Norfolk Academy girls basketball honors head trainer
NORFOLK, Va. — Everyone needs assists in the game of life, and on January 12, Norfolk Academy’s Varsity Girls Basketball team held its Someone Special Ceremony to honor individuals who have provided such support.
Teacher-Coach Neil Duffy came up with the idea for Someone Special several years ago, spurred by a humbling gesture from one of his former student-athletes. Inspired to pass along the good deed, Mr. Duffy brainstormed and thought it appropriate to dedicate an entire game to those who have provided similar kindness.
The basketball team collectively honored Head Athletic Trainer Antoinette Bailey, who has served at NA since 2004. In addition to taking care of countless student-athletes in her role as a trainer, Coach Bailey teaches physical education and helps with聽many other school programs, including Ninth Grade Leadership Lab. She is 鈥渁lways there for us when we need her,” the girls said, offering good advice, a laugh before practice, and sometimes 鈥榓 cheesesteak.鈥欌��
Then, one by one, players called up an individual who provides聽inspiration in their lives. Grandparents and godparents; moms and dads; older brothers and little sisters; coaches and teachers — all took a turn in the spotlight to hear heartfelt messages of appreciation for the practical — 鈥渄riving me to games and practices” — and the inspirational — 鈥渕aking me a better person” — often with a few jokes in the mix.
Then the team headed to Burroughs Gym to play a game dedicated to all those special people, who were in the stands to cheer them on. The聽Bulldogs earned a big win, defeating Northampton High School 45-18.
Here are the 2023 Someone Special honorees:
- Maria Delyannis:聽Mr. Leo Delyannis
- Natalie Tajan:聽Teacher-Coach Bess聽Oswald
- Lizzie Adams:聽Mrs. Michelle Bass Adams
- Gabby Harvey:聽Teacher-Coach Carter Furr
- Carey Boone:聽Teacher-Coach Catherine McCallum
- Carrie DeLeon:聽Teacher-Coach Cheney Doane
- Abigail Smith:聽Teacher-Coach Sarah Goodson
- Amelia Inderlied:聽Mrs. Kris Inderlied
- Lily Stockwell:聽Mrs. Marnie Morgan
- Lauren Harvey:聽Teacher-Coach Bess聽Oswald
- Alden Roberts:聽Miss Sallie Clark Roberts
- Gretchen Scott:聽Mr. Jonathan Scott
- Addy Hennessy:聽Mr. Brian Hennessy
- Mills Everett:聽Teacher-Coach Olivia Fox
- Ann Randolph Furr:聽Mrs. Kathy Finney
- Team:聽Coach Antoinette Bailey
- Coach Neil Duffy:聽The Louis J. Acompora Memorial Foundation
- Coach Olivia Fox:聽Coach Joanne Renn
- Coach Carter Furr:聽Teacher-Coach Witt Borum
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