2024 | Massachusetts | GIRLS

Newton North/South High School Crush | Newton Crush | GIRLS

Danielle is a four year varsity hockey player for us. Our team is a co-op, which means that we have the added challenge of striving to have one cohesive team that is comprised of players from multiple high schools. We also have a group of players that are beginning players and do not dress for games, and they need to feel a part of the team as well. Danielle is our Captain this year, and she has done an incredible job of making sure that everyone from both schools and from both groups is united as one squad. We also have a goalie who is brand new to hockey (and skating) as our starting varsity goalie. Danielle has taken her own time to work with her and to help her to develop. Danielle has also helped to ensure that the team as a whole does not get down when we let up goals despite playing well. The way that our team continues to consistently work hard is a huge credit to her. Lastly, our team went through a huge amount of adversity when our teachers union went on strike; the coaches were not allowed to coach, and we went over two weeks without hockey. During this time, Danielle was able to keep the team united, and she helped to organize captains practices. They practiced nearly every day with her essentially acting as a player-coach. During this time, all of our competition was still in the midst of their seasons. When the strike ended, we were forced to jumped right into a league game after having no formal practices. I believe that the only reason we were able to be competitive is because of Danielle’s character and hard work that she showed during this challenging time.