1000 Points is Awesome. Being a Role Model is Priceless

The  Girls Basketball team had another outstanding season this year, finishing with a record of 20-8. In addition, during the year, each of the three seniors on the team broke the 1000-point level for points scored during their high school career.

These three young women are not only incredible athletes; they are also role models to a group of younger girls in town who all aspire to be just like their idols.

This adoring group of fifth grade fans first came to my attention after an early-season home game. While waiting for my daughter, Nikki, a sophomore on the team,

I noticed a few young girls sprawled out on the gym floor making posters.

I went closer and saw that they were creating “good luck” posters for the senior players, who were each approaching their 1000th point milestone. As the seniors walked out of the locker room and into the gym they were greeted by their fan club. The older girls joined the younger girls on the floor. It was a joy seeing them all together, laughing and talking. Sarah McTernan, a mom of one of the younger girls, said, with tears in her eyes, “they love these older girls. They are like a fan club. They think of the seniors like movie stars. They come to every game and love when they get time with them.”

I remember thinking, “Look out Justin Bieber, we have our own celebrities among us in Anna Lies, Emily MacDonnell and Jen Kuczynski” I was so struck by the idea of these three basketball players being such important role models to the younger girls that I decided to write a story and make a video about it. That day was the beginning of me taking photos and videos before, during and after games throughout the rest of the season.

After one home game, I videotaped the excited fifth grade fan club, sharing about the three seniors. They exclaimed, “They inspire us. We really love them. They are our role models. We want to be just like them someday. We want to be the next generation. Yes, we are the next generation. Class of 2019!”

As the basketball season drew to a close, I assembled photos and videos of the players and their fan club into a short video presentation, which I have attached. I also collected some reflections from the senior players, their parents and coaches, and a few parents of the girls in the fan club about the seniors as role models. I’m proud to present them below.

Before you read the quotes, remember: Being a role model is an awesome accolade. When one person inspires, encourages and provides motivation to another human being it is priceless. I encourage us all to become aware of how we may be role models in our own communities. And if you have had the privilege to have a role model in your own life, please thank them and then pay it forward by doing the same for someone else.

Emily MacDonnell, JDHS Senior Co-Captain and Role Model

“They're at every game and knowing that by stepping in the court and doing what we love to do has an influence on them. I'm glad that we could be there for them as role models on the basketball court and off”.

Jen Kuczynski, JDHS Senior Co-Captain and Role Model

“It is amazing to have this young group of girls look up to us. It feels like only yesterday when I was in their shoes and I looked up to the high school players. It is hard to believe that time has gone by so quickly and now we are the ones they look up to. They inspire me to be the best role model I can be and to be a better leader both on and off the court. It is such an incredible feeling to know that whether it's a home game or an away game, our biggest fans will be there cheering us on and giving us the energy to play well even when things aren't going our way.”

Anna Lies, JDHS Senior Co-Captain and Role Model

“These girls are the best fans ever. Win or lose, home or away, they were there. Jen, Emily and I are so lucky to have had the opportunity to be role models. I hope one day the girls will have their own fans, so they can fully understand how much their support means to us.”

Caity McTernan, Member of the Basketball Fan Club

“The girls on the Dayton Basketball team, JV and Varsity, are my role models because they have great sportsmanship, they always don’t mind talking to us after a win or lose situation, and they are amazing athletes. They influenced me for my playing and my sportsmanship. They are just so nice and amazing at sports.”

Elena Matarazzo, Member of the Basketball Fan Club

“They are not just Basketball show-off Jocks, they are all around good people who always take the time to talk to me. I also like the way they play as a team. They all have big expectations for themselves and I’m sure each one of them will go far. Go Dawgs!”

Julia Cohen, Member of the Basketball Fan Club

“I love going to the games. It is a great experience to be able to go to these games and stay around after to be able to talk to them. They are amazing basketball playersand I want to grow up and play like them. It has been a great season for them and us and I can’t wait until it’s our turn.”

Amy Cohen, Mom to Julia, Member of the Fan Club

“Julia’s interest in basketball, her self-esteem, confidence and excitement to pursue things she loves has all risen to a higher level through her direct experience with following the Dayton Girls since all last year and now having met and connecting to so many of them as well as Mr. Rennie as her principal who has also facilitated such a camaraderie and excitement for the game as well as her academics. It is nice to acknowledging the positive power of wonderful role models especially in today's world where there has been so much negative attention on the people who mistake their knowledge, power and influence to intimidate, abuse, or take advantage of our youth. Not all role models are that way and I am so happy to have an opportunity to show Julia that there are so many genuine, caring and good people in the world.”

Sarah McTernan, Mom to Caity, Member of the Fan Club

“I truly think Caity will remember this basketball season forever! She loved every minute of it. Not only did she LOVE watching the varsity girls play, she admired them so much that she became intent on improving her own game. She absolutely aspires to be a top player for JDHS Varsity basketball one day. She watched those games intently and truly learned from them. Caity plays on two teams herself and watches most of each of her three brother's games. In order to be allowed to go to all the varsity girls’ games, Caity had to manage her time wisely and get all her schoolwork done. And she did it. This season was a great learning experience for her from every aspect!!

Caity had a special admiration for the seniors this year. Caity's recreation team has some 3rd graders on it who look up to her and admire her for being good at basketball. Caity told me one day that she tries to be a role model to them just like the 3 seniors are to her. Too cute!!

Caity is already talking about next year's basketball season and fully intends on going to all the games next year. She has already has picked her role models – I love that she has picked those not just for their skill, but also for their attitude and sportsmanship. I thank all the girls for being so patient and welcoming to the younger girls, who insisted on waiting for and hugging them all, even after a tough loss.”

Sue Lies, Mom To Role Model and Senior, Anna

“As for role models – one thing stick in my mind with Anna. She was at Cristin Zavocki’s 1000-point game and she was so impressed with that – the players, the fans and the hype of the gym that she came home and proudly professed that one- day she was going to do that exact same thing. And she did. She was Katie’s age (or very close to it) and watching Cristin helped put in motion the course for her basketball career.

The fan club is Anna’s way of paying it forward. I know that she gets such a kick from them being so into her, the team, and it makes her heart soar with pride. She really loves it and wants nothing more than to keep the momentum going for other girls. She felt the excitement as a kid watching the ‘big’ girls play and now she is that big girl. Her actions will possibly give these girls the drive to keep practicing so that one day they will be the ‘big’ girls to the next generation. And so on and so on.”

Frank and Elaine Kuczynski, Parents to Role Model and Senior, Jen

“It seems like only yesterday that Jen, Emily and Anna were young girls looking up to others. How quickly high school has gone and they all have grown and matured to now become role models for others.

Over the last four years we have seen Jen not only care very deeply for her basketball team, she has matured into a young woman that others may want to emulate. Jen wears her heart on her sleeve and is always there coaching, teaching and mentoring the young players. These leadership qualities will serve her well in college and life. We wish all the girls continued success after high school.”

Faith MacDonnell, mom to Role Model and Senior Emily

“We've been watching the girls play together for so many years. It has been a joyous ride seeing them develop as players and teammates, but nothing has compared to watching these beautiful young women become leaders and role models.

Sure it's great to have them all reach the 1000-point milestone this year – a testament to their hard work and unselfishness, but what is truly amazing is their willingness to be so supportive of their teammates and especially their younger "fans". After each game, win or lose, they took the time to greet the girls and their parents, always sharing a laugh and some photo ops. I couldn't be prouder of these three girls and what lovely women they have become!”

Pat MacDonnell: Dad to Role Model and Senior, Emily

“The brilliant composer Stephen Schwartz wrote my favorite lyric: "and time weaves ribbons of memory to sweeten life when youth is through."

Thanks to these remarkable young women, I will always have their spirited, unselfish play in my heart. Thanks to the extended Dayton family for years of love and support. I wish a lifetime of sweet memories to every one of you. 

Dave Rennie: Head Coach of JDHS Girls Basketball

“The Dayton Girls Basketball and Youth Basketball connection started many years ago with basketball clinics and a summer basketball camp. Once I saw the excitement and enthusiasm from both the young girls and the Dayton girls I knew this was something that had to continue. This year it seems to have reached a newlevel of engagement between the two groups. The young players are in awe of the Dayton Team, in particular the three seniors. Anna, Emily and Jen, as well as the rest of the team, are so excited to be looked upon in such high regard and have fully come to understand the positive impact they have on these young girls. The Dayton Team epitomizes what being a role model is all about. Many of the youth players love the game so much BECAUSE of the Dayton Team. I can think of no higher compliment for a high school athlete than to admired by the youth players in the way that the Dayton Team is admired. Anna, Emily and Jen are idolized by these youngsters in a way I’ve never seen before. “

Dave Campbell, Assistant Coach of JDHS Girls Basketball

“Emily is a natural with children. At clinics she made her station "the station” with the enthusiasm and energy she brought. Maybe because the kids saw how hard she played and was only slightly taller than them they tended to gravitate to her before and after games. I will always remember that after we loss to Bloomfield Tech and the groups of girls who followed all season were giving out basketball lollypops that Jen was behind me, still upset over the loss. Caity McTernan walked past us and didn’t see Jen. Even in that moment where the finality of her high school career ended had hit her, Jen took the time to tap her on the back as she passed and manage a smile and a wave. The girl was ecstatic and kept on walking. Jen understood that that simple gesture meant the world t that girl. Ana was amazed and mindful of the role she played to the youth of Springfield. When real life moments came into play on and off the court Anna recognized the potential effects it could have on her "fan club". Anna let the kids enjoy her culminating moment with her when she scored her 1000-point. She understood that to them it could be a motivating factor in their basketball careers.”

Kim Levering, Volunteer Coach of JDHS Girls Basketball

“Everyone needs a role model, someone to look up to, someone to push you to reach your goals, someone to excite you about life, Anna, Emily, and Jen are three stellar examples of just this.”

Sara Steinman, former JDHS basketball player (2004) and Assistant Basketball Coach at Moravian College:

“This trio of seniors for the Dayton Girls Basketball team has certainly left a lasting impression. Three 1000-point scorers from the same grade is a very special and rare accomplishment. Not to mention, continually being a top contender in the conference, county, and group 1 under their leadership has earned them much respect. However, what really makes these young ladies stand out the most is their impact off the court. I had the opportunity to speak with a group of 6th graders from Springfield earlier this winter and when Emily McDonnell's name was mentioned their eyes instantly lit up. Their admiration for Emily was unbelievable and I think they have even unofficially formed their own fan club. The impact these seniors have on youth basketball players in town is amazing. Emily, Anna, and Jen are perfect examples of what it means to work hard and never give up. It is really important for young girls to have these positive influences in their lives. So often, we hear about how professional athletes and celebrities make poor role models for our youth, but in reality, the real role models are best found right in our own communities.

I can still remember seeing this trio sitting in the stands at basketball games when I was a player at Dayton. I am sure they all had the same thought: I cannot wait until it is my turn to put on that blue and orange uniform (but, they have much nicer uniforms now than we ever wore)! When they were in 3rd grade, playing recreation basketball on mini hoops, people said they had potential to do something great. Ten years later, after countless hours of practice, battling injuries, overcoming adversity and developing a passion for the game, they have done just that. More importantly, they have left a legacy for younger players to strive toward.”

Mary-Alice Zavocki, New Jersey Crusaders AAU Coach

“I think that it's great that Jen Anna and Em are Viewed as role models by the young kids in Springfield. Because they are each blessed with a special character that drives them to work their tails off when the spotlight isn’t shining and no one else is watching. They dedicate themselves both on and off the court to be the best teammates they can be through honest accountability, their dedication to each other to be the best "part" of their team they can be, and establishing a team-first mentality that always makes winning the number one goal. Personal accomplishments were never what it was about for those 3 kids. They never missed AAU practices or AAU games. They sacrifice for each other and for their teams, because they understand the big picture. Basketball is a game, but through it, they've learned life skills that they will use forever. They've had to persevere through concussions, ACL tears and broken bones, but never in those difficult times did they think about giving up; and that’s a true role model. When adversity and disappointment stared them in the face they were always at their toughest and its what has helped them to become some the best players in the county.

They have evolved into extraordinary leaders; and I am so proud to have had the chance to coach them. It’s been a pleasure to watch them develop into players that kids should look up to! They get it. They understand what it takes because they are special people, aside from being great players. They have helped to established a program in Springfield where it’s about winning the right way and they have left a mark at JDHS that will never be forgotten.”

Lisa Athan, Fan of JDHS Girls’ Basketball and Author of this Article

Thanks to all of you contributed in any way to this project. I thank Emily, Anna and Jen for being awesome role models. I thank their parents who are not only friends but also wonderful role models to other parents, in so many ways including being dedicated parents. I thank the fan club for being so awesome and allowing me to take so many videos and photos of them at the clinic and at games. I thank the coaches who are dedicated to teaching, inspiring and encouraging their players to be the best they can be. I thank the fan club parents who often worked their schedules around the game times just so their children could be there to cheer on their idols. And I thank my own family who helped by patiently listening to this article and video over and over again these past few days. It has been so much fun to do and has brought tears to my eyes many times.

Those of you who know me on Facebook know I love to share quotes and here is one of my favorites by Leo Buscaglia.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”