Athletic PRIDE Shoutouts

Julia Nowicki - Varsity Volleyball

How long have you been participating in these sports - 3 years

Do you have a favorite subject or class in school - Math  

Who is your favorite athlete - Harper Murray   

What is your best memory of being involved in sports - The bus rides home from away games 

Favorite pre-game meal - Dunkin’ 

Best game day hype song - No Hands by Waka Flocka Flame 

Why is it important to model the values of PRIDE - I think it’s important to model these values while on the court because when one player models these it can be contagious for others to do the same, and I believe this is what contributes to the success of a team 

Coach Stern on Julia - She is always working hard at practice and uplifting her teammates. 

Jack Doerfler - Varsity Soccer

How long have you been participating in these sports - 10 years

Do you have a favorite subject or class in school - Sports and Marketing  

Who is your favorite athlete - Saquon Barkley    

What is your best memory of being involved in sports - Winning State Championship Senior Year  

Favorite pre-game meal - Nothing, I don’t eat before game 

Best game day hype song - Diamonds by Rihanna  

Why is it important to model the values of PRIDE - All great values to follow in life to get by 

Coach Caccomo on Jack - Jack had a state tournament run that showed him to be laser focused on all of the tasks at hand with each game. This past week (against Plainville in the semifinals and Stonington in the finals) Jack took on some big time responsibility defensively for our team and it proved in his performance on the field. In the championship he had the task of working to defend one of the better goal scorers in the state of CT and he locked him down where he didn't score a goal. He also assisted on the state championship winning goal. What pushed my to nominate him for PRIDE spotlight was after we won the championship and were celebrating on the field...I could see Jack go over to a Stonington player who was laying on the ground in heartache after losing and Jack comforting him and consoling him for a bit. After the game, the coach of Stonington made it a point to mention that to me that he appreciated the respect and professionalism that Jack (and others) showed. 

Maria Salemi - Varsity Swimming and Softball

How long have you been participating in these sports - 10 years

Do you have a favorite subject or class in school - Math  

Who is your favorite athlete - Bri Ellis  

What is your best memory of being involved in sports - Leading my team and seeing everyone from both schools come together even in a co-op team.   

Favorite pre-game meal - A protein bar 

Best meet day hype song - Any Drake song 

Why is it important to model the values of PRIDE - When leading a team where all younger kids look up to you it is so important to demonstrate the values of PRIDE because when others see someone they look up to acting a certain way then they will begin to act in a similar manner. Especially on a team when everyone demonstrates the PRIDE values people start to trust each other more and are willing to work together.  

Coach Buffone on Maria - Maria, in her role as Swim Team Captain, has gone above and beyond in leading her team by example in pool, her competitive drive at Meets, and perseverance to qualify for States Championship for a 4th year in a row. Her leadership is an integral part in making our Co-op Team of Three schools feel unified as one team, all pushing towards our shared goal of success. 

Summer Burney - Soccer, Softball 

How long have you been participating in these sports - 12-13 years 

Do you have a favorite subject or class in school - Math 

Best meet day hype song - Cant Hold Us or anything 

Why is it important to model the values of PRIDE - It creates a positive environment that people want to be in. 

Coach Cyr on Summer - Summer epitomizes the core values of PRIDE! She is a true joy to coach and sets a great example for all of her teammates. 

Weston Prechtl - Varsity Boys Soccer

How long have you been participating in these sports - 14 years

 years                        

Do you have a favorite subject or class in school - Math

Who is your favorite athlete - Virgil van Dijk 

What is your best memory of being involved in sports - 2025 Class M State Championship 

Favorite pre-game meal - Chicken Tenders 

Best meet day hype song - Back in Black 

Why is it important to model the values of PRIDE - These qualities help players work well with others, stay focused during challenges, and represent their team with honor both on and off the field. 

Coach Caccomo on Weston - Shows up each day with a positive outlook on the session and a willingness to take in all information that we are giving based on activities. We are doing at practice or scouting reports before games. Has grown throughout the season in terms of representing our program with the respect and integrity that we are looking for, and it shows in as positive play. 

Colby Johnson - Football

How long have you been participating in this sport - I've played spring football for the past two years on top of the 8-9 years I've played fall football for either high school or youth.                  

Do you have a favorite subject or class in school - Currently intro to engineering and design.

Who is your favorite athlete - Current player, Derick Henry. All time offense, Rob Gronkowski, All time defense Ray Lewis.

What is your best memory of being involved in sports - Currently all last year. I may have only played J.V. but it was my favorite part of playing football so far. I got closer with friends, and I also made new ones. And for J.V. I played great last year. And then at the start of this year I played varsity but my season got cut short due to a stress fracture in my tibia.

Favorite pre-game meal - I don't have a meal but I have a a favorite pre game drink and it is any Body Armor.

Best game day hype song - Either Enter Sandman by Metallica or Higher by Creed.

Why is it important to model the values of PRIDE - If you never show these on a football field or in any sport you can't be a leader and you can't be there for the team when they need you and you will never be that 1% that will make it far in your sport.

Coach Backus on Colby - Colby has unfortunately been battling through injury this season but has always put the team before himself. He is always the first person to be to practice, on the field helping out other members, even filling the water or grabbing equipment daily. He stays engaged and everyone on the team knows where Colby will be when the whistle blows. He truly demonstrates team-first mentality through actions and not just words. He demonstrates team pride and selflessness when it comes to being a member of the football team. 

Michaela DiCicco - Soccer and Lacrosse

How long have you been participating in these sports - 13 years                        

Do you have a favorite subject or class in school - English

Who is your favorite athlete - Paige Bueckers

What is your best memory of being involved in sports - Last year's girls soccer bonding trip.

Favorite pre-game meal - An Alani energy drink and granola bar.

Best meet day hype song - All of the Lights by Kanye West and I will Survive by Gloria Gaynor

Why is it important to model the values of PRIDE - Modeling these values is important because they create a foundation for success both on and off the field. Demonstrating perseverance through challenges, respect for others, integrity in actions, dependability teammates can count on, and full engagement in everything - which builds character that influences others. These values build trust, inspire others, and create a positive environment that makes it possible for Gsocc to work, grow, and win together.

Coach Reed on Michaela - Michaela is one of the captains of the Girls Soccer team. She always has great words of encouragement and well thought out areas of improvement for all members of the team. She is the goal keeper of the team- which can be a very mentally tough position- yet she remains positive and never gets down on herself or the team. She always asks what she can do better and responds to all coaching advice with an open mind. She is a true leader. 

Asher Vallo - Cross Country

How long have you been participating in Cross Country - Five years

Do you have a favorite subject or class in school - English

Who is your favorite athlete - Allen Iverson

What is your best memory of being involved with Cross Country - Pre meet pasta parties with the team.

Favorite pre-meet meal - Penne and meatballs with red sauce.

Best meet day hype song - Heart of the City - Jay Z

Why is it important to model the values of PRIDE - It's important to model the values of PRIDE because it can help not only you, but your entire team get into the right mindset that will get you through a great season.

Coach Elliott on Asher - Asher is a dedicated member of the boys cross country team who displays the THS PRODE core values as an athlete through his hard work and dedication along with his support for his fellow team members.