Student Feature Friday - Nipmuc Fall Team Captains

Nipmuc's Fall Sports Captains
back row, l-r Jenna Fitzgerald, Ericka Scott, Madison Neri,
Gabriella Carreiro, Madison Polay, Alyssa Imparato, Lauren Comfort
front row, l-r Tim Brien, Lauren Brady, Ashley Dodd, Maddie Davidshofer,
Anna Young, Tyler Costello, Brandon Esker, Sam Manning
not pictured Dominic Mespelli, Richie Schiloski, Connor VanKleek, Justin DiAntonio, John Kossuth, 

Whenever discussing the factors that contribute to the strength of the culture at Nipmuc, I'm sure to mention the role that student leadership plays in building our school pride. In this week's feature I'm happy to share thoughts from an important group of student leaders - the captains of our fall sports teams. In wearing the green and white, these team and school leaders act as role models, ambassadors to other schools, and representatives of our school community. They make up a talented group whose importance is shown in how they carry themselves in and out of competition. 

I invite everyone to come see these student athletes in action. You can access the schedule for all of our Warriors at www.dualvalleyconference.org. Additionally, feel free to stop by our homecoming games on the weekend of October 17 and 18. 

Question:  What is the most important part of your responsibility as the captain of one of Nipmuc's sports teams?

Cheerleading

Lauren Comfort - Being a captain to me means being a role model to the underclassmen by showing leadership and sportsmanship through respect and responsibility.
Alyssa Imparato - I believe the most important part of being a cheerleading captain is to motivate my teammates, and get them to keep persevering. Another important aspect is to be a leader, role model, and most of all a friend to the girls.
Madison Polay - The most important responsibility as a cheerleading captain is being a role model for the team. I am in charge of keeping the team motivated and positive as well as giving 100% effort.

Cross Country
Timothy Brien - My main responsibility as a captain is to try my best and lead by example, which includes completing all of every practice and respecting the coach and every player.

Field Hockey

Maddie Davidshofer - Being a captain of the field hockey team allows me to be a positive role model for the underclassmen while also participating in a sport I love and staying active during the fall season.
Ashley Dodd - The most important part of my responsibility as a captain of the field hockey team is being the best role model I can for everyone on the team, on and off the field.
Anna Young - Being a captain of one of Nipmuc's sports teams comes with a lot of responsibility. To me the most important is being a role model to the underclassmen on our team. As part of the field hockey team we have grades 7 through 12, so I find it important to show the girls good sportsmanship and to be a team player.

Football

Dominic Mespelli - Being a role model for the team - representing Nipmuc.
Richie Schiloski –The most important part of being a captain at Nipmuc is just leading my team to success and making sure that my teammates have a fantastic time.
Connor VanKleeck - To be a great role model to our younger players and to be a great representative of our community.

Golf

Justin DiAntonio - Being a role model to the underclassmen as well as leading our team to our next District and Dual Valley Conference wins.
John Kossuth - Being able to help lead a team to success and hopefully our second District title in a row.

Soccer – Boys

Tyler Costello - The most important responsibility as a captain of the boys’ soccer team is that I have the opportunity to represent each of our players and give them help to voice their opinion to the coaches and the community.
Brandon Esker - The most important part of being a captain is having the privilege to represent Nipmuc and be a role model for underclassmen and the young kids in the community.
Samuel Manning - I want to give the underclassmen an outlook and mentality that they can mimic once I am gone to continue winning.

Soccer – Girls

Gabriella Carreiro - A captain is a leader. My most important responsibility is to keep my team positive and united. I am supposed to lift my team's spirits on our down days and push them even farther on our good days. It is important I keep my team working as a whole and on the same page. We are all here to watch each other’s backs and fight together toward one goal; making it to states! The only way we are going to be successful this year is if we are all in this together. A captain is the enforcer of that common goal.
Jenna Fitzgerald - The most important part of my responsibility as a captain of one of Nipmuc's sports team is to motivate and encourage everyone around me.
Madison Neri - The most important part of my responsibility as captain is to set examples for my teammates and to always stay positive. When games get rough, you have to keep the girls' heads up and emphasize that we're all in it together.
Erika Scott – The most important part of my responsibility as a captain is to help my teammates when they need it and to keep everyone focused. As captains, it is our job to make sure that the team stays positive even through bad practices or games. We need to make sure that our team stays connected and remembers that we're all in this together. 

Volleyball
Lauren Brady - The most important part of my responsibility as the Captain of the Volleyball Team in my opinion is being there as a figure for my team to look to for anything. Not only in regard to things in the court, but things in general if it has anything to do with school, outside of school, or just someone to be there. Being a captain is not only about being the leader, it is about being a support for each and every one of my teammates.