With only a few weeks of school left, we are preparing for an exciting and busy summer as we enthusiastically embrace the challenges that lie ahead for Gael Athletics. Together, as a department, we are working hard to ensure that all student-athletes are given the resources and opportunities needed to perform at the highest of levels.
We are extremely excited to announce the hiring of our new head women's soccer coach, Paul Sapsford. Paul comes from Stanford University where he served as interim Co-Head Coach in 2002, compiling an impressive 21-2 record. For his accomplishments, he was named Co-Coach of the Year by Soccer America. Prior to coaching at Stanford, Paul served as an assistant coach at Saint Mary's for two years. We look forward to working with Paul and are confident he will continue to lead the program toward national prominence.
On Friday May 9th, we will be honoring senior student-athletes and individual award winners at the 4th Annual Gael Awards Dinner to be held at the Walnut Creek Marriott Hotel. The Brother Agnon Coach of the Year award will also be announced at the dinner.
I would like to congratulate all senior student-athletes on outstanding seasons and thank them for their contributions to Gael Athletics. I look forward to honoring the student-athletes personally Friday night.
There are a couple of individual award winners that deserve special recognition:
- Steve Jacoby, Assistant Director of Athletics for Operations and Summer Camps received the Gael Spirit Award, given to an individual who has made significant contributions to both students and staff.
- Mike Samuels, a volunteer in the Sports Information Office this year is the recipient of the Mike Gibbons Volunteer of the Year Award.
- Freshman men's basketball player Daniel Kickert and women's tennis player Kate Harden were selected Newcomers of the Year, after successful seasons both on the court and in the classroom.
- Nathan Frowsing of football and Catalina Fillol of women's tennis received this year's George R. McKeon Awards. This award, recognizing both scholastic and athletic prowess, is the highest honor presented to a Saint Mary's student-athlete.
- The men's tennis team earned the Top Team GPA Award for the second year in a row, with a 3.43 cumulative average.
In addition to the awards mentioned above, I would also like to congratulate several senior student-athletes on winning awards from their individual academic departments. They will be honored at commencement with a plaque signifying their achievements.
- Nathan Frowsing- James L. Hagerty Award
- Courtney Nelson- St. Thomas Aquinas Award
- Thomas Burgemeister- Brother U. Jerome Griffin, F.S.C. Award
I would also like to mention the accomplishments of senior men's soccer standout Brain Voltattorni of Walnut Creek, CA. He was named the Contra Costa Times Coach of the Year after leading the De La Salle varsity boy's soccer team to a North Coast Section (NCS) Championship in his first season as head coach. After completing a successful soccer season for Saint Mary's in the fall, Brian guided the Spartans to an 18-4-4 record overall, which included the league and NCS Championship. He took over the head coaching duties at De La Salle after serving as an assistant for two years.
Our baseball and softball teams are still battling it out on the field and I encourage everyone to try to catch a game before the season ends. This is the last chance to support our teams until fall rolls around. Thanks for following Gael Athletics. We appreciate your support.
Go Gaels!
Carl R. Clapp
Director of Athletics
