Athletes in the Spotlight

Here we highlight Villa athletes who have demonstrated an exceptional level of ability and determination in their sport, have earned recognition of their efforts from an independent athletic organization, or have committed to continuing their athletic careers in college.

Senior Athlete Recognition Day 2022

Missing from the photo: Ashley May and Clare Gibson

Villa's 8th Annual Senior Athlete Recognition Day was held on April 28 with a reception honoring our senior athletes who have made the commitment to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. (Note that additional students chose to compete at the collegiate level after our April 28 event. This list was updated on May 23, 2022.) Congratulations to the following students:

Kate Abdalla - Rowing, Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Madison Bachmayer - Rowing, George Washington University
Allyson Byrne - Softball, Lock Haven University
Emma Doughty - Rowing, University of Central Florida
Clare Gibson - Soccer, Ursinus College
Ella Koors - Rowing, The University of Alabama
Hailey Magilton - Basketball and Soccer, Bryn Athyn College of the New Church
Ashley May - Dance, Auburn University
Becca Minnichbach - Softball, Binghamton University
Emily Morace - Soccer, King's College
Aria Moses - Rowing, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Morgan Murphy - Soccer, Westminster College
Tori Nigro - Basketball, Thomas Jefferson University
MK Peters - Soccer, Misericordia University
Lexi Tomlinson - Rowing, Fairfield University
Keira Whalen - Volleyball, Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Kiersten Whalen - Soccer, Johnson & Wales University-Providence
Sammie White - Basketball, DeSales University

Special Congratulations!

Villa recognizes the following students for reaching exceptional milestones within their respective sports during the 2021-2022 school year:

Emma Hagan '22 - Lacrosse, 100 GOALS (May 13, 2022 vs. Nazareth Academy HS)
Tess Majkut '22 - Volleyball, 1000 DIGS (November 2, 2021 in the District One 3A Volleyball Championship vs. Pope John Paul II)
Tori Nigro '22 - Basketball, 1000 POINTS (February 9, 2022 vs. Central Bucks South)
Lauren Redican '22 - Lacrosse, 100 GOALS (May 9, 2022 vs. Jenkintown HS)
Nicole Wiser '23 - Lacrosse, 200 SAVES AS GOALKEEPER (April 26, 2022 vs. Villa Maria Academy)

Senior Athlete Recognition Day 2021

We honor our Senior athletes who have made the commitment to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Congratulations to the following students:

Kylie Aquaro - Ice Hockey, Rochester Institute of Technology
Ella Arace - Soccer, Messiah University
Faith Bartos - Lacrosse, Bridgewater College
Julia Beck - Soccer, Misericordia University
Allyson Gallagher - Rowing, Duquesne University
Sabina Hartman - Swimming, The University of Kentucky
Megan Iannacone - Swimming, Susquehanna University
Kennedy Kilchrist - Soccer, Bloomsburg University
Katie Sullivan - Soccer, Johns Hopkins University
Grace Taylor - Soccer, Longwood University

Click the tabs below to learn more about some of these amazing athletes.

Thank you to Lillie Corino '22, Abi Evans '22, Jillian Evans '22, Callie Henrysen '22, Kiley Johnson '23, Kelly Misnik '22, Morgan Murphy '22, Molly Lyons '22, Bernadette Ritchie '22, Logan Riti '22, Kenzie Van Arsdale '23, and Madeline Williams '22 for conducting interviews with our athletes.

Kylie - ICE HOCKEY

Kylie '21 (Ice Hockey)

What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone else hoping to play a sport in college?

I would say to keep working hard because it takes time. It doesn’t happen quickly. When there is down time, try to practice, but always remember to give yourself a rest.

How did you get into playing your sport?

When I was 3, my dad brought me to skate with my brother and him. It started there and kept going. I learned to figure skate first before I started hockey.

What is your most memorable experience of playing your sport?

A couple years ago I went to nationals and we placed 3rd. It was so cool and I will never forget that moment.

Who/what was your biggest motivation?

My brother. During quarantine, he would wake me up at 6:45 and say “Who’s getting better today?” He would push me to go to the gym and practice.

What have you learned about teamwork from your past experiences on teams?

Especially for a team sport when we are all together on the bench, positivity is so important. When one person is down on the bench, it brings the whole team down. Everyone needs to be united and positive.

Describe your major highlights and achievements in sports in the past.

Freshman year at Villa, I made Varsity Field Hockey, which I was so shocked about. I also got First Team and MVP, which I also was not expecting. Also, in Ice Hockey, I got named Assistant Captain my first year coming to a new organization, which was really cool.

What are your preferred game day routines?

Before a game, I always have to tie my left skate first, and I always have to do a handshake with my friend before I go on the ice. I also pray before every game.

What is one important lesson you’ve learned from your time as an athlete?

To always make your last mistake be your best teacher. If you make a mistake, use it to learn and do not get down on yourself when you mess up.

Ella - SOCCER

Ella '21 (Soccer)

Why did you choose to play your sport at your chosen college?

I choose Messiah College to play soccer because of the heartwarming environment. The team is honestly like no other and the whole Messiah Method is about serving and loving others. I was looking for a competitive team but also a team that I would develop life long friendships and have a coach that cares more about you growing as an individual rather than the skills you bring to the field. Messiah has won 6 national titles and still stands at the top of their division because of the method they follow and the hard work they put in.

What is your most memorable experience of playing your sport?

Honestly going through the many setbacks that come along with playing the sport, especially learning perseverance. It’s what led me to Messiah, and I will always remember that even when times were hard, God had a better plan for me.

What was your hardest obstacle in getting to where you are today?

Definitely the many obstacles I had to overcome and deal with throughout the last two years of playing soccer. Soccer isn’t just about winning, it’s also about the relationships you develop and not just improving your skills but improving your overall self. Overall, the sport has taught me more about life rather than the game itself.

Who/what was your biggest motivation?

My biggest motivators would have to be my parents and family. If it wasn’t for their constant encouragement, I would have never gone through with playing soccer in college. As for my parents seeing the times I have struggled with my sport, they believed that there was a purpose for it and that I would have a happy ending, which is something I will forever be grateful for.

Faith - LACROSSE

Faith '21 (Lacrosse)

How do you balance training with school/ having a social life/ family obligations?

I love to live in chaos, which sounds weird to say but I love keeping myself busy. Typically I always am working at least 2 jobs, while playing on 2 teams, putting in my own personal time at the gym and dealing with school and family obligations. Honestly it does get hard sometimes to keep up with it all, but time management is a major factor in it. As time went on, I got better with managing my time making it easier to plan and schedule all of my responsibilities.

What does your daily routine look like?

4:30am: wake up

4:45am–7:00am: gym

7:15am: starbucks run haha

7:30am: arrive at school

8:00am–2:35pm: school

3:15pm–5:00pm: lacrosse practice

5:30pm–9:30pm: work

10:00pm–11:30pm: dinner, homework, shower, bed

What's the best piece of advice you've gained from your coaches?

Always do what is best for you because in the end you’re the one who has to live with your own decisions. This has stuck with me through all of my years playing and carries over into my life outside of sports, because in the end you have to do what is best for yourself with your own best interest at heart. You need to be able to say to yourself that you are satisfied with the work you did.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone else hoping to play a sport in college?

No matter what division you play in, it's a great accomplishment. Being able to spend more time playing a sport you are invested in is a great feeling. Knowing that it doesn't end after high school and being able to show all of your hard work and the time and effort put into your sport to compete on a higher level is something to be very proud of. Division 1,2,3 — it doesn't matter. At any level be proud of where you have come and where you are going.

What is one important lesson you've learned from your time as an athlete?

Mentality plays a major impact on performance and future outcomes. Talent can only get you so far but heart and mentality can put it over the top.

What are you most looking forward to about playing your sport in college?

Being able to play at a higher competitive level and having the privilege to continue playing the sport I love past my high school years. I’m excited to make new memories with a new team and set new goals for myself.

What do you see yourself accomplishing in five to ten years?

In 5-10 years I'm hoping to have graduated college and soon to be finishing law school. Hopefully, I will become a successful lawyer and work my way to the top.

Julia - SOCCER

Julia '21 (Soccer)

Why did you choose to play your sport at your chosen college?

I chose to play soccer at Misericordia University, because of the balance it gives between athletics, academics, and social life. Despite being given the opportunity to play at the D1 level, D3 seemed like the right option for me because of the focus it allows on your academic studies. Misericordia was ultimately the D3 I chose because of its great physical therapy program that allows for direct admittance into the 6 ½ year program.

What are you most looking forward to about playing your sport in college?

What I am most looking forward to about playing soccer in college is having a support system just like the one I formed at Villa soccer. The family feeling Misericordia provides seemed like the perfect fit to continue my journey with my sport in college. The memories made with your teammates are truly the things you remember most, and I am super excited to join a family-oriented team.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone else hoping to play a sport in college?

My advice for someone looking to play a sport in college is there is the right school for everyone, and that school is different for everyone. Do not put an overemphasis on going to a school that is well-known or that has the best program if you do not like the campus, the team, the coach, or any other variable. Pick a school that fits you as a person, player, and student; not just as a player.

What is your most memorable experience of playing your sport?

My most memorable experience at Villa playing soccer has to be winning the state championship because of the overwhelming feeling of joy everyone playing on the field, cheering on the bench, and watching how those in the stands felt. It was not only a great feeling to get the trophy, gold medal, and huge chocolate bar, but it was 100 times better because of the people I got to share the moment with. The relationships we form on the Villa soccer team are like no other team I have ever been on. It is truly an environment that allows people to thrive and embrace themselves as a player, person, and teammate.

How do you balance training with school/ having a social life/ family obligation?

There is always overlaps and conflicts when having so many commitments, but it also keeps life interesting! A lot of times soccer takes over and causes me to miss some family events or time to hang out with friends, but it is a serious commitment that I must stick to. As much as it seems like it takes over all aspects of life, I still do have free time and a social life outside of the sport. Although some people would think that soccer is all I do, I promise I do make sure to spend time with family and friends. As for school, it helps me stay on task and get everything done in a timely fashion because I do have a decent number of trainings and games to go to every week.

What does your daily routine look like?

My daily routine is dependent on what season I am in, but a typical day during Villa soccer season looks like this. I wake up, eat breakfast, get ready for school, go to school, go to practice until 5:30/6:00pm (If it is a game I may not get home until 7:00/8:00pm), go home and eat dinner, do homework, and go to bed. Sometimes, I will also have a club soccer practice once a week. During the winter season, my schedule is very crazy because I am balancing basketball practices or games every day and club soccer trainings 3 times a week. In the spring, my schedule frees up slightly, as I have 3 to 4 club soccer trainings a week and no school sport commitments. It is a demanding schedule that allows for little free time, but I enjoy a busy lifestyle.

Describe your major highlights and achievements/most successful season in sports in the past.

Some of my major accomplishments as a member of the Villa soccer team is being AACA M.V.P. junior and senior year, making first-team all-AACA junior and senior year, and being a captain junior and senior year. As for my most successful season, I would have to say sophomore year because that is the year our team won the State Championship. It is truly a remarkable experience to be able to go to Hershey and win a championship with your best friends surrounding you.

What is one important lesson you have learned from your time as an athlete?

This is going to sound super cliché, but it is honestly one of the truest things about all sports: No one remembers the score of a game in 10 years. What they do remember are the special moments and funny memories made with teammates off the field.

Kennedy - SOCCER

Kennedy '21 (Soccer)

Why did you choose to play soccer at Bloomsburg?

I chose to continue my soccer career at Bloomsburg, because I liked that it’s close to home but still far enough away to be independent and have that college experience away from home. I also liked that it is not a huge school, but it is also not super small; it is the perfect size for me. On top of that, their facilities are really nice and their soccer program is excellent. They are ranked 6th in the nation, and a big reason as to why I chose BU was because it is Division II. DII is just as competitive as DI, but it is not as much of a commitment and pressure, and I just want to play for a team that’s good and a school I liked, the division did not mean much to me.

Do u fear/question how you are going to manage your time as a student athlete?

I am definitely nervous about having to manage my time as a student athlete next year, but I think I will make it work. I think it is going to be tough to get acclimated in the beginning, as I am playing a fall sport, but I think Villa has prepared me well for college. Once I get used to it, I will do just fine.

Katie - SOCCER

Katie '21 (Soccer)

Who’s your biggest hero or mentor?

My mom. She helped me with soccer and the recruitment process, helped call coaches, and took me to games. She played soccer and got me into it.

What are your preferred pre-game, locker room, and post-game routines?

The team is superstitious but I’m not. I like to jog, stretch, eat, and post-game lay on the couch.

What is your most memorable experience of playing your sport?

At Villa, sophomore year, I scored a semi-final goal to get to finals and won finals. I felt that I contributed to the team.

What was your hardest obstacle in getting to where you are today?

Being smaller and being told that I was too small, looked up to small pros, helped me push myself to get better and practice more.

How did you know this would be the school you would end up committing to?

I looked at Johns Hopkins since freshman year with an overnight experience, kind of like college. I was offered a spot but wasn’t able to commit until junior year due to transcripts. Johns Hopkins got a new coach as I was ready to commit, so I had to re-earn my offer.

Describe your major highlights and achievements in sports in the past. Tell us about your most successful season in sports.

I had started not scoring; I scored more goals as I grew at Villa. This year was my most successful season, and sophomore year was my favorite because of the State Championship win. Covid had a slight impact on this season because they thought they weren’t going to be able to participate in the playoffs but they were able to work it out. We were confident about playing Mars again.

Do you have any other hobbies/interests outside of this sport?

Running for the track team, skiing with my dad, swimming in summer, hanging out with friends.

Grace - SOCCER

Grace '21 (Soccer)

What is your favorite part about your sport?

Probably the adrenaline I get from being with my best friends and being successful, it is just a good time on and off the field.

What is your most memorable experience of playing your sport?

Probably a game when I was in Connecticut and I scored one of the big goals that got us to the playoffs for our league. Our playoffs were in San Diego and helping our team get there was such a memorable moment in my life.

How do you balance training with school/ having a social life/ family obligations?

I prioritize. I see my family, soccer, and school to be the three most important things, and my social life just kind of comes along with it. My social life is pretty much through my sport and I have a couple of friends outside of it. They know that soccer and family and school are my three top things. You just have to prioritize what’s most important to you.

What was the college recruitment process like for you? Did COVID have any effect?

I committed the summer during COVID. Before COVID, I was going a whole other direction. I was going to end up at a completely different school that I know, looking back, I would not have been happy at and I know I would not have been as successful at. But when I had the chance to kind of restart my process [with COVID] through quarantine, I was able to found schools that were the right place and I had more time to figure it out, even though it was stressful nonetheless.

What are you most looking forward to about playing your sport in college?

Probably the teams I get to play against and the family I get to create with my team, which is one of the reasons I chose my school. Their goal is to bond as a team and family and you have that for life. So, I am excited to from those bonds.

Who’s your biggest hero or mentor?

I feel like my mom is, honestly, because she went through many hard times (with breast cancer) when I was playing, and I always looked up to her strength. Her strength pulled me through pretty much, and I wanted to do it for my family and, yes, myself too, but mainly for my parents. I wanted to help them out with a scholarship, and I also wanted to just have that moment of success with them, so I’d say it was for my family.

What's the best piece of advice you've gained from your coaches?

Probably to never doubt yourself or your worth or potential because if you do, that’s the first mistake because you won’t be able to be your best self or player if you don’t believe in yourself.

Senior Athlete Recognition 2020

We honor our senior athletes who have committed to continuing their athletic careers beyond Villa. Congratulations to the following students:

Helen Chimbos - Riding, Long Island University
Lily Dineen - Cross Country, Lafayette College
Sophie Goldberg - Fencing, The Pennsylvania State University
Amanda Pennett - Rowing, Bucknell University
Elizabeth Rafferty - Golf, West Chester University
Ciara Rago - Soccer, Ursinus College
Jackie Skalski - Basketball, Arcadia University

Senior Athlete Recognition Day 2019

Villa's 5th Annual Senior Athlete Recognition Day was held on May 3 with a reception honoring our senior athletes who have committed to continuing their athletic careers beyond Villa. Congratulations to the following students:

Sam Agnew - Soccer, Emory University
Jacqueline Armetta - Rowing, Columbia University
Caroline Brandt - Rowing, Bucknell University
Alexa Johnson - Rowing, Loyola University of Maryland (not pictured above)
Bridget McDonough - Soccer, Immaculata University
Carolann Mullin - Rowing, Temple University
Riley Regan - Soccer, Chestnut Hill College
Alexa Roth - Cheerleading, Widener University
Rachael Senyk - Soccer, Highpoint University
Clare Staudenmeier - Track & Field, St. Joseph's University

Senior Athlete Recognition Day 2018

Thirteen members of the Villa Joseph Marie Class of 2018 were honored on May 4 for their commitment to continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level. The early-morning ceremony, led by Athletic Director Becky Flynn Hensel ’99, was attended by Villa President Thomas Kardish, Principal Lauren Carr ‘00, Vice Principal Vince D’Andrea, Athletic Trainer Amy Barr, Soccer Head Coach Rich Finneyfrock, Track & Field/Cross Country Coach John Gentile, Golf Head Coach Terry Ryan, Field Hockey Head Coach Ken Fetterolf, and honorees’ families, among other school staff members.

Following are the student-athletes moving on to NCAA competition next year:

Erica Behr - Soccer, Saint Joseph's University
Miranda Behr - Soccer, Saint Joseph's University
Jessica Butler - Field Hockey, Widener University
Brigid Conmy - Cross Country, St. Mary's College
Emily Dossick - Golf, Bucks County Community College
Maddie Jimenez - Soccer, Chestnut Hill College
Kaela Jolibois - Track & Field, The University of Chicago
Katherine Mangione - Track & Field, Gettysburg College
Carolyn Mueller - Golf, The Catholic University of America
Danielle Shead - Swimming, Arcadia University
Brooke Simonson - Tennis, The Catholic University of America
Elayna Tsiouplis - Softball, Brown University
Maria Tunney - Soccer, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Senior Athlete Recognition Day 2017

Congratulations to our student-athletes in the VJM Class of 2017 who will be continuing their athletic careers in college. These young ladies were honored in a ceremony led by VJM Athletic Director Becky Flynn Hensel on April 25, 2017:

Murphy Agnew - Soccer, Harvard University
Shannon Coleman - Soccer, Mount St. Mary's University
Sam DelViscio - Lacrosse, Pennsylvania State University
Briana Hocker - Golf, Alvernia University
Casey Kilchrist - Soccer, La Salle University
Maddie Major - Lacrosse, Lehigh University
Marisa Morano - Basketball, Ursinus College
Alexis Morace - Swimming, Lebanon Valley College
Christie Nemceff - Swimming, Monmouth University
Meghan Reguera - Swimming, Cabrini University
Eva Ruppersberger - Soccer, Arcadia University
Danielle Samson - Soccer, Philadelphia University
Katie Schramm - Track and Field, Loyola University of Maryland
Nikki Trzaska - Field Hockey, The Ohio State University

2017 Rowing Team

Villa introduced Rowing to its athletics lineup for the first time this year, and the team did not disappoint! The squads posted strong showings against programs that have been established for decades, even earning a 3rd-place medal in an event at the City Championships! We have high hopes for this amazing group of young rowers as they return to the water in the fall.

Senior Athlete Recognition Day 2016

Congratulations to our student-athletes in the VJM Class of 2016 who will be continuing their athletic careers in college. These young ladies were honored in a ceremony led by VJM Athletic Director Becky Flynn Hensel on May 13, 2016:

Bridget Galen - Soccer, St. Joseph's University
Francesca Bogiatzis - Basketball, Ursinus College
Gina D’Andrea - Softball, Stevenson University
Alyssa Dionisio - Soccer, Widener University
Gretchen Frantz - Soccer, North Central College
Kira Altomari - Bowling, Chestnut Hill College

Ani Javardian '16

Senior athlete Ani Javardian played for Team USA at the Pan-Armenian Games during the Summer of 2015. Ani and her teammates went on to earn the title 2015 Pan-Armenian Women’s Basketball Champions.

Here is Ani's story in her own words

Here is Ani's story in her own words

"The Pan Armenian games took place in Armenia over a span of two weeks. Armenians from all over the world gathered to play one another in Olympic sports in our Motherland. My team was very unique because before Armenia, we had not met before, although our chemistry was stronger than every other team. I had the privilege of playing with extremely skilled players that have experience playing at UCLA, Portland State, Princeton, Texas A&M, and USC. As one of the only fluent Armenian speakers on the team, I had to communicate with the Armenian-speaking referees the entire game and translate for my teammates.

"Our first game against Marseille, France, ended with a score of 106-7. I contributed by scoring 19 points. Our second game against Aleppo, Syria, ended with a score of 102-9. I scored 16 points and scored the 96th, 98th, and 100th point. The last game before the playoffs was against Sydney, Australia. The score was 95-12; I was able to score 18 points.

"Men, women, and children would stop me for autographs and photos, since everyone sensed the USA team would win. Winning soon became something that I wanted not only for myself, but also for the young fans who looked up to me. I could hear people cheering for me in Armenian, people I have never met before, but knew me as #13.

"We won our first two playoff games, which were against Armenia and Azerbaijan, by over 30 points. Our championship game was against Antelias, Lebanon. After a neck-and-neck three quarters, USA picked it up with 10 minutes left, getting a 15-point lead. We were shortly awarded our very own gold medals and certificates. Somehow, 10 strangers who were still learning one another’s names on the court during the first game became the 2015 Pan Armenian Women’s Basketball Champions."

Senior Athlete Recognition Day 2015

Congratulations to our student-athletes in the VJM Class of 2015 who will be continuing their athletic careers in college. These young ladies were honored in a ceremony led by VJM Athletic Director Becky Flynn Hensel on May 7, 2015:

Alexandra Capozzi - Softball, Rosemont College
Erin Durnin - Track, Duquesne University
Alexa Fabbri - Swimming, Villanova University
Michaela Hollister - Track, Mount St. Mary
Morgan McDonough - Soccer, Immaculata University
Emily Messina - Swimming, Catholic University
Taylor Septer - Softball, University of Scranton
Taylor Stevens - Soccer, University of Scranton
Allie Trzaska - Soccer, University of Pennsylvania

Quick Links

Quick Links

In This Section

Athletes in the Spotlight

Senior Athlete Recognition Day 2022

Special Congratulations!

Senior Athlete Recognition Day 2021

Kylie - ICE HOCKEY

Kylie '21 (Ice Hockey)

Ella - SOCCER

Ella '21 (Soccer)

Faith - LACROSSE

Faith '21 (Lacrosse)

Julia - SOCCER

Julia '21 (Soccer)

Kennedy - SOCCER

Kennedy '21 (Soccer)

Katie - SOCCER

Katie '21 (Soccer)

Grace - SOCCER

Grace '21 (Soccer)

Senior Athlete Recognition 2020

Senior Athlete Recognition Day 2019

Senior Athlete Recognition Day 2018

Senior Athlete Recognition Day 2017

2017 Rowing Team

Senior Athlete Recognition Day 2016

Ani Javardian '16

Here is Ani's story in her own words

Senior Athlete Recognition Day 2015

Athletics Office