Some fall season special honors announced for student-athletes
November 7, 2020 | By Katie Martin 
Harwood junior Merry Smith keeps her eye on ball. Smith received an honorable mention for the 2020 All-Capital League. Photo by Gordon Miller.
A season started during the COVID-19 pandemic was billed a “season of gratitude” and coaches and players alike across Harwood Union fall sports teams say they were thankful to play during fall 2020.
As the season wraps up, some student-athletes have been recognized for their skills on the field and court.
It was a season for team-building for Harwood Volleyball, navigating COVID-19 guidelines that took games outside. Photo by Gordon Miller.
Volleyball
“The 2020 fall season for Harwood Girls Volleyball was the start of something new… it was definitely a different experience having to play outside on grass or turf when competing against other schools,” said head coach Peter Arsenault.
“The factors of slippery, wet, muddy surfaces, cold temperatures, rain, sun glare, and wind made for much more interesting rallies and approaches to the game.”
The Highlanders finished with a 2-7 record, but Arsenault said it did not reflect the overall success and progress the team made this year. The team also managed to radiate consistent positive energy throughout their games even in times of losing, he said.
Satisfying and promising was the team’s success in building knowledge and skills of the game, Arsenault said. He pointed to the MVCS Tournament at the end of the season where the Harwood squad played teams they faced during the season and improved their performance. For example, Harwood lost in the semifinals to St. Johnsbury but returned to play the Hilltoppers, losing 2-3 with wins in the first two sets, and losing 15-17 in the last set, signs of progress the coach pointed out.
Student-athlete recognition and awards
Senior setter Lynn Russell was named to the Vermont Youth Volleyball Association High School All-Star Team. Photo by Gordon Miller.
Harwood sophomore Mareya Surprenant received the Sportsmanship award for Harwood Volleyball. Photo by Gordon Miller.
Volleyball: Senior Lynn Russell (setter) and sophomore Teras Wood (hitter) chosen for the Vermont Youth Volleyball Association High School All-Star Team. Harwood Girls Volleyball named senior Lynn Russell Most Valuable Player; sophomore Mareya Surprenant received the Sportsmanship award; and Most Improved Player goes to sophomore Emma Hans.
Boys Soccer: The following were named to the All League first team: seniors Hayden Adams and Jasper Koliba; juniors Skylar Platt, Finn O'Hara and Jack Birmingham. All League second team: seniors Gavin Thomsen and Jake Collier; junior Chris James. Honorable mentions include sophomores Jordan Shullenberger and Adam Porterfield. Capital Soccer League Offensive Player of the Year: Hayden Adams.
Field Hockey: Senior Charlotte Cook was named to the Field Hockey 2020 All-Capital League; juniors Rachel Goodwin and Maggie Aiken were named to the second team; honorable mention went to Merry Smith and Gwyneth Clough.
Katie Martin is the JV and middle school field hockey coach at Harwood Union High School and a member of the Waterbury Select Board.