Both girls field hockey and boys soccer had impressive seasons this year. Through hard work and determination, the teams were able to earn their places in championship games.

After an 11-4-1 regular season record and a 6-2 record for conference games, the field hockey team won the championship, beating Mercy High School 1-0.

Not only did their immense talent help to win the championship, but their teamwork, energy, and great attitudes also paved the way.

Senior Cali Sliwka feels extremely proud of her teammates. “Being a senior and my team winning the championship was such an incredible experience and accomplishment,” Cali said.

Winning a championship her senior year was something Cali will never forget. “I was filled with excitement walking in the doors on Monday and seeing the cup sitting on Sarge’s desk. It made me proud to be a player on the field hockey team.”

The journey to the championship was not easy. The team went through various training tactics to claim the title of IAAM ‘B’ Conference Champions.

Cali said, “We practiced every day and did different runs. We also did a lot of team bonding, and I think that truly helped us out.”

Team Manager Ginger Roarty said that it was “very exciting seeing the girls improve throughout the season. I believe ending the season on a win showed everyone how much we had improved and came together as a team.”

However, the championship win would not have been possible without Head Coach Tess Gauthier who led the team to victory and was also named the IAAM Field Hockey Coach of the Year. At the Immaculate Conception Mass, Athletic Director Seth Goldberg recognized Mrs. Gauthier and her significant contributions this season.

Regarding this honor, Mrs. Gauthier said, “Obviously, it is a wonderful recognition.”
Mrs. Gauthier led the team alongside assistant coach and alum Sammie Edwards. She said,

“[Coach Sammie] deserves much of the credit for our success. We worked very well together… so it is difficult to accept [Coach of the Year] as my own. I am grateful, but the recognition should be shared with her – which I have told her.”

The boys soccer team made it to the MIAA ‘A’ Soccer Championship in November. The team competed against Calvert Hall College High School and were defeated 2-1 in a heart-breaking double overtime.

Soccer Co-Captain Ryan Skandalis said, “It was an amazing accomplishment to top off our season by making it to the finals. Despite the loss, we were very proud to put up one of the best fights of the year and battle it out to the very end with an amazing opponent.”

Ryan said, after the loss, “the team was in shock. You could see on the field the emotion and devastation from the guys, but we huddled up and listened to all of our coaches tell us how proud they were of all that we have accomplished.”

Head Coach James Fendryk played a significant role in the team’s success. “He let us know when it wasn’t good enough and pushed us to stop settling for less than our potential. Regardless of a win or loss, there was always something to improve upon, and he made that lesson clear to us every day of the season,” said Ryan.

Mr. Fendryk took the Head Coach position “13 years ago on the premise that it would be a full program rebuild.”

“I had a detailed 10-year plan of what I wanted to do and what needed to happen for [the soccer] program to be able to compete for championships. It is rewarding to see that plan come into fruition because, from a soccer perspective, this has been the majority of my life’s professional work to this point,” Mr. Fendryk said.

After the season, Mr. Fendryk was awarded the Maryland Private/Parochial High School Coach of the Year. This award is voted on by many soccer coaches in Maryland.

“I am not really big on individual accolades for myself. I see this [award] more as a reflection of all of the hard work and countless hours my dedicated staff has put into JC soccer. They sacrifice so much of their time to help not just me, but the student athletes of this school, and any award that is given to me is truly theirs,” added Mr. Fendryk.