MASCAC Fall Sportsmanship Team Announced

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications 

SALEM, Mass. -- On November 30, 2023 the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) announced its Fall 2023 Sportsmanship Team. The MASCAC Sportsmanship Team is intended to recognize one student-athlete from each team, in every sport that best demonstrates the values of the MASCAC and its Sportsmanship Statement, regardless of their overall performance or statistics for the season.  

Sophomore volleyball Presley Shairs (Salem, Mass.), women's soccer grad-student Hannah Magee (Salem, Mass.), sophomore golfer Henry Stonehouse (Belmont, Mass.), field hockey grad-student forward Caroline Hebert (Upton, Mass.) and junior men's soccer goalie Jonathan Chasse (Haverhill, Mass.) were all named on the MASCAC Sportsmanship team.    

Sharis expressed what the achievement meant to her. "I love the sport and I try to put everything into it. Getting recognized means a lot because it means my work is paying off and being noticed by others." 

She spoke about how surprised she was when she got the news. "I was pretty surprised. I didn't know about it until I went to the dining hall, and someone congratulated me!" 

A game that stood out for the Salem native was against Bridgewater when the Vikings defeated the Bears in five sets on Saturday October 7 at Twohig Gymnasium.  "Bridgewater was a big change from playing them the previous year. We played together as a team and had a much better attitude and mindset. I feel like we're continuing to grow and I'm really excited for next season."  

The sophomore expressed what her teammates mean to her. "The team means a lot to me. Volleyball is a team sport, you can't do anything alone. We have gone through a lot together and we continue to bond and grow."  

Sharis gives a lot of credit to her teammates. "They have given me the space to develop as a player and play my role on the team. It was a lot to figure out how I fit exactly, but my team has supported me in that."  

She talked about what she wants to work on for the upcoming season. "I want to continue to develop my game in every aspect. I know I only have two seasons left and I want to make the most of my time and career." 

She talked about what kind of message she has for the rest of the student-athletes here at Salem State. "We only have a short time here as athletes, and for a lot of us, this is the end of our careers. Put the work in and give it everything while you can." 

Magee spoke about what this recognition means to her. "After competing as a student-athlete for Salem State in multiple sports over the past six years, it's an honor to be recognized by the MASCAC as a part of their Sportsmanship Team for the first time this fall."  

The grad-student talked about what this achievement means to her. "I feel privileged to be named for an award that aligns with my core values, such as showing respect for others and embracing inclusiveness."  

A game that stood out to her was when the Vikings traveled to North Adams and beat MCLA  1-0 on the road on Oct. 14.  "One game that really stands out to me is when we took the long ride out to MCLA this fall in the vans after a mix up with our buses. I had been fighting an injury, and it was my teammates that helped me get through that. Despite this, we all came into the game looking for a win, and we fought hard until the very end with a game-winning goal from Jenna Mitza. The feeling that day was indescribable." 

She talked about what her teammates and coach Wood mean to her.  "As for my coaches, I have known Nicolle Wood since I was in elementary school, when I attended the Salem State youth soccer camps. I was able to build a good relationship with her and I had the benefit of being able to play for her at the collegiate level. Our assistant coach, Jacque[line] [Hughes] was also a great influence on me. My teammates mean a lot to me, and our chemistry is something I will hold onto for a lifetime."  

The Salem native spoke about what she will miss the most as a Viking. "What I will miss the most about my time in a Viking uniform is waiting to be called in the starting lineup. The excitement of hearing my name, followed by running through the line giving my teammates high fives. That feeling is something I will truly miss."  

She has a message for the rest of the student-athletes here at Salem State. "There are going to be tough days when it comes to being a student-athlete, juggling the responsibilities of schoolwork, practices, games, family, a social life, among other things. Even through all of that, it is those around you that can provide you with the support you need. You are not alone, and do not be afraid to ask for help."  

She talked about her future plans as she is graduating in May with her master's degree. "I plan to be a Physical Education teacher at the elementary level."  

Stonehouse talked about what the achievement meant to him. "It is a big honor to for me to have received this award. Being a good teammate and showing good sportsmanship is what matters most. I take receiving this award as a huge compliment and I'm very grateful to be a part of Salem State golf."  

An invitational that stood out to him was when the Vikings visited Nevada on October 9 and 10. "I would say the tournament we played in Vegas this fall. It was a great bonding experience for all of us who were lucky enough to go, and having parents there as well made it really special."  

He added, "My friends and family have given me a lot of support for this. I know my parents are happy, they raised me to be a good person, so I'm thrilled to make them proud." 

He talked about how much credit he gives to his teammates. "I look up to our two captains on the team Ethan [Doyle] and Danny [DiLisio] as well as others, but we have a great group of guys and it's just been so much fun." 

The Belmont native has a message for the rest of the student-athletes. "My message to other student-athletes would be it's been a fun experience for me so far, and all of us on the golf team try to represent the school the best we can."  

Hebert is a grad-student from Upton. "I am so honored to be recognized for the sportsmanship team. I have always been proud to be a part of the Salem State field hockey team. This is my first time earning this award!"  

She spoke about what the achievement means to her. "This is an important achievement to me. I have always been focused on getting to know my team members on a personal level. I wanted to create support both on and off the field for all my teammates. My teammates have been some of the best people I have met. I wanted us to succeed together and create fun memories to look back on. Looking back on my entire field hockey career at Salem State, I have always admired how my team carried themselves while playing opponents, whether we won or lost." 

A game that stood out was when Salem State defeated Fitchburg State in the first round of the MASCAC quarterfinals at Alumni Field on November 1, 2023. "One game that stood out to me this season was our quarterfinalss playoff game. We had the privilege of hosting the playoff game, which was a huge achievement compared to previous seasons! We were so excited for that game. It was an intense game. The score was close, but my team came together and had some of our best plays all season. Multiple players on my team scored. There were so many fans supporting us from the fan section, which helped hype us up even more. We won the game and were so excited to move onto the semifinals. That game was also freezing!"  

The business major spoke about what her coaches and teammates mean to her. "My coaches and my teammates from Salem State mean the world to me. Karen [Atkinson] and Kelly [McCarthy] are the most supportive and admiring coaches I have ever had since I started playing when I was 11. They helped me to further fall in love with my favorite sport. They helped me reach personal goals I never imagined accomplishing. As for my teammates, they are some of the best friends I have made since I went to college. I have so many unforgettable memories I will forever cherish with each of my teammates. I'm so happy field hockey brought me to these girls. I'm looking forward to the future of our team and I'm so happy to be a part of the Salem State field hockey team." 

Hebert as well has a message to the student-athletes of Salem State. "The biggest message I have for the rest of the student-athletes is to enjoy every moment of being a part of your team. These will be some of the best moments in life you can later look back on. Don't take your time here for granted. Take the time to fully get to know all your teammates and connect on a deeper level. It's fun to be a part of a group who all have a deep passion for your favorite sport." 

In conclusion this is what she liked to add about the award. "I'd like to add that sportsmanship is important outside of sports as well. Having good sportsmanship will help to improve any environment you are a part of. If you support others, others will support you. In life, we're all in this together!"