Senior Kaitlin Hansen named 2021 Section IX Varsity Soccer Coaches’ ‘Anthony Martelli Award for Service’ recipient

soccer award recipient Kaitlin

Senior Kaitlin Hansen is the 2021 recipient of the Section IX Varsity Soccer Coaches’ “Anthony Martelli Award for Service.”

Kaitlin, captain of the varsity girls soccer team, has been a part of the district’s soccer program for the last six years.

“She started as a seventh-grader in our modified program and then, early in the season as an eighth-grader, she was pulled up to JV,” wrote Theresa Uhelsky, soccer program assistant to the  girls soccer program, in her nomination letter. “She has been part of our varsity team since her freshman year. Kaitlin is one of our hardest working, responsible, and dedicated players on and off the soccer field. She has a desire to improve herself each day and gives of herself for the betterment of her teammates and community. Any time one of her teammates is in need of support, Kaitlin offers her time to help that player, whether during practice time or off the field on her own time.”

Kaitlin also has an extensive resume of community service, including with the Lenape Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the American Cancer Society.

“This season, one of our players was diagnosed with a concussion and when cleared to begin the concussion protocol, Kaitlin helped organize a Sunday morning training session and volunteered her time to meet with the coach and a few of her teammates to help their other teammate complete the last step of the concussion protocol,” wrote Ms. Uhelsky. “This would enable Kaitlin’s teammate to be eligible to play in our next game that Monday. I have many stories I could share about Kaitlin and how she puts others first and cares very much about the needs of those around her. Kaitlin’s kind spirit makes her an asset to any team she plays on as well as her community. Kaitlin’s desire to not only improve herself, but the people and community around her, makes her a remarkable student athlete.”

The award was given during the Section IX Exceptional Seniors soccer match on Nov. 7.  Established in 2014, the Exceptional Seniors matches are played following the Section IX tournament, celebrating athletes who contributed during their high school careers.