Recognizing the unsung heroes of the season
Each season, The Trentonian likes to recognize those players that have toiled behind the scenes to do whatever it takes to make their team successful.
So, here are the 2022 Girls Lacrosse Unsung Players. MEGAN TANNER (ALLENTOWN) » A valuable player on defense, and even though she is not the one putting numbers on the scoreboard, she makes a huge impact through her grit, hustle, and leadership on and off the field. A player who never backed down from a challenge.
ANIYA GLOVER (EWING) »
A senior defender, Glover was a key member of the Blue Devils’ defense and one of their most improved players. She’s consistent, vocal, and aggressive on the field and is always challenging herself to be better. Glover was a great example both on and off the field for the rest of the team.
RACHEL NIXON (HAMILTON) » A player who every day showed up at practice and games just ready to leave it all on the field. Not looking for the accolades, she is a very coachable player. Nixon’s positive attitude was contagious on and off the field. A true leader by example. SHANNON HOUTENVILLE (HIGHTSTOWN) » As a goalie, Houtenville was always ready for whatever came her way. There were many times it was her play that was key to the success of the Rams. She was a great leader to the rest of the team and a player that possessed
great agility.
BROOKE BLACKWELL (HOPEWELL VALLEY) » A senior defender and a four-year varsity player, Blackwell was a key to the Bulldogs defense. She was always getting key ground balls and well timed checks, to aid the attack. The Hopewell Valley transition game was led by Blackwell. PRISCILLA STELMACH (HUN) » An incredibly hard working individual, on and off the field, Stelmach leads her teammates at all times and pushes them to be better players. She is constantly working to improve her game. The improvement was seen throughout the year.
RADINI WIJESURIYA (LAWRENCE) » Wijesuriya was the backbone of the Cardinals’ defense. A consistent and strong defender causing turnovers and getting the ground balls. She leads by example whether it is her hard work ethic or her endless desire to do her
best. Wijesuriya’s defense stopped many an attacker.
MANDY VOGEL (LAWRENCEVILLE) » Vogel is a scrappy and intuitive player who always brings her best and a player that has earned a lot of respect on the field. A tireless worker for every ball, she does not back down from any challenge. One of the Big Red’s leaders. KATE MARTINEK (NOTRE DAME) » A junior defender, Martinek is a twoyear starter who works hard, cheers on her teammates and makes an impact. She is a quiet leader on the Irish and a player who has been invaluable to the coaching staff. Martinek’s positive attitude kept things upbeat for ND.
SKYLAR POWER (NOTTINGHAM) » Playing goalie is no easy chore and Power went out there every game and faced every challenge with a smile on her face. She not only brought a great attitude to the field she brought
leadership and was a great role model for her teammates.
KYLA WILBY (PEDDIE) » As a senior attack player, Wilby had pinpoint accuracy in passing and was never outhustled on a redefend. A great teammate, she always made the key play and always there for her teammates. Wilby was a quiet, dependable and effective leader.
CLAIRE KING (PENNINGTON) » A consummate team player, King always brought intensity and a competitive spirit to the field. She is always positive and works hard every day to be an impactful player. She quietly leads by example.
SARAH WHITE (PRINCETON) » Certainly one of the premier defenders in the conference. White did whatever was required to get the job done and keep the Tigers defense as one of the best. White would do whatever was needed to help her team win. HALEY SULLIVAN (PRINCETON DAY) » State championships just don’t happen. It takes players like Sullivan, who was a spirited leader on and off the field. Sullivan’s energy and enthusiasm is unparalleled. Sullivan was a critical part of our low attack and always ready to make an impact. HANNAH TYLER (ROBBINSVILLE) » A player who works extremely hard to make sure the Ravens defense is a cohesive unit. She is a student of the game and is always looking for ways for the defense to improve together. Always a player to get the key turnover. PEYTON NOLAN (STEINERT) » A senior midfielder, Nolan had a breakout season for the Spartans in so many ways. She was great in triggering the attack and very dangerous around the cage. But, it was Nolan’s leadership that keep the division champs on the same page.
SYDNEY AMATO (STUART) » What a difference a year makes. Always a flag-bearer for the Stuart program Amato was the team manager last season and this year she became a regular starter. She was such a positive influence on the entire team. AYUSHI SHARMA (WW-P NORTH) » A player who is constantly working to make herself and the Knights better. This year Sharma excelled in the defensive unit and emerged as a leader. Sharma did so much for the team behind the scenes and she is so humble about her success. LAUREN BRYANT (WW-P SOUTH) » A senior midfielder Bryant had an impact all over the field for the Pirates. A gritty player who aided the transition game by battling for ground balls. The work-like attitude she brought to the field was contiguous. She is a player who will be missed at South.