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Celebrating Girls & Women in Raider Sports


Celebrating Girls & Women in Raider Sports

In honor of National Girls & Women in Sports Day, The Imprescia Center for Female Sports Leadership reached out to alumnae, coaches, and winter sports captains for the impact of Raider Athletics on their lives. We are delighted to showcase their responses throughout the month.

Their responses will be shared on the Imprescia Center Instagram page, @ccraider_shewill, and on our website, on social media, and on posters in the hallways of Central Catholic.

Sharing the Impact of Raider Athletics

Alumnae in Raider Sports

Female Student-Athletes in Raider Sports

Female Coaches in Raider Sports

About The Imprescia Center for Female Sports Leadership

Contact:

  • Ms. Casey Grange, Assistant Director of Athletics, cgrange@centralcatholic.net

 

Alumnae in Raider Sports

Mandy fielding a ground ball

Mandy Guevara '99

"Being a female athlete at Central Catholic has shaped me into a stronger, more determined, and disciplined person. It taught me the value of hard work, teamwork, and perseverance, both on and off the field. Through sports, I've built lifelong friendships and gained confidence in my abilities, pushing past challenges to reach my goals. Competing as a female athlete has also shown me the importance of breaking barriers and inspiring others to do the same. Looking back, I am so proud to be a part of the trail female athletes have and continue to blaze at Central Catholic and beyond"


NGWSD Graphic

Elizabeth Ryan (McCleary) '01

"Being a female athlete at Central Catholic shaped not only my athletic journey but also the person I am today. It instilled resilience, confidence, and a deep understanding of servant leadership. I was challenged to strive for my goals, overcome adversity, and support those around me. The end result was lifelong friendships and a foundation that continues to guide me in all aspects of life."


Graphic for NWGSD

Brigid Hegarty '02

"For me, being a female athlete at Central has helped shape me into the adult I have become and the coach/teacher I have developed into. What you learn on the field, court, and track carries well into the classroom and my current job. It taught me about team collaboration, working through adversity, and leadership skills. I try to build a competitive fire within my students so that they understand that grit and determination can help them reach their ultimate goals. Being one of the first few years of girls to go through Central Catholic and helping put the Raiders on the map in the Merrimack Valley Conference was an honor."


Graphic for NWGSD

Nicole Vouris (Grandmaison) '02

"Being a female athlete has meant so much to me and has helped shape me as a business leader within my career. As a female athlete I had to step into many challenges, overcome those challenges and persevere for my teammates and coaches. ;I was able to accomplish this through leadership, drive and my love of sports. I have carried these traits throughout my life, career and as a mom of 2 busy boys! Woman in sports can result in doing amazing things in life!"


Casey dribbling the ball

Casey Grange '03

"Playing and coaching sports at Central Catholic have shaped me into the person I am today. While competing on the teams at CCHS, I learned so many life lessons. The coaches at Central Catholic did an exceptional job of teaching us how to overcome adversity, emphasizing the significance of being a great teammate, developing discipline, holding ourselves accountable, and stepping out of our comfort zones to play for something greater than ourselves. As a team, we forged lifelong memories, developed remarkable friendships, and I truly believe that our many big wins and championships were a testament to the culture that was instilled in us by the Central Catholic coaches. My goal as a coach here at Central is to instill those same values and character traits in my athletes to ensure they are prepared to be successful in life."


Graphic for NWGSD

Erin Capano (Doherty) '04

"Being a female athlete at Central Catholic has instilled so many important values in my adult life. It made me feel powerful on the court, confident on the track, and a leader all around. I can say these things have carried with me into my career and personal life. I was able to face challenges as a female athlete with the help of my coaches, family, teammates, and the Central Catholic family. At my core, I am a stronger person because of my experiences as a female athlete."


Graphic for NWGSD

Kaitlin Folinus '05

"Being a female athlete has shaped my life in many ways, teaching me the value of hard work, dedication, and the importance of a team. These values showed me that success is not limited by gender and gave me the confidence needed to break barriers throughout my career. Many of the leadership skills I have today come from the experiences I had at Central Catholic 20 years ago! GO RAIDERS!"


Graphic for NWGSD

Colleen (Sorenson) Thompson '06

"Being a female student athlete helped me gain confidence in my own abilities. As I was able to improve myself through sports, I felt I was able to be a role model for younger athletes, especially girls, to pursue their strengths as well. Balancing academic disciplines and athletic training empowered me to overcome many barriers and excel in my goals."


Graphic for NWGSD

Ashley Read (Evangelista) '09

"Being a female athlete has always been a huge part of my life. I was fortunate while attending Central Catholic to have amazing opportunities and discovered how to rise to the occasion when faced with adversity. While being a female athlete at CCHS I learned how to be a leader which has helped me still today in my career. I feel fortunate to have had the experiences I did while attending Central Catholic and continue to hope the same for all female athletes that are lucky enough to compete at similar high levels like I did. Thank you to my family, coaches, teammates and faculty who all helped bring out the best version of a female athlete in me."


Graphic for NWGSD

Katie Zenevitch-Reyes '10

"Participating in athletics at Central Catholic, as a female athlete, has taught me many life lessons that I am still grateful for today. Through the guidance of fellow determined and motivated female athletes and coaches, I learned how to have a strong work ethic, navigate adversities, and implement positive leadership skills. While at Central Catholic I gained confidence to have pride in myself and my abilities, on and off the court. Most importantly, my journey as a female athlete has taught me how to improve my mental health, by learning to have a growth mindset in all avenues of life."


Graphic for NWGSD

Meaghan Petrosillo (Donegan) '11

"As I reflect on my time as a female student athlete, I realize how much those years shaped who I am today. Playing sports at Central gave me more than just physical strength; it taught me resilience, teamwork, and leadership, which are values I continue to carry into both my professional and personal life. It wasn’t always easy, but the challenges I faced on and off the field taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. I’m proud to have been part of a community that not only supported my athletic ambitions but also encouraged me to excel in every aspect of my life."


Lanie Jowett '12 playing soccer

Lanie Jowett '12

"Being a female athlete at CCHS was an unforgettable experience that taught me resilience, teamwork, and determination. It meant breaking barriers, pushing limits, and showing the value of women in sports, while still balancing school and athletics. Those lessons and memories I made here at Central shaped me into a stronger person and fueled my passion for empowering other female student-athletes. I am grateful for the coaches and teammates that helped teach me the skills and confidence to be able to teach and coach others. When I was a student-athlete here, my coaches inspired me so much that they helped me to motivate and encourage the next generation of female student-athletes, helping them find confidence and reach their full potential."


Graphic for NWGSD

Alexa Poulin '13

"I think I owe a lot of who I am today to being an athlete! Sports taught me why it's important to work hard, how to be a good teammate and leader and how to deal with adversity. Being an athlete at Central provided me with a community of support, access to coaches who were both mentors and cheerleaders, a plethora of positive memories, and ultimately a sense of belonging. I am especially grateful for the lifelong friendships that came from the sports I played and the opportunity to create more memories with my siblings who also attended and played sports at CCHS."


Graphic for NWGSD

Courtney Walsh McCarthy '14

"Being a female athlete has had a profound effect on the person I am today. It has instilled in me qualities essential to all facets of life, while also providing me with lifelong friendships and unique opportunities. Playing for Central Catholic was truly a privilege. My coaches were committed to helping me reach my full potential, and I was fortunate to be surrounded by dedicated and talented teammates, creating lasting memories along the way."


Graphic for NWGSD

Madison Borrelli '16

"Being a female athlete has profoundly shaped every aspect of my life. The mental toughness I developed through my athletic experiences has seamlessly translated into my professional career and influences how I approach challenges in life. Additionally, my time as an athlete at Central instilled in me the value of hard work—a principle deeply ingrained in my character and one that continues to guide my personal and professional endeavors. I truly would not be the person I am today without my experiences as a female athlete."


Graphic for NWGSD

Courtney Woronka '17

"Being a female athlete at Central Catholic gave me a strong sense of purpose and community during my time there. The school's commitment to fostering confidence, empathy, leadership, and discipline allowed me to grow both as a woman and a teammate. The lessons I learned on the field shaped my collegiate athletic journey and continue to influence my career and beyond. Central Catholic provided a foundation that inspires me to lead with integrity and face challenges with resilience."


Graphic for NWGSD

Casey Thompson '18

"It is not often appreciated the level of commitment it takes to endure 8 hours of classes, then 3 hours of practice, then another 4 hours of homework, just to wake up the next day and do it all over again. While grueling and most of the time unsustainable, I have found these most challenging moments to be the building blocks of my character and success in life. Lean on your teammates and smile through the process, because as long as you’re a student-athlete you are destined for greatness."


Graphic for NWGSD

Kaylee Thomas '19

"Being a female athlete at Central has opened many doors for me in my life. I have learned many valuable lessons and gained friendships and memories that I will cherish forever. I am honored to continue to play a role at Central by being a part of The Imprescia Center for Female Sports Leadership."


Graphic for NWGSD

Madison DiPietro '20

"Being a female athlete has been a defining part of my identity, shaping who I am both on and off the field. At Central, I learned the importance of teamwork, discipline, and resilience—values that stayed with me throughout my career. Competing at UConn was a dream come true, and a testament to the hard work and sacrifices I made. My experiences have taught me what it means to push boundaries, challenge myself, and represent something greater than just my individual success. Central has not only shaped me as an athlete but also as a person who understands the power of perseverance and the impact of a strong, supportive family!"


Graphic for NWGSD

Adrianna Niles '21

"My time as a female athlete at Central taught me many lessons of resilience, community, and leadership. I learned the value of discipline and teamwork by playing soccer, basketball, and throwing for the track team. Growing up playing sports allowed me to grow in confidence and form core memories and traits that define who I am. Without a doubt, participating in sports has instilled a sense of empowerment in me when working to achieve my goals."


Graphic for NWGSD

Katharine Duren '21

"Being a female athlete has been a defining part of my life, shaping who I am both on and off the track. At Central Catholic, it was an incredible honor to contribute to the school's legacy by setting records and bringing home wins, all while representing a community that supported me every step of the way. The experiences I gained in track and field here, along with the guidance and mentorship from my coaches, have been pivotal to my growth. I will forever be grateful to them, as they played a significant role in shaping me into the D1 record holder I am today, and I carry their lessons with me every time I compete."


Graphic for NWGSD

Grace Lydon '22

"I would say that being a female athlete has taught me how to be competitive with others and with myself in the classroom and the workforce. As a female athlete at Central Catholic, I learned to lead by example and work collaboratively with peers. Growing up as a female athlete has been empowering and taught me how to be determined, persistent and ambitious from a young age."


Graphic for NWGSD

Macy Daigle '24

"From the time I was a little girl I have always enjoyed being an athlete. Being an athlete means constantly challenging yourself and striving for excellence, while also motivating your teammates. Being part of the supportive environment at Central Catholic has been transformative, teaching me about commitment, leadership, and unity. These experiences have made me a better athlete and person, and I'm grateful for every moment."


 

Female Student-Athletes in Raider Sports

GYMNASTICS: What is the most rewarding aspect of competing?

Sophia Sierpina '25

Sophia Sierpina '25

"The most rewarding aspect of competing is the opportunity to showcase my abilities across events, not only to my team and coaches, but to the judges, audience, and myself. Contributing my score to the team’s overall success inspires a sense of confidence, fueling my passion for the sport. Additionally, traveling with my teammates to competitions like Sectionals, States, and New Englands not only deepens our bond but also reminds me of the joy that makes this journey fulfilling."


Ashlyn Pinet '25

Ashlyn Pinet '25

"Although gymnastics is an individual sport, knowing when I come off the mat that my team will be right there to support me through every performance, no matter the result."

CHEERLEADING: What motivates you throughout the season?

Nora Larson '26

Nora Larson '26

"The success of my team and gaining new skills."


Meghan Bohenko '25

Meghan Bohenko '25

"What motivates me the most is my support from my team and my coach, being surrounded by people who have my back through anything, and the challenge of new skills and reaching my own personal goals in competitions."

BASKETBALL: What advice would you give your younger self about competing in sports?

Aniela Kwo '25

Aniela Kwo '25

"That putting in all the extra effort really does pay off, don’t get too discouraged about the results not being immediate."


Caroline Vient '25

Caroline Vient '25

“I would tell my younger self to remain dedicated and work hard, but remember to also have fun and maintain a social life. Having time outside of your sport to connect with friends, and family is crucial to the longevity of an athletic career.”


Addison Beers '25

Addison Beers '25

"Enjoy it... Have fun! Embrace everything that comes with basketball, the good games, the bad games, the days you don’t want to go to practice, the team bonding, the away trips, just everything."


Kerri Finneran '25

Kerri Finneran '25

"I would give my younger self the advice to shoot more, play with confidence and have fun.”

INDOOR TRACK & FIELD:  What has pushed you to become a great athlete?

Laura Fennessy '25

Laura Fennessy '25

"The main thing that has pushed me to become a better athlete is looking to lead by example and do the most I can for my team. I make an effort to put my all into every workout and race so that I can lead by example and others can follow in my footsteps. Even though track is a more individual sport, it still requires all parts of the team to succeed."


Meghan Sheppard '25

Meghan Sheppard '25

"My family, friends, and coaches have pushed me to become a great athlete. Their support is inspiring as they push me to compete against other amazing athletes. In addition, the determination I have to find something I am good at pushes me to try my best in everything I do."


Franchesca Thurston '25

Franchesca Thurston '25

"What has pushed me to become a great athlete was my love for the sport and the ambition to achieve my personal goals. Another factor that led me to becoming a great athlete were my coaches, family members, and my teammates who all encouraged me to be the best version of myself on and off the track as well as helping me be successful in reaching my goals. Lastly what I believe to be the biggest contributor to becoming a great athlete was overcoming obstacles and challenges that I have been faced with along my athletic journey which helped me to build mental toughness and resilience while I compete."


Madeline Courtemanche ‘25

Madeline Courtemanche '25

"My teammates over the years have inspired me to go beyond my limits. It’s a little strange being the oldest on my team, but the growth I have experienced would not have been possible without past leaders pushing me forward."

ICE HOCKEY: What has being a female athlete taught you about yourself?

Sophia Powers '25

Sophia Powers '25

"Being a female athlete has taught me that I am capable of working hard then I think I can. It also taught me how to advocate for myself and others."


Madison Del Vecchio ‘25

Madison Del Vecchio '25

"Being a female athlete has taught me that I am capable of having resilience and mental toughness. Also, hockey has highlighted my teamwork and leadership qualities."

ALPINE SKI: How will being a female athlete influence your future?

Julia Barnas '25

Julia Barnas '25

"Being a female athlete has taught me how to embrace important qualities, including perseverance and determination, both qualities that I will most certainly be utilizing in the future. It has also taught me the value of taking care of one’s physical wellbeing, helping me to continue on a path of physical and emotional wellness later in life."


 

Female Coaches in Raider Sports

Coach graphic for NGWSD

Casey Grange '03

"Playing and coaching sports at Central Catholic have shaped me into the person I am today. While competing on the teams at CCHS, I learned so many life lessons. The coaches at Central Catholic did an exceptional job of teaching us how to overcome adversity, emphasizing the significance of being a great teammate, developing discipline, holding ourselves accountable, and stepping out of our comfort zones to play for something greater than ourselves. As a team, we forged lifelong memories, developed remarkable friendships, and I truly believe that our many big wins and championships were a testament to the culture that was instilled in us by the Central Catholic coaches. My goal as a coach here at Central is to instill those same values and character traits in my athletes to ensure they are prepared to be successful in life."


Coach graphic for NGWSD

Jami Hayden 

"I became a coach because of my love for the game of soccer and all the core values instilled in me from playing the sport. My hope now is to impact my own players in that way, beyond the soccer field and skills. I hope to instill values like accountability and respect and watch them become strong, female leaders. Female sports, especially women's soccer, have come so far during my time as a coach and I want to help players continue to add to that imprint."


Coach graphic for NGWSD

Josselyn Wilson 

"Having been given the opportunity to start the Field Hockey program at Central Catholic has been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences.  I started in my mid-twenties and have since been married, bought two houses, had three children - which meant I had three seasons being pregnant on the sidelines - and in doing so, I have been able to show our female athletes that you can do anything you want too! I hope to provide a fun yet challenging environment for our women to grow as athletes and as humans, as well as lead by example by showing them you can be a woman, have a family, work hard, and still be involved with something you love - you don't need to give up your passions - you can multi-task and find a way - and as long as you have a great support system around you, anything is possible."


Coach graphic for NGWSD

Colette Madore

"I became a coach to empower young female athletes to be their best in sport and in life.  It is important to be true to yourself as a female coach in a male-dominated field.  I hope that the athletes on my team become life-long athletes.  I hope that they carry on the lessons that they have learned in sport into their adult lives to positively impact the world."


Coach graphic for NGWSD

Lanie Jowett '12

"Being a female athlete at CCHS was an unforgettable experience that taught me resilience, teamwork, and determination. It meant breaking barriers, pushing limits, and showing the value of women in sports, while still balancing school and athletics. Those lessons and memories I made here at Central shaped me into a stronger person and fueled my passion for empowering other female student-athletes. I am grateful for the coaches and teammates that helped teach me the skills and confidence to be able to teach and coach others. When I was a student-athlete here, my coaches inspired me so much that they helped me to motivate and encourage the next generation of female student-athletes, helping them find confidence and reach their full potential."
 


Logo for National Girls & Women in Sports

About National Girls & Women in Sports Day

February 5, 2025, marks the 39th annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). This celebration inspires girls and women to play and be active, to realize their full power. The confidence, strength and character gained through sports participation are the very tools girls and women need to become strong leaders in sports and life. WSF ushers in 2025 energized after the year-long celebration of our 50th anniversary last year. We appreciate all who have, and continue to, support us in our mission – and join us on this important day.

A vibrant movement we celebrate annually, NGWSD honors the achievements of girls and women in sports and continues to Lead Her Forward by acknowledging the power of sports to unlock her limitless potential.

The Women’s Sports Foundation applauds the vital role played by the individuals and organizations who join us in championing this effort: advocates seeking to protect Title IX and advance gender equity, athletes using their platform to inspire greatness, and coaches working daily to promote play. We invite you to celebrate NGWSD in your community and to join the Women’s Sports Foundation as we Lead Her Forward in 2025.

 

About the Imprescia Center for Female Sports Leadership

Mrs. Olivia (Imprescia '14) Burger addresses the crowd

Join us as we build this new initiative to better serve our students and alumni.

Make a gift to the She Will Fund in support of the Imprescia Center

Complete the Alumni Update Form and indicate your interest in the Imprescia Center

The Center was established in collaboration with CCHS Raider alumna Mrs. Olivia (Imprescia '14) Burger, an alumna scholar and student-athlete at Central Catholic who has made a generous investment to establish a program to help uplift other female student-athletes.

Read more about the launch of the Imprescia Center.

The Imprescia Center for Female Sports Leadership

Mrs. Olivia (Imprescia '14) Burger with Female Student-Athletes

The "SHE WILL" Fund

Success, Humility, Excellence, Worth, Integrity, Leadership, Legacy

This Fund, through a series of workshops, seminars and networking events, will help give our female student-athletes the qualities and skills needed to succeed in sport and life as they develop into strong, female leaders.

It is our hope that this fund can grow and provide our female student-athletes and teams the resources and support both financially and physically to celebrate their success and excellence.

Make a gift to the She Will Fund

Students by Imprescia Center sign