Photography by Tim Hawk
Author: Matt Cosentino
Archives
Top South Jersey Baseball Players
South Jersey Football Games of the Week
For a Game, Last Year's Eagles Resurface
South Jersey Football Games of the Week
Follow the Leader
Tech Titans
Mindful Money Management
Kingsway Field Hockey Looking For Continued Growth As State Tournament Nears
Phillies Experience Postseason Heartache Once Again
South Jersey Boys & Girls Soccer Teams Gearing Up For the Coaches Tournament
South Jersey Football Games of The Week
No Time To Panic About The Eagles—Yet
Delran Boys Soccer Outlook
South Jersey Football Games of the Week
Phillies Looking For Extended Postseason
More...
