Simply the Best
Meet eight student-athletes who are helping to make the fall sports season in South Jersey an exciting one.
Sophia Stazi, Camden Catholic field hockey
A senior midfielder, Stazi has received all-state accolades every season of her career at Camden Catholic and has helped the Irish win three sectional titles and one state championship during that time. She is hoping for one last crown before moving on to Rutgers.
SJM: You’ve been a key player at Camden Catholic since you were a freshman. Has it sunk in that your time there is winding down?
SS: No, not really. I feel like I always have another year. It is sad when I realize I’m playing certain teams for the last time. It’s a good thing and a bad thing.
SJM: What are you looking to accomplish down the stretch? Is another state title at the top of the list?
SS: Obviously, that’s at the top of the list, but I think we have to focus on the little things we have to accomplish first. Some of our games we started down a few goals [early], like against Seneca and Bishop Eustace. We have to push through the whole game, every game, to get to the state championship.
SJM: Does your experience from the previous years pay off in big games, especially during the playoffs?
SS: One hundred percent. The freshmen have never experienced winning or losing a state championship, and some of the other players have only experienced losing a state championship. It would be a great feeling to help them win one, but you also learn a lot from losing one.
SJM: Oak Knoll is the team you’ve played in the state final every year of your career. Is that a rivalry you always look forward to?
SS: It is. I love playing hard games because it’s a better matchup and I have more fun.
SJM: Even though you’re from Washington Township, did you always want to go to Camden Catholic?
SS: I did, ever since my sister [Olivia] and all of our friends went there. I thought it would be a good environment for me, and going from a public to a private school was better for me. It was a good choice for me and I’m very happy that I made it. … The academics are so good and field hockey was just an add-on.
SJM: Is your sister a big influence on you?
SS: Yes. She always has been and she always will be. She was a senior when I was a freshman and now she’s playing at Rutgers, which is where I’m going. I grew up watching her and I kind of did everything she did. A lot of our games during club, I would be added to the roster because my sister was there, and I think that shaped the player I am. I would just get a jersey and sit on the bench—I wouldn’t even go in—but I was happy just to be on the roster and I learned a lot from watching them play.
SJM: Did you have a knack for scoring as soon as you started playing?
SS: [Laughs] Yeah, I did. At Total Turf I used to play in a rec league. My sister would do all the hard work and dribble through everyone, and I would just stay on the post and take everyone’s goals.
SJM: What did it mean to you to score your 100th career goal last year in the sectional final?
SS: It meant a lot. It’s a big milestone, and with the timing and everything, it was just a surreal moment. I had no idea that was going to happen.
SJM: Was that milestone a goal of yours coming into high school?
SS: No, I didn’t even think about that. I just wanted to win state championships and those milestones were never in my head.
SJM: What other sports do you play?
SS: I play lacrosse and I swam growing up. I did soccer for a really long time and I had to choose between soccer and field hockey. Once I really got into field hockey, I knew it was something that could take me to the next level.
SJM: What made you want to commit to Rutgers, other than your sister being there?
SS: Everything. Everyone says you get a feeling when you know, and you really do. I hope everyone gets to experience the feeling that I had there. The girls, the coaches, the environment—everything they have to offer is perfect for me. There’s a school for everyone and I truly believe that Rutgers is my school. I’m so excited.
SJM: Do you know what you want to study?
SS: I’m still trying to figure that out. I like anatomy, I like psychology, but I’m really open to anything.
SJM: You’ve played for the U.S. Junior National Team—what was that experience like?
SS: It was great just getting to go overseas for the first time. I got to represent my country and that was an amazing feeling. Some people don’t get to do that and it shaped me as a player, being able to play with people who are better than me. I learned so much from the coaches and I’m happy to be able to compete and try out for that team every year. It’s something I look forward to.
SJM: Which countries have you been to with that team?
SS: The first year I went to the Netherlands, and the second year I went to the Netherlands and Belgium. This past year I went to England. They were all amazing. I would probably say England was my favorite. We went to London and it was beautiful. It’s nothing like the pictures—standing there is eye opening.
SJM: What else do you do for fun when you get a break from field hockey?
SS: In the little time that I get, I love to hang out with my sister. She’s my best friend. I play lacrosse for fun and I love that team. I don’t really do much other than that.
SJM: Do you like growing up in South Jersey?
SS: Of course—I love South Jersey. I like being close to the beaches, which is something that some people don’t have. I’ve talked to some of my sister’s friends who are from other countries and they don’t live anywhere close to a beach. I grew up going to Ocean City and I love it.
Addison Weiss, Cherry Hill East girls cross-country
Weiss, a junior, joined cross-country for the first time last year as a sophomore and established herself as one of New Jersey’s best runners right away. She set a course record in winning the Olympic Conference title and went on to earn a sectional crown before placing third at states and 13th at the Meet of Champions.
SJM: Last season was such a remarkable one for you. Did you see it coming or was it a surprise?
AW: I definitely did not see it coming. I didn’t even expect to run cross-country ever. Running track was just a joke to do with my friends, but I always loved running and I love working out. Running gave me such an adrenaline rush so I decided to run cross-country. Once I started and I saw my times I thought, ‘Wow, maybe I can make something out of this.’
SJM: Was it hard to leave volleyball, which you played in the fall of your freshman year?
AW: No. [Laughs] I said it was a hard decision but it really wasn’t. Growing up I played multiple sports. I was mainly a dancer until freshman year, but I did basketball, track and volleyball too, so I was always a multi-sport athlete and I was always doing something. Volleyball was not my passion at all—I just played it because it was one of my sports.
SJM: Do you have a favorite memory from last season?
AW: I think my favorite memory was probably my first race because there were no expectations. I could just go out, run and see what I could do. Once I crossed the finish line and saw my time I was like, ‘Wow.’ I was one second off the school record.
SJM: What’s it like coming back this year, now that everybody knows you? Is there more pressure?
AW: Honestly, this year has been pretty hard so far. I think the expectations I put on myself are a lot. I wouldn’t say I get pressure from anyone else—my coaches don’t put pressure on me, my parents don’t put pressure on me—it’s all myself. … I’m hitting where I was last year but I haven’t [set my PR] yet. Telling myself that I’m not going to PR every time is pretty hard, because last year I was doing that every single race. I just have to understand that this is a completely different season and it’s normal to just settle for a little bit.
SJM: Do you have certain goals for this year’s major races?
AW: For sectionals I would definitely like to get first, because that’s where I placed last year. At states I’m pretty sure I got third, so I would like to do that or better. As of now I’m trying not to focus on time, because I think that’s what stresses me out. I had that conversation with my coach today. … She said we have to make it about running instead of trying to hit a certain time. So I would say I’m looking at placement, and at the Meet of Champs it’s just whatever I can do that day.
SJM: Now you’re familiar with the state course at Holmdel. Is it tough to run there?
AW: I actually like it. I like it better than Dream Park and I like it better than OCP [Ocean County Park] just because I can map it out. You just have to get through the first mile and then you prepare yourself for The Bowl, and after The Bowl you have to make it to a certain part of the woods and then you’re basically out. Your times are so different there so it’s a big adjustment, but it’s more interesting than the other courses. My brain is more focused there.
SJM: Do you have a certain routine before big races?
AW: I have a lot of routines. I’m very much a routine person—I’m very Type A—so before the race I always sit in my Normatec the night before. I eat the same thing, a potato and chicken, because I’m gluten free and there aren’t many good gluten-free pastas. I do this thing where I wear my mom’s sports bra, which sounds really weird but I like to have a part of her running with me. I also don’t take off my one necklace. I don’t know why, I just have never raced without it, so now I can never race without it. Hair wise it depends on the day, and on the bus ride I do isolate myself from the rest of the team. Most of the team sits in the back, but I sit in the front, I put in my headphones, and I’m with my thoughts and try to visualize the race as much as I can. That helps me more than being with them and trying to ignore the feelings that I’m feeling. I’m always really nervous, so I would rather embrace that than try to hide it.
SJM: Do you like running track or cross-country better?
AW: I go through phases. During track season I was like, ‘I can’t wait to get back to cross-country.’ Now that I’m in cross-country, I can’t wait to get back to track. They’re very different and the pacing [from one to another] is a hard adjustment.
SJM: Have you started thinking about college yet, and do you want to run at that level?
AW: Yeah, I think I do. I would say the only reason I wouldn’t is because of how much it stresses me out, but I feel like there’s more good to the sport than bad for me. It keeps me mentally sane and I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t run.
SJM: Are there certain qualities you’re looking for in a school?
AW: Academics are extremely important to me. I want to go to a school that, if I couldn’t run there, it’s still where I would want to be. I don’t want running to dictate where I go: I want [the school] where I want to be, to be where I run. That’s going to be really, really hard, but if I’m not able to run all four years because of injury or something else, I want to know that I still want to be there. So I think the community matters and I think the academics really matter.
SJM: Do you have any idea what you would want to study?
AW: I want to study psychology, because I think I want to be a psychiatrist or a nurse practitioner psychiatrist, specifically in pediatrics.
SJM: What else do you do for fun when you get a break from sports?
AW: I spend a lot of time with my friends. They force me to spend time with them, because I’m very much an introvert and I would rather stay home and sleep, since I’m always so tired from the school week. [Laughs] I also like to read, and hot Pilates and yoga is my favorite thing in the world—I’m obsessed with it. If I could do that every day, I would.
SJM: Have you always lived in Cherry Hill?
AW: I came to Cherry Hill in ninth grade. … I’m 50-50—I also live in Center City, so half the time I’m coming from Philly to go to school. I feel like I get the best of both worlds, because I have my Philly friends and I have my Cherry Hill friends and I get to see both sides of the community.
Kyle Wallace, Cherokee boys soccer
A senior midfielder and captain, Wallace made the all-South Jersey second team as a junior and is playing even better in his final campaign. One of the most dangerous playmakers in the area, he is looking to lead the Chiefs on a deep playoff run before continuing his career at The College of New Jersey.
SJM: Your team is once again one of the best in the Olympic Conference and a contender in South Jersey, Group 4. Did you expect to have the same amount of success despite graduating a large part of last year’s core?
KW: Losing 16 seniors was hard, but everyone who came back stepped up, we all had the same goals, and our chemistry stayed high.
SJM: Have you become more of a leader as a senior?
KW: This year especially, I have to talk a lot more and encourage the guys. There’s only two returning starters, so almost everyone is new to varsity and doesn’t have experience. So I’ve tried to encourage everyone, give them confidence and push them forward.
SJM: Have you focused on scoring more while still being a facilitator?
KW: I just try to put myself in the best spots possible for the team to win, whether it’s me scoring or dribbling through people and getting assists.
SJM: Do you like playing in arguably the toughest division in South Jersey, where you get a challenge basically every game?
KW: Yes. It’s fun because every game is going to be tough, whether you’re better than them or not. Every team puts up a fight in this division and every game is a battle. It’s a one-goal game almost every time—you can’t really blow anyone out.
SJM: What’s it going to take to go far in the playoffs?
KW: I think it’s going to take our chemistry to remain high and for us to play 25 strong. That’s what our coach stresses a lot—how the best teams have no divides in the group and everyone has the same goal. Everyone on the team matters the same amount.
SJM: Has soccer always been your main sport?
KW: Yeah, it has. I also play golf [at Cherokee].
SJM: What made you commit to TCNJ?
KW: I really like the coach and I’ve kind of always wanted to go there. I always wanted to play soccer and that was a big option for me. The coach showed me how much he was interested.
SJM: Do you know what you want to study?
KW: Probably finance. I’m a math guy.
SJM: What was it like to be featured on ESPN earlier this year, when your scissor kick goal was No. 5 on ESPN’s Top 10 plays of the day?
KW: That was amazing. I got pretty lucky but I just put myself in the right spot to score. I was sitting back post and I was going to head it back across, but it came in pretty high. … I was just trying to get my foot on it and I hit it perfect into the corner.
SJM: What else do you do for fun when you get a break from soccer?
KW: I hang out with my friends, I golf a lot in the summer, and I bowl a lot.
SJM: What do you like about growing up in South Jersey?
KW: I feel like all of the sports here are so competitive. Every team we play is tough. People in New Jersey are so competitive and I like that.
SJM: I know your dad was a standout tennis player. He never got you into that sport?
KW: I want to play tennis but [my parents] don’t think I could because I’m too hard on myself and they think I’ll break too many rackets.
SJM: You’re not like that in golf?
KW: No, because I have really expensive clubs and I know I can’t break them.
Devan DiSanto, Lenape gymnastics
DiSanto, a senior, is coming off a terrific junior season in which she was the all-around champion in the Olympic Conference, placed in the top 20 at states and made the all-state third team. She helped the Indians go undefeated and they are off to a perfect start this year as well.
SJM: What stands out as your favorite memory from last year?
DD: We beat Cherokee for the first time so that was a big thing, and we also made it to team states. That was really big for us too, because we had never made it to team states in the years I’ve been there. It was fun to experience that with the whole team.
SJM: What did it mean to you to win the individual conference title?
DD: That was a big goal for me and winning that made me feel so proud. I felt really confident in myself after winning that.
SJM: How can you tell during a meet like that when it’s going to be a good day for you?
DD: It’s kind of just the way that I feel, my energy, and how all of the girls are supporting each other. When we hype each other up, it brings the energy higher and I think that helps me perform better.
SJM: Have you been doing gymnastics since you were a little girl?
DD: Yes, since I was 3 years old. My mom brought me to a mommy-and-me class at The Little Gym, and the coach said to her, ‘Your daughter has something special.’ That’s how it all started. I always loved running, flipping around and all of that. It’s all I ever thought about.
SJM: Do you play any other sports?
DD: I do lacrosse too. I’ve been doing that since fourth grade and I also play in high school. But gymnastics is my main sport.
SJM: Do you know what you’re doing next year?
DD: I’m going to a four-year college. I’m going mainly for academic reasons, but if there’s gymnastics there, I would consider it for sure.
SJM: What kind of qualities are you looking for a school?
DD: Definitely something closer to home, within driving distance. I don’t want to be a plane ride away. I would say I’m looking for something medium sized and I would like there to be Division I sports. I also want good academics and a good feel for the school.
SJM: Do you know what you want to study?
DD: I’m thinking about hospitality management and maybe something in business as well. My mom’s best friend does event planning and she told me all about it, and it seems really interesting. I didn’t really have a set plan on what I wanted to do in college, so I thought that sounded interesting. It’s something new every day and you’re not doing the same thing. Being on the move seems more fun than sitting at a desk.
SJM: Do you have any certain goals for the rest of this season?
DD: Our team is strong again this year so winning sectionals is definitely a goal for us, especially since we came up just short last year. Making it to team states again and being a top team there is also a goal.
SJM: Do you and your teammates push each other and bring out the best in each other?
DD: Yes. We all cheer each other on, and when we make it fun it helps everyone do better. We always want the best for one another, and when we’re having fun together, everyone does their best. It makes us a better team.
SJM: Are there any gymnasts you look up to?
DD: I always liked watching Aly Raisman and Laurie Hernandez. They were both so sharp and clean and it was fun watching how amazing they were.
SJM: Do you like watching the Olympics?
DD: Oh yeah. I always watch the Olympics, especially gymnastics. It’s been such a big part of my life and it’s always fun to see what they can do. I can connect with them.
SJM: Do you have a favorite event?
DD: I would say floor. It’s the most fun for me to show off the dance and skills that I can do.
SJM: What else do you do for fun?
DD: I like to hang out with my friends. I like to go to the beach in the summer or just relax and go swimming.
SJM: Have you always lived in the area?
DD: Yes, I’ve lived in Mount Laurel my whole life. It’s pretty nice here. The schools and the academics are very good and all of the people are very nice.
Gabe Palaganas, Washington Township football
A senior edge and four-year starter, Palaganas has been a major contributor during a special era for the program. He is one of the premier pass rushers in South Jersey and has helped the Minutemen reach three sectional finals, win two of them, and capture their first-ever state championship in 2025 to cap off an undefeated season.
SJM: What has it been like to put Washington Township football back on the map over the last four seasons?
GP: It’s been fun, just playing with the same kids coming up [through youth football]. Obviously, we had a huge question mark coming into my senior year because we had over 40 guys graduate, and those were guys I had been playing with since I was 4 or 5 years old. People didn’t know what was going to happen this year, but Jalen Parker was a big pickup at quarterback and we’re [undefeated so far]. Proving people wrong has been great this year. … Playing with the younger guys has been fun and we keep winning.
SJM: What stands out as your favorite memory from last year?
GP: We had been playing together for so long, so to finish it out with a state championship was great, especially with everyone moving on to college and going their separate ways. I’m always the one that gets left behind, so I have one more year of high school, but that’s fine. [Laughs] Just to finish it out with the same guys was the best part. We literally won at every single level. I think that team lost one time, in 10U, but we came back and won the championship there too. The takeaway last year was finishing what we started when we were 5 years old.
SJM: Have you always been a defense-first player?
GP: Yes. I don’t have to think too much and it’s just instincts. Once I start thinking a lot—I’m not bad at it, but I would rather just react and make plays. I don’t have to think about the play or the formation.
SJM: You’ve produced a lot of sacks and tackles for loss during your career. What kind of impact does that have on the rest of the defense?
GP: It’s a great feeling. You have to work as a team to get a sack. When you move the pocket back and finish the job with a sack or a tackle for loss, it’s a huge momentum swing for the whole drive. It’s especially a great feeling when you get a sack at home in front of 3,000 people.
SJM: Are there any pass rushers you like to watch and borrow moves from?
GP: I would say Jalen Carter [of the Eagles]. He had a huge week this past week [against the Jaguars]—he really turned it on. I think I play exactly like him: I just look for an open seam and play instinctual football. There’s not a whole lot of thinking that goes into it, you just do it.
SJM: How’s the recruiting process going?
GP: I have a few Division I offers and I’m thinking it over with my family. We went down to Stony Brook and we’re going to go to Villanova, so right now it’s those two and also Kutztown and West Chester in Division II. Rowan is also [in the mix].
SJM: How long has college football been a goal of yours?
GP: Coming into freshman year, I was ready to play JV and then I stepped in on varsity. I was like, ‘I can hang with these guys.’ Playing scout team and going against seniors, I was doing well. I think that’s when I realized I had four more years to develop and then I could go play in college.
SJM: You got to play high school football with your older brother, Caleb, and your cousin, Luke Sheets. What was that experience like?
GP: I have three brothers, so growing up we were always battling each other in the house and trying to one-up each other. Coming into high school and being able to play on the same side of the ball as my brother, it was a dream come true. I look up to my brother and playing with him was great. Then Luke, my cousin, I don’t know how that happened. He joined the team and became all-state—he was a really good kicker. That was really cool.
SJM: Where are you in the line of brothers?
GP: I’m the youngest. One is 29, one is 22, then Caleb is 19. They made me tough.
SJM: Do you know what you want to study in college?
GP: I’m thinking business. If Villanova works out, they have a good business school.
SJM: What do you like about growing up in Washington Township?
GP: It’s just a good community. I still talk to my youth coaches every single day and the school has great teachers. Everything you need is close by and the beach is only an hour away.
SJM: What else do you do for fun?
GP: I like hanging out with my friends and I like fishing. I stopped playing video games recently—my brother moved out, so I don’t have any video games to play. But I like to go freshwater fishing. My grandmother has a lake in her backyard in Williamstown, so I fish there for bass and pickerel.
Matt Grossman, Eastern boys soccer
After making the all-conference first team as a sophomore, this junior has taken his game to another level this fall. He is a key playmaker for Eastern and has helped the Vikings emerge as a threat to win division and sectional championships.
SJM: Did you expect your team to be this successful again this season?
MG: We knew we were bringing a lot of guys back so we knew we would have a good group. We put a major focus throughout the year on building up for this season. We felt we had an opportunity to do a lot of great things, whether it’s the conference, sectionals or the Coaches Cup.
SJM: Do you personally feel more comfortable now that you have a year of varsity soccer under your belt?
MG: I think last year gave me an opportunity to grow my game and become more confident. I was playing under a teammate, Logan Cherkas, who taught me a lot, especially how to be a leader. I think that has allowed me to become more comfortable and able to take over the game in multiple ways.
SJM: Has soccer always been your main sport?
MG: Yes, since I was 3 years old. I just fell in love with it, and as time has gone on, I’ve loved it more and more. Everything I do is around a soccer ball.
SJM: Do you play any other sports?
MG: I used to play basketball but recently it’s just been soccer.
SJM: Have you started thinking about college yet?
MG: I would love to play soccer in college, but I think academics come first. I don’t want soccer to be the reason why I choose one college over another.
SJM: Do you know what you would like to study?
MG: I think I want to go into business. I want to choose a school with a good business program, and from there I can choose which category to go into.
SJM: Are you a big fan of soccer, and do you like to watch it when you’re not playing?
MG: Oh yeah, I love to watch. I definitely tuned in a lot during the World Cup and got to see most of the games.
SJM: Did you go to any of the World Cup games?
MG: I was supposed to, but then I had a soccer game so I wasn’t able to go to the game.
SJM: Do you watch the Premier League?
MG: Yes. My team is Manchester United. Although it hasn’t been fun recently, they’ve always been my team.
SJM: What’s it like for you to see South Jersey soccer players make it big, like Brenden and Paxton Aaronson?
MG: They’re definitely the major ones, being just a couple of miles away in Medford. I used to play under their dad, so we have videos of them. Just knowing that they were in my shoes, it’s really cool to know we’ve played on the same fields and the same places. Now they’re playing overseas, in the pros, on the national team, and it’s pretty inspiring.
SJM: What else do you do for fun when you’re taking a break from soccer?
MG: I like spending time with my family and friends. It’s just great to hang out and take my mind off school and soccer. I’ve also taken up photography a little bit and I take photos for the other sports teams at school. … I’ve mostly done basketball, because my brother was on the team last year.
SJM: Do you have any other siblings?
MG: No, it’s just us. We’re very close. With him at college we haven’t been able to talk as much, but when he was home we were really tight. He comes back soon so it will be nice to rekindle [our friendship].
SJM: Have you always lived in the area?
MG: I’ve always lived in Voorhees, in the same house. The people around here are so tight, especially in my town. I’ve had a lot of the same friends my whole life and it’s helped being so close with people I’ve known from 5 years old until now.
SJM: How do you prepare for a big game?
MG: For me, it’s definitely important to get a good night’s sleep. For the most part, I try not to focus on it too much throughout the day. A couple of hours before, I put some music on and just think about what I’m going to do during the game, and then it tends to happen.
SJM: Who is the funniest guy on the team—someone who can lighten the mood during a tough practice?
MG: I think it has to be Oluseye Fakorede. … You’ll see in photos where we’re having serious team talks, he’s be making a goofy face at the camera. He’s always making jokes and he’s a funny spark for the team.
SJM: Club is certainly a high level of soccer, but what do you like about playing in high school?
MG: My freshman year I didn’t get to play high school because I was playing for a club that didn’t allow it. I think what makes high school so special is that you’re playing with your best friends and trying to win for your school. Spending time with your best friends every day after school is the greatest thing. When soccer season ends, you just go home on the bus rather than go out and laugh with your friends on the field.
Gabby Rockell, Moorestown girls volleyball
Rockell, a senior outside hitter, recorded 129 kills and 43 aces to make the all-conference second team as a junior as the Quakers posted a 22-4 record. She has become even more of a force in her final campaign and hopes to lead Moorestown on a deep playoff run.
SJM: It seems like you’ve taken your game to another level as a senior. Have you been happy with your performance?
GR: Yes. I’m becoming more steady on the court as the season goes on, but I know I can still do better. Overall, I think our team has been playing great and I’m happy.
SJM: Do you have any certain goals for the rest of the season?
GR: I personally think we can make it to the state [playoffs] and do a great job. A smaller goal is just getting out of the little rut we’re in right now. Overcoming that is the first goal, and then we’ll focus on the playoffs.
SJM: How did you first get into volleyball? Did you start playing at a young age?
GR: No. I actually thought I was going to play soccer in college. That was my goal, and then I did a volleyball camp and loved it. I decided to quit soccer and I started playing volleyball in eighth grade. I played club in eighth grade, then I went to high school, and I’ve never stopped. It became my life.
SJM: What do you love about the sport?
GR: It’s so fast tempo and there are a lot of points, so that’s fun. I like how team oriented it is too. A lot of sports are like that, but every volleyball team I’ve been on, I’m become so close with all of the girls. I’ve made sisters out of teammates. It’s such a unique sport in that way, because the energy on your team matters so much.
SJM: Do you know what you’re doing next year?
GR: I don’t know where I’m going yet but I want to go to college and study architecture. I want to play club volleyball or intramural, but I don’t want to play on the official team unless it’s Division III.
SJM: How did you become interested in architecture?
GR: When I was younger, my aunt told me I should become an architect. I was like, ‘What even is that?’ But I came back to it because I love math, I love art and I just like how hands-on it is. Obviously, it’s a very hard major and it’s a hard job, but I just think it’s something I’ll never get sick of.
SJM: I know you played goalie for Moorestown’s state championship lacrosse team last spring. What did it mean to you to be part of that experience?
GR: It was unreal and it was such a cool moment for our whole team. Our coach had never won a state championship, so that was special. I had actually quit my sophomore year but then I came back last year because they needed a goalie. We had another girl who came in and did really well too, so we ended up splitting time, which was great. It was not an easy decision for me to come back, but I don’t regret it at all.
SJM: Playing goalie in lacrosse seems like such a tough job.
GR: Both of the sports I play are very mentally tough sports. In volleyball, every point happens from someone else’s mistake. And in lacrosse, I feel like every goal that goes in, I should’ve been there [to stop it]. But it makes me mentally tougher, so that helps.
SJM: What else do you do for fun when you have a break from sports?
GR: I like to sleep. [Laughs] I like to hang out with my friends—that’s a big one—and when I have free time during the day, I like to de-stress and bake. I like to try new things, whatever I’m in the mood for.
SJM: Do you like going to school at Moorestown?
GR: I do. It’s really cool to live in a town where you have so many opportunities.
SJM: Do you have a favorite teacher?
GR: I would have to pick two. One would be the JV volleyball coach who is also my homeroom teacher and my math teacher for two years, and that’s Mr. [Paul] Sinatra. The other one is my Latin teacher, who I’ve had for four years, and that’s Mr. [Chip] Witte. They both wrote me letters of recommendation and they’re my favorite teachers, for sure.
SJM: Who is the funniest girl on the volleyball team—someone who can make everyone laugh during a tough practice?
GR: There are so many of them. I like to think I’m funny, but I wouldn’t call myself the funniest. For me personally, I would say it’s Kendall Ward. She takes things seriously when she has to, but she can always laugh things off too. But every girl on the team can be funny, and if we’re having a tough practice we can all help each other out.
SJM: Do you have any pregame routines?
GR: We have to sit in the bleachers and watch JV, so I do that and listen to music to help me lock in. I also like to visualize myself playing so I can get a picture in my head of how I’m going to perform. I also watch film, and when I make up on a game day, I’m ready for the game. I get hyped up in the morning and all day I’m just waiting for the game.
SJM: Do you listen to any particular music before a game?
GR: It depends on my mood. I just listen to whatever I’m in the mood for and it’s nothing specific.
SJM: Do you like going to concerts?
GR: Yes. I recently went to two country concerts, Zach Bryan and Jason Aldean. I’m really into country music, but I also like rap and I like more calm music. I like everything.
Caitlin Olkowski, Shawnee girls soccer
A four-year varsity player, this senior midfielder has helped Shawnee win three sectional championships and one state title during her standout career. A Saint Joseph’s commit, she made the all-conference first team and all-South Jersey second team as a junior.
SJM: After becoming a varsity contributor right away as a freshman, is it hard to believe that you’re a senior and your career there is winding down?
CO: It’s really sad because my two best friends, Julia Ford and Maddie Zaun, are not going to be on the same club team as me anymore, and we had played club together for 12 years. So we’re never going to play together again [after high school], because we’re all going to different colleges and we’re not even in the same conference. I’m going to miss all of the girls, because it’s a family.
SJM: What a run it’s been for the program during your career. What has it been like to be part of it?
CO: It’s amazing. I feel like our bond got stronger every year and that helped us play even better. Freshman year we lost in the state final and we wanted revenge, and we certainly got it the next year. Then we lost last year in the state final, so this is our revenge season again. It’s like a mirror of sophomore year, hopefully.
SJM: Do you think you get everyone’s best shot throughout the season, because they all want to beat you so badly?
CO: Of course. I also feel like there’s a lot of pressure on us to make the state final, since we’ve made it the last three years. But that also makes us play better, since we have a lot riding on it.
SJM: What was it like to beat Paul VI earlier this season? That’s been a great rivalry lately.
CO: It was amazing. We beat them freshman year and sophomore year we beat them in the final [of the Coaches Cup]. Then last year we lost to them in the final of the Coaches Cup, so that was upsetting. I hope we see them again.
SJM: Do you know a lot of the players from Paul VI?
CO: Yes. I’m actually going to college with Eleanor Lawyer. I was just at Saint Joe’s with her [the other day].
SJM: What made you want to commit to Saint Joe’s?
CO: I was between a school that’s really far and a school that’s really close. I didn’t realize until the night before the deadline to commit that I couldn’t be far away. Coach Tori [Corsaro] and coach Jess [Mannella] from Saint Joe’s are like the best people ever, and I haven’t really had a girl coach in a while. I don’t think I’ve ever had a girl coach. They’re both really amazing and they hug me every time they see me, and the girls are great too. Once I went on my visit, I knew I wanted to go there. Two of my uncles, two of my aunts and my grandpop went there for track, so there’s a connection.
SJM: Do you know what you want to study?
CO: I want to do pharmacy. They have a really good pharmacy program—six years and I’ll be out of school.
SJM: What are your soccer goals for college?
CO: I want to go in and make an impact, for sure. I’ll definitely be training hard in the offseason to make sure I’m at my best athletic ability going in. Freshman year of high school I was timid, so I want to go in confident and make an impact as a freshman.
SJM: You were timid as a freshman at Shawnee? That didn’t stop you from being a key player right away.
CO: I was so scared though. I was scared before every game.
SJM: How long have you been playing soccer?
CO: Since I was 3 years old. I started playing rec, then I played at MSC for a while, then I went to Real and then I moved to [Philadelphia Ukrainians Soccer Club] three years ago.
SJM: Has soccer always been your favorite sport?
CO: Yes. I do track too, and I swam for 12 years in the summer. I loved swimming and it kept me in shape, but it wasn’t something I wanted to pursue. I thought about doing both soccer and track at St. Joe’s, but I decided that I just want running to be a fun thing and not a competitive thing.
SJM: Other than sports, I hear that you keep yourself quite busy at school. What are some of your other activities?
CO: I’m vice president of the student council, and for the National Honor Society I’m recording secretary. Last year I was the student council recording secretary. I’m involved in the Shawnee Leadership Academy too, which is a thing we have for the freshmen coming in. [Editor’s note: Olkowski is also an associate fellow for the Saint Joseph University Institute for Clinical Bioethics and volunteers to help the underserved community.]
SJM: Is it just your personality to be as involved as you can and to get the most of your high school experience?
CO: Exactly. My school is passionate about that and they drove that home my freshman year. I trust tried to get involved in everything I could, sports wise and club wise. I’m happy that I did. You meet so many more people.
SJM: What do you do for fun when you get a break?
CO: It’s hard because I play soccer an hour and 15 minutes away during club season. But I like to hang out with my sister a lot; she also plays soccer. It’s hard to find time for my friends, my boyfriend and my sister, but I think I’ve gotten better at balancing it.
SJM: Is your sister on the high school team?
CO: She’s on the freshman team and she’s having a great season. She’s probably going to do track too.
SJM: What do you like about growing up in South Jersey?
CO: It’s such a tight-knit community, especially the area where I live in Medford. A lot of people go off to college and then they come back, and it’s where I want to live when I grow up. Medford Lakes is kind of in the middle of Medford, so we bike to all the lakes and the summers are the best. It’s also only an hour from the beach, which is really nice, and an hour from Philly too.
SJM: Do you like to watch soccer?
CO: Yes. I watch the MLS: The Union have been doing really well and they score a lot, so it’s very entertaining.
SJM: Are there any players you like to model yourself after?
CO: I’ve always looked up to Carli Lloyd. I went to her camp when I was younger and I read her book. I’ve met her a bunch of times and she’s great.
STAR WATCH
FOOTBALL
Cole Anderson, Shawnee: Previously the Renegades’ starting quarterback for two years, Anderson has mostly shifted to running back as a junior and is one of South Jersey’s leading rushers.
Jalen Parker, Washington Township: New Jersey’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns, this quarterback joined the Minutemen for his senior season after winning two state championships at Winslow Township.
Xavier Sabb, Glassboro: The younger brother of current Alabama players Keon and Amari Sabb, this senior wide receiver/defensive back could have joined them in Tuscaloosa but will instead play his college ball at Oregon.
Anthony Tirico, Seneca: A four-year starter at quarterback, Tirico has over 10,000 combined passing and rushing yards and will likely end his career as the state record-holder. He is committed to Marist.
BOYS SOCCER
Henry Hall, Haddonfield: One of the team leaders in both goals and assists, this senior hopes to help the Bulldawgs capture the program’s first sectional title since 2011.
Dylan Platenecky, Cinnaminson: Platenecky, a senior forward, is among the top scorers in South Jersey and is approaching 50 goals for his career.
Nate Rivera, Moorestown: The Quakers are once again gearing up for a postseason run and this senior forward is a big reason for their success.
GIRLS SOCCER
Talia Armando, Cherry Hill East: Armando, a senior forward, has made the all-South Jersey second team each of the past two seasons. She will continue her career at Seton Hall.
Camryn Koerner, Paul VI: This senior has recovered from an injury that sidelined her for her junior season and reclaimed her spot as a key playmaker for one of the top teams in the state.
Mya Narcisi, Kingsway: A junior midfielder, Narcisi continues to create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. She is committed to Princeton.
FIELD HOCKEY
Blair Eber, Clearview: Eber has already eclipsed 70 career goals and her sophomore season isn’t even over yet. She is looking to lead the Pioneers to their fourth consecutive state title.
Brynn Harper, Delran: Harper, a dynamic junior playmaker, is leading the Bears in goals and assists for the third season in a row.
Tierney Heilig, Seneca: The daughter of legendary former Eastern coach Danyle Heilig, this sophomore is making a name for herself with her knack for finding the back of the cage.
GIRLS TENNIS
Sofia Basto-Cabrera, Shawnee: After reaching the quarterfinals of the state singles tournament, Basto-Cabrera will attempt to win her third straight South Jersey Interscholastic Tournament title to cap off her junior season.
Victoria vonHahmann, Shawnee: Another one of the Renegades’ talented juniors, vonHahmann won her flight at the Burlington County Open for the third time and advanced to the third round of the state singles tournament.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Campbell Basu, Washington Township: A senior outside hitter and four-year varsity player, Basu has accumulated over 700 kills and over 500 digs during her standout career. She will focus on beach volleyball at Florida Southern College.
Lydia Lucia, Camden Tech: This could go down as the greatest season in program history for the Warriors, and this junior outside hitter is a big reason why. She is among South Jersey’s leaders in service points and kills.
Lyla Rossi, Paul VI: The Eagles once again have one of the best squads in the state, and Rossi plays an integral role as their setter. Earlier this season she passed the 700-assist mark for her career.
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
Ben Realley, Cherokee: Realley, a senior, won the Burlington County Open earlier this season and should once again be a major factor at sectionals, states and the Meet of Champions, where he placed 11th last year.
Cian Sherlock, Cherry Hill East: This senior had top-five finishes at the Olympic Conference and sectional races as a junior and took first in his division at this year’s South Jersey Track Coaches Association Open.
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
Theresa Albertson, Eastern: Albertson, who placed third at sectionals as a sophomore, is rounding back into form after battling injuries last year.
Aubrey Bishop, Kingsway: After being crowned champion at the Gloucester County Championships earlier this season, Bishop is eyeing another title or two to close our her stellar career.
Grace Gutowski, Paul VI: Gutowski, a senior, has finished second at sectionals two years in a row and leads a terrific veteran core for the Eagles.
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Published and copyrighted in South Jersey Magazine, Volume 23, Issue 7 (October 2026).
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