On Monday, December 8, the White Plains Board of Education honored 184 student athletes who received the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Scholar-Athlete Award for the fall athletic season. The NYSPHSAA gives this designation to acknowledge students’ talent both in the classroom and on the field.
“Being a scholar-athlete means committing to excellence in both academics and athletics even when it’s really hard,” said sophomore cross country runner Sophia Barrera.
To qualify for this award, a student must play a varsity sport and maintain a minimum of a 90 average across all classes during the season. Eight of White Plains’ ten fall varsity teams also received the Scholar-Athlete team award, where the top 75% of the roster meets these academic criteria. The teams that earned this distinction were boys soccer, field hockey, girls soccer, girls tennis, volleyball, girls swim and dive and girls and boys cross country.
White Plains City School District superintendent Dr. Jospeh Ricca described this event as “one of my personal favorites” and a “fantastic evening.”
Members of the athletic department and the team coaches echoed his sentiments. Girls varsity tennis coach Stephanie Tock said, “Balancing rigorous academics with high level athletic competition shows the true dedication, resilience and leadership of these student athletes.”
The Board also praised the coaches for their hard work with the athletes. They recognized Kasey Rubenstein, the girls varsity field hockey coach, who earned the League Coach of the Year Award for their outstanding 14-2-1 season.
Assistant varsity volleyball coach Morgan Roessler also received tenure for her work as a physical education teacher at Highlands Middle School.
Finally, Dr. Ricca and the Board honored legendary cross country coach Fred Singleton with an award as the crowd gave him a standing ovation. He said of Coach Singleton, “He’ll always be a legend to us in the most special way.” In his 50th and final season, the cross country team won a league title, solidifying his legacy of greatness and service to the White Plains community.
Looking ahead in other athletic news, the varsity ski team was approved for the winter season. The team started as just one athlete but has grown in both popularity and membership since its inception.
Additionally, Edwin Diaz, a WPHS math teacher, was named as the next varsity baseball coach. He was very optimistic about the upcoming season and grateful for the opportunity to lead the team.
“My wife and I moved into the district nine years ago. This has always been our home. I said if I ever coached varsity baseball, this is where I want to be,” he said. “I’m very happy to be here.”
In the words of assistant girls’ swim coach, Rebecca Fahey, “Congratulations to all scholar-athletes who are definitely an honor to our school.”
