(May 5, 2015) – In an effort to better recognize student-athletes in Loudoun County who exemplify the values classmates, coaches, spectators, officials, families and friends look for in teammates, the LoCoSports team has selected its April 2015 Teammates of the Month for soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball, tennis and track & field.
The selections were made based on the following criteria: selflessness, hustle, work ethic, attitude, team-first mentality, spirit and heart.
If you wish to nominate a student-athlete for athlete or teammate of the month, please reach out through our contact form or email us at locosportsnews@gmail.com.
By Owen Gotimer
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Nominated by Sherrie Colby
A regular starter for the first time in her varsity career, Stone Bridge High School junior Alyssa Choo would be any coach’s dream student-athlete. Her team-first mentality has led the Bulldogs to the top of the early-Conference 14 standings as well as an 8-2 overall record.
“She is a great example of a team player because she will play anywhere on the field that I put her. She accepts her role on the team and gives 100-percent every practice and every game,” Stone Bridge head coach Sherrie Colby said. “She is a very consistent player and you know what you are going to get from her every time. And she does it with a smile! She is quiet, but has a great personality!”
Through ten games in her second varsity season, Choo has scored a goal and five assists while regularly taking corner kicks for the Bulldogs.
“She knows the strengths of her teammates and uses this to our team’s advantage,” Colby said. “She knows that on corner kicks, Amy Thompson and Brigitte Deel are going to be making runs in and looking to use their head to score. This is why Alyssa and Amy have connected on so many corner kicks this year.”
By Owen Gotimer
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Nominated by Alex Inman and Michael Pittinger
When searching for teammate of the month nominations, it’s always nice to hear the same athlete’s name twice, but even nicer to hear the athlete’s name from an opposing coach which is the story for Park View High School junior lacrosse goalie Chris Claeysson.
The Patriots are off to a 5-4 start in 2015, and Loudoun Valley High School JV head coach Alex Inman credits Claeysson.
“I have seen Park View go from a winless season in 2012 to a current season record of [5-4] — which is the most wins Park View has had since 2006 — and Chris is a big reason why,” Inman said. “He currently holds the all-time save record at PVHS and that record number is growing. Not to mention, [on April 22]in our game against each other, Chris switched positions at halftime to midfield and scored a goal!”
While the Patriots have yet to win a game in the Dulles Group this spring, Inman noted the program has a group of warriors.
“Chris, along with every member of the Park View lacrosse program, is a true competitor and a class act and deserve some recognition,” Inman said.
On April 17, Potomac Falls High School freshman Ajia Kirkpatrick helped the Panthers to a third place team finish at the Wolverine Classic in Purcellville.
Kirkpatrick had two, top-two finishes, running legs in the Panthers’ second-place finishing 4×100- and 4×400-meter relay teams.
By Owen Gotimer
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Nominated by Thomas Wehner
A nonstarter for the Knights, John Champe High School sophomore Brad Murray has helped his team to a 12-2 record including a 4-0 tally and No. 1 seed in Conference 28. Playing in two doubles matches this season, Murray is 2-0, but helps his team in more ways off the court.
“Brad makes a good teammate because, although he’s not in the starting lineup, he’s there watching every single point cheering his team on,” John Champe head coach Thomas Wehner said.
Murray is also a member of the Knights’ swim team, and Wehner noted his passion for his teammates is what makes him such a good one.
“If his teammate needs help with something he’s always the first one there,” Wehner said. “Whenever I need help with something, he’s right there willing to help out. A couple times he’s reached out to see if I needed help with something. He’s out there trying his best.”
By Joe Skinner
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Tuscarora High School junior Joey Skov has been producing important results for the grinding Huskies baseball team, but some may not have noticed.
“He may not say a whole lot, but when he’s on the field, he’s trying to get better everyday,” Tuscarora head coach Mark Bauer said. “Joey is a good teammate because he comes out and works.”
As the playoff push begins for the Huskies, Bauer is utilizing Skov at different positions, further heightening his importance to the team.
“[Skov] has made a move to second base this year from primarily being a shortstop and has also played a little third base,” said Bauer of Skov’s flexibility on the diamond. “He does not care where he is playing. He just wants to help the team win.”
Skov and his Huskies have jumped up into a tie for second in the Conference 14 standings going into the home-stretch of his junior campaign.
By Owen Gotimer
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Nominated by Raven Short
Potomac Falls High School junior Grace Wild is highly-regarded as an excellent teammate and athlete. On May 4, Wild helped the Panthers to a 21-15 slug fest win over the Herndon Hornets. In the first inning alone, Wild tripled and hit a grand slam!
From a coaching and LCPS alum perspective, she is the definition of the perfect teammate. First to the field, last to leave,” Potomac Falls assistant coach Raven Short said. “Even though she is a starter, she is there for every single player. Grace goes the extra mile to make sure everything from filling the water bottles to fixing the field is done. Just a great all around kid!”
Wild’s positive, team-first attitude has helped the Panthers battle adversity this season as they hope to make a late run in the Conference 14 playoffs.
