2026 | Massachusetts |

Waltham High School | Hawks |

Ryanne O’Connor has been a dedicated 5 year member of the Waltham High School Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Team. She approaches each day, whether a practice or game, with a positive attitude and drive to get better both individually and as a team. Ryanne suffered a serious knee injury going into her sophomore year, and unfortunately had to sit out her entire sophomore season. Sadden by not being able to play and contribute during that season, Ryanne turned it into a positive and as she rehabilitated her injury, she found a way to still be part and contribute to the team that season by taking on the role of team manager. In this role, she filmed every game and kept the stats for the team. Ryanne returned to the ice her junior year, and through her hard work and determination has become a key contributor to the team during her senior season. Through her trials and tribulations during her high school career, Ryanne has demonstrated the true character of an ice hockey player that this award recognizes.