For more than a decade, the Sabers’ ROAR of success has been heard loudly and consistently across the AAIS, NYSAIS and beyond. In 2023-24 alone, Spence Athletics earned AAIS hardware in 8 sports, with Cross Country, Tennis, Squash, Softball and Track & Field all earning the title of league champions, and Soccer, Indoor Track, Badminton each finishing as league runner-up. Squash added to the year's long list of accomplishments, finishing as NYSAIS runner-up and #20 in the Nation at US Squash High School Team Nationals.

 

It was a banner year for the Sabers beyond the Red Doors as well, with two student-athletes earning national recognition for their excellence.  

 

In Soccer, Spence standout senior co-captain Ana N. ‘24 was one of 18 selected from more than 2,700 to the National Team of US Soccer’s Olympic Development Program’s National Team, and the only representative from the state of New York. Ana traveled with the US Team to Costa Rica in March, where she was selected Most Valuable Player by her opponents. Ana has been a key component to the Sabers' success on the soccer pitch, a 3-time AAIS All-Star she scored the GWG on a direct kick in the AAIS Semifinal to send Spence to the league title game. Ana also lent her talents to the oval, running track this spring and contributing to the Sabers unprecedented 7^th AAIS Track & Field Championship title. 

 

In Squash, lone senior and team co-captain Annesley A. ’24 was named to the US Squash All-American Team. A 2023 All-American, Annesley became the first two-time All-American in Spence history. Annesley, a two-sport AAIS All-start in Lacrosse and Squash, was instrumental in the leadership and success of both her teams. Under her leadership, the youthful squash team embraced the culture of team excellence and “pawfection,” with a flawless league “pawformance” both in the regular season and league tournament, enroute to capturing their 5^th consecutive AAIS Squash Championship. The Squash team’s NYSAIS runner-up finish makes Spence the only NYSAIS program to finish either first or second in every NYSAIS Squash Tournament held to date.

 

In late May, the Spence community came together to celebrate continued excellence of Spence Athletics and bid the seniors farewell at the annual Athletics Celebration of Excellence. This year’s theme has been “The Culture of Success” and these seniors were honored for their many contributions to building upon the Sabers’ tradition of excellence during their careers.

            Saber The Moment Award recipients:

            Fall:                 Cross Country: Celia W.

                                    Soccer: Ana N.

                                    Tennis: Isa B.

                                    Volleyball: Ella C.

            Winter:            Basketball: Katie S.

                                    Indoor Track: Avery S. and Noora A.

                                    Squash: Annesley A.

            Spring:             Badminton: Ella I.

                                    Lacrosse: Avery J. and Syndey A.

                                    Softball: Lee Lee S.

                                    Track & Field: Parker C.

 

Senior Annual Awards:

All-Around Athlete Awards – Presented to the senior student-athletes who have exhibited outstanding athletic ability and versatility throughout their career.

           Avery S (Soccer, Indoor Track, Track & Field) 

Sydney A. (Tennis, Basketball, Swimming, Indoor Track and Lacrosse)

Scholar-Athlete Awards – Presented to the top scholar-athletes who have achieved the highest level of excellence in the classroom, community and in the competitive arena.

            Alison L. (Soccer and Lacrosse)

            Lee Lee S. (Volleyball, Basketball, Softball) 

White Blazer Awards: Presented to the senior student-athletes who demonstrate determination, sportsmanship, cooperation, integrity and dedication.

            Isa B. (Tennis and Badminton) 

            Lucy P. (Soccer, Indoor Track and Track & Field)

Adorante Founders Award: Presented in honor of Ms. Adorante for her service as a founder of the Spence Athletic Program to the 12-season senior student-athlete who has displayed unwavering commitment and steadfast leadership in forging a continued tradition of excellence.

            Parker C. (Soccer, Basketball, and Track & Field)

Lunnetta Spirit Awards: Presented in memory of Ms. Marilyn Lunnetta to the senior student-athletes who best personify the love of competition, sacrifice for the betterment of their team with an emphasis on teamwork and kindness.

            Noora A .(Basketball, Indoor Track and Track & Field

            Ella I. (Volleyball and Badminton)

 

To watch the video highlights of the 2023-2024 Spence Sabers, visit @SpenceAthletics on instagram. 

 

To read more about the Culture of Success of the Spence Athletics program, please see The Bulletin.