Female Athletes Shine at Sports Tribute

Four Middle School student athletes represented Ranney School at the Monmouth University Tribute to Girls and Women in Sports Conference on Feb. 15, 2015. Eighth-graders Shana Fitzmaurice and Himani Nayyar, along with seventh-graders Jane Mallach and Tara Crilly, were nominated by the Middle School coaching staff for this honor. The coaches were asked to nominate female athletes based upon athletic ability, academic achievement, leadership and good sportsmanship.

“These young ladies epitomize the profile of the Ranney scholar-athlete,” said Middle School Coach and Teacher Madeleine McCarthy, who attended the event with the girls.

During the conference, athletes were broken into focus groups to discuss communication, leadership, team building and self-image. Led by student athletes at Monmouth University, the Ranney students were able to strengthen the skills that they already possess. Simultaneously, middle school parents and coaches participated in a focus group led by the Monmouth University coaching staff; the group provided an opportunity for the adults to focus on the unique challenges faced by female athletes regarding gender respect, self-image, time management and peer pressure.

Ranney’s Middle School athletes were recognized for participation in the following sports:
• Shana Fitzmaurice ’19 (Spring Lake) – Cross Country, Swimming, Track
• Himani Nayaar ‘19 (Morganville) – Tennis, Softball
• Tara Crilly ’20 (Shrewsbury) – Field Hockey, Swimming, Track
• Jane Mallach ’20 (Rumson) – Cross country, Basketball, Track

In related news, senior Grace Wilgucki, a Ranney three-sport athlete in varsity soccer, basketball and lacrosse, represented the school’s Athletic Department at the “New Jersey Celebrates Women in Sports Day” at Seton Hall University on Feb. 1, 2015, which provided similar opportunities. Grace attended the state awards luncheon upon nomination from numerous coaches.

Congrats to all of our female athletes!