Juan Giraldo

The boys varsity soccer team just wrapped up an astonishing season, going undefeated and making it all the way to State finals. One player stood above the rest in the eyes of many, however: The lone striker, Juan Pablo Giraldo.

Giraldo arrived in Dedham last year after the soccer season had ended. Fortunately, the Marauders were able to acquire his talents for the last season of his high school career.

His passion for soccer goes back to when he was very young. He grew up playing soccer with his friends in Colombia. “Playing soccer is a lot different in Colombia than it is here," he explains. "People are very passionate about it and there is a great strength in soccer.” He goes on to say that soccer in America is more about "mindset and play.”

Giraldo is able to use this skill of mindset every time he steps onto the field. He is a natural goal scorer with 20 goals on the season. “I always try to be strong and play without fear when playing against my opponent. And I always have fun!”

Students at DHS have shown their love and support for Giraldo since he came to Dedham, as he brings a friendly a positive attitude to the Dedham community. A symbol of passion and talent, it's no wonder he was voted MVP of the season. “I am very happy and thankful. I’m waiting for more to come!” he said proudly.

The bond that is shared between the players of the boys team is an important part of how much they achieved this season. Giraldo values the friends he has made: “I love my team, and I am very thankful I have them! Everyone works hard and their mindset is good. I am able to work very well with them.”

To prepare for the season, Giraldo trained here and went to camps the coach provided. He was also given the opportunity to prove himself in a new position: “I like to play the middle most, but coach Ledda puts me up top, on striker.” The striker position has brought Giraldo much success this season.

The one person he always wants watching him compete on the field is his dad. It's important for Giraldo that his dad to be there for his victories and his defeats.

When asked who inspires him most, he says soccer superstar Lionel Messi. "It would be a dream to be just like Messi and with the same amount of success!"

Connie Doyle

After losing 13 seniors, the girls varsity field hockey team had some huge shoes to fill heading into the fall season. Thankfully, with the skill of Constance Doyle, the girls proved strong in every battle they fought. “We never gave up," she says firmly.

Doyle first picked up a field hockey stick when she was in 8th grade. A visit to the middle school from the team at the time encouraged her to give it a try. Luckily, she did just that and thrived because of her natural athletic abilities and ice hockey experience. She is now a three-season athlete and has made varsity each year for all sports, racking up many goals and countless assists. She also earned a second team all-star title her junior year, a first team all-star title this year, and multiple awards at sports banquets.

Doyle’s consistent kindness on the field is well known. She's always saying “sorry” to her teammates and cheering them on endlessly. Her selflessness in all aspects of her life makes Doyle someone everyone wants to be around.

She played right forward up until a few games into this season and was then moved around to where the team needed her most. She predictably adjusted well no matter the position and gave her team a fighting chance in every game. At midfield, Doyle’s speed and endurance helped her control the field.

She is most proud of the memories she's made with the various teams she's been apart of over the years--especially those of this year's field hockey team because of “the bond with the underclassman and the way we were able to work together.”

Doyle is considering playing club field hockey or ice hockey in college.

She would like to give a shout-out to "Emac" for helping her get to where she is today.