Most Valuable Players
MVP PowerPoint
Our last of the “team awards” goes to each team’s Most Valuable Player. MVPs demonstrate their value in many ways. MVPs display abilities and an overall presence, making them indispensable to teammates… and a major challenge to opponents. Quite simply, the most valuable player is the individual judged to be the most integral to the team’s success. Each of the following student-athletes demonstrated just that with their Pride performances in 2006-07.
The MVP honor in women’s lacrosse goes to senior Megan Barbieri. “Megan did everything for us this year,” said Coach Gebhard. “She led the team in caused turnovers, groundballs and draw control-- all of which were new team records. She also chipped in with 17 goals and 11 assists in her first year playing offense. Megan is the best defender ever to play for GC."
The baseball MVP award is presented to senior pitcher Chatham Bray. “When I recruited Chad I knew he could be the ace of our staff one day, and he did not disappoint,” said Coach Carlyle. “Chad had 8 more wins this year and is now the all-time leader in wins with 22.”
Men’s basketball’s offensive MVP award goes to junior Lynn Bright. “Lynn has a tremendous ability to score the basketball in a variety of ways," said Coach Galuski. “In just one season he has made himself into a prolific scorer and dominant player in the USA South Athletic Conference. Next year will be even more exciting.”
Junior Ashley Cabral is women’s soccer’s offensive MVP. “Ashley proved to be one of the most successful attacking players in the USA South,” said Coach Bari. “Her speed, skill and hard working attitude helped The Pride to a second place conference finish. She finished as one of the leading scorers in the conference, and contributed to the team with several game- winning goals. I really admire Ashley's focus and determination.”
The MVP in women’s swimming is sophomore Alex Cooke. “Alex had a strong desire to win and never settled for second best,” said Coach Higdon. “This was best demonstrated at Champioinships when she regularly pointed out that she had lane 4--the fastest lane. As the season progressed, Alex consistently demonstrated what it meant to be a well-rounded teammate, athlete, and competitor.
Josh Cumming, a sophomore, is this year’s golf MVP. Josh led the team with a 75.7 scoring average and tied for first at the Emory Spring Invitational. He also was 3rd in the conference championship with his even par score and was named to 2nd team all-conference. “Josh is a great leader. He has tremendous passion and a desire to improve,” Coach Linville said. “Josh is extremely teachable and works harder than anybody else on the team.”
The Most Valuable Defensive Player in volleyball is junior Sarah Joy Daniels. "Joy has an incredible desire to get to every ball, and it is rare to see someone hit the floor as much as she does!” said Coach Lojko. “Joy has developed into a great defensive player. She has helped to make it very difficult for teams to score on us.”
Mike Foderaro, a junior, is this year’s men’s lacrosse MVP. “Mike has been the backbone of the defense, and the team, this season,” state Coach Cetrone. “He gave all he could on every play and this was ultimately displayed in his coast to coast goal versus Colorado College: Foderaro made the save, outletted the ball, got the ball back, scored a goal, was absolutely hammered by the other team, then got up and was back in the goal for the next play.”
The defensive MVP in football is junior Rod Hill. “Rod's versatility allowed coaching staff to use him at a variety of positions in the secondary and employ multiple defensive schemes,” said Coach Mitchell. “Rod led the team with 4 interceptions. His strong play garnered earned him second team All conference honors.”
Senior Staci Humphrey is this year’s women’s basketball MVP. “Staci is the best player that I have ever coached,” said Coach Tuggle. “Greensboro College is very fortunate to have had a player of Staci’s caliber play here. Staci has put up numbers and broken records that will stay in the record books for years to come. She will be greatly missed.”
Amanda Johnson is the women’s soccer defensive MVP. “Amanda was one of the strongest defenders in the USA South,” Coach Bari said. “She also established herself as a leader, being selected captain by her coaches and her teammates in only her sophomore year. Amanda is a silent leader, her defensive skills are remarkable, and she truly leads by example.”
Junior Jenee Johnson is the softball MVP. A leadoff batter every year for GC, Jenee has been a top hitter and sets the pace and tone for the team. Says Coach Tucker: “Jenee is valuable not only because she puts up big numbers, but also because she is one of our toughest athletes mentally, displaying great composure on the field. She is a great athlete but also respects her teammates and encourages them to be their best everyday.”
The women’s cross country MVP is freshman Jordan Joyce. “Jordan worked hard all year and it showed in being named to the all-conference team,” noted Coch Tuggle. “Jordan posted our top times and has a tremendous amount of potential if she continues to strive to be a better runner.”
Sophomore Torrey Lowe. is football’s offensive MVP. “Despite battling an ankle injury all season, Torrey led the team in rushing and receiving,” Coach Mitchell said. “Torrey earned 2nd team All Conference honors as a receiver and is poised to break several career records in his final two years at GC.”
Men’s basketball’s defensive MVP is junior Adam Nicholson. “Adam has worked hard to make himself a premier defender in the USA South Athletic Conference,” Coach Galuski said. “He has tremendous pride and a relentless work ethic on the defensive end of the court. Not only is he a great on the ball defender, but he also creates difficulties off the ball.”
The women’s tennis MVP award goes to junior Carrie Pacifico. “Carrie is a natural born leader,” said Coach McCain. “She is our team captain and ended the season with a number nineteen regional ranking. Carrie is one of the best players ever to play at GC, and has earned every bit of the recognition she has received.”
Senior Charlie Rierson is men’s soccer’s MVP. “Chuck has continually raised his performance both on and off the field throughout his career,” said Coach Brady. “The team voting him MVP is a tribute to the determination he has to be successful in everything he set out to do.”
Volleyball’s Most Valuable Offensive Player is senior Lauren Smith. “Lauren was our ‘go to’ player,” Coach Lojko said. “If we needed a kill she was the person to set. To watch Lauren jump is one of the most beautiful athletic experiences I’ve seen. She has such natural ability, and the intellect, to make her the best hitter in the conference--and one of the best in the nation.”
A junior, David Sutton earns the MVP in men’s tennis. “David is truly a pleasure to coach, and works hard at his game,” noted Coach McCain. “David is a number 1 player in every regard. He finished the year undefeated and was ranked 17th in the region.”
Junior Francois Theriault is the men’s cross country MVP. “Francois’s hard work and dedication has paid off in his first year of running. He finished second at the conference championships and was all-region—the best of anyone at GC,” said Coach Tuggle. “Francois will continue to improve as his career grows and I expect him to set numerous school records.”
Freshman Robin Welch is this year's cheerleading MVP. “Robin is an excellent base. She has superior skills, and was the main base for many of the stunt groups,” said Coach Appenzeller. “She kept a positive attitude throughout the season and also provided laughter for her teammates. Robin is a talented all-around cheerleader.”
