Harborfields Seniors Receive Sports Scholarships

By Alison DeMaria

Harborfields Central School District senior student-athletes Chandler Banks and Kristen Kelly recently received scholarships and committed to playing their respective sports next fall on the college level.

 Chandler, who plays on both the Harborfields varsity field hockey and girls lacrosse teams, will  play lacrosse next year at Columbia University as a goalie. Head lacrosse coach Kerri McGinty said, “I’ve had the advantage of watching Chandler shut down top opponents while she anchored our defense from goal. During the past three seasons, she has been named an All-Tournament player, earned All-Division Honors twice, and was recognized as an All-American and All-Academic recipient. Her leadership qualities combined with her talent and skill have made her one of the greatest assets to the lacrosse program.”

 Kristen will play basketball next year for New York Institute of Technology on a full scholarship. Head coach Russ Tietjen said, “I am really proud of the contributions that Kristen has provided to the overall success of the girls basketball program at Harborfields. She is a deserving athlete who has put in the time and effort all of these years. Her leadership, poise and talent were obviously recognized by college coaches who felt that her presence on the court would be a key attribute to their program.”

Students signed their letters of commitment in front of the high school’s athletic wall of fame while parents and coaches looked on. Harborfields Athletic Director John Valente, who coordinated the ceremony, said of the athletes, “Chandler and Kristen epitomize excellence in academics and athletics. Both of these role models have worked hard to earn this outstanding achievement. They, along with their parents and coaches, should be proud of this moment and future opportunities.”

Photo above: Surrounded by their parents and coaches, student-athletes Chandler Banks (left) and Kristen Kelly committed to playing their respective sports at the collegiate level.