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 many other school programs, including Ninth Grade Leadership Lab. She is “always there for us when we need her,” the girls said, offering good advice, a laugh before practice, and sometimes ‘a cheesesteak.’”
Then, one by one, players called up an individual who provides 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 — “driving me to games and practices” — and the inspirational — “making 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 Bulldogs earned a big win, defeating Northampton High School 45-18.
Here are the 2023 Someone Special honorees:
- Maria Delyannis: Mr. Leo Delyannis
- Natalie Tajan: Teacher-Coach Bess Oswald
- Lizzie Adams: Mrs. Michelle Bass Adams
- Gabby Harvey: Teacher-Coach Carter Furr
- Carey Boone: Teacher-Coach Catherine McCallum
- Carrie DeLeon: Teacher-Coach Cheney Doane
- Abigail Smith: Teacher-Coach Sarah Goodson
- Amelia Inderlied: Mrs. Kris Inderlied
- Lily Stockwell: Mrs. Marnie Morgan
- Lauren Harvey: Teacher-Coach Bess Oswald
- Alden Roberts: Miss Sallie Clark Roberts
- Gretchen Scott: Mr. Jonathan Scott
- Addy Hennessy: Mr. Brian Hennessy
- Mills Everett: Teacher-Coach Olivia Fox
- Ann Randolph Furr: Mrs. Kathy Finney
- Team: Coach Antoinette Bailey
- Coach Neil Duffy: The Louis J. Acompora Memorial Foundation
- Coach Olivia Fox: Coach Joanne Renn
- Coach Carter Furr: Teacher-Coach Witt Borum
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