Just a short note to recognize the outstanding game played and coached by these schools Friday night.  It was an emotional, hard fought game; yet all participants were models of sportsmanship and respect.  Girls were playing physically, aggressively; contact will happen in the course of play when players are battling.  Multiple times players (from both sides) extended hands to help up opponents who had ended up on the floor due to diving for the ball, or just in the physical effort extended.  Coaches from both sides were exemplary; coaching; in control of themselves and their teams.  Sadly, this is more often the exception than the rule; for some reason it appears many adults in positions of leadership and teaching model the exact opposite; baiting and challenging officials, creating a hostile environment for parents and spectators to join in.  Too many coaches think “working” the officials is part of the game, and spend the game constantly complaining and exhibiting poor sportsmanship.  Some will not allow their players to act this way but think nothing of the example they are setting themselves.   All the coaches involved last night were exceptional; and, their student athletes reflected this true catholic ideal; to compete with integrity, act with compassion.  Please forward my appreciation to the coaches and players from both teams.

Congratulations and good luck in the future.

Gloria A Joseph

Official