As the fall sports season comes to a close, we caught up with our team captains to reflect on the highlights, challenges, and standout moments from the season. This marks the start of Captain’s Corner, where each season we spotlight the voices of our student-athlete leaders.

Girls Soccer

(PCL Record: 5-4)

Led by captains Lacey Long ‘26, Kim Padilla ‘26, Abbey Genievich ‘28, and Ruth Bryant ‘26, the CEC girls’ soccer team showed resilience and growth throughout the season. The captains credited their strong friendships and team chemistry for keeping morale high through challenges like adjusting to first-year Head Coach Devon Swaim and a new system.

“The highlight of our season so far was going into overtime with St. Hubert’s,” said Padilla. Genievich added that team dinners and bonding moments made this year especially memorable.

Despite early adjustments, the Eagles remained determined to make the PCL playoffs. “We’ve been working hard to prove ourselves,” Bryant shared. The team also continued its game-day ritual of gathering in a pregame prayer to stay grounded and connected.

Head Coach Devon Swaim reflected on the team’s successful season: “The CEC Girls Soccer program wrapped up PCL play, winning three out of four games and earning a well-deserved playoff berth. Although the Eagles fell to Nazareth 1–0 in the PCL quarterfinals, the team finished with a 5–4 record in league play, their first winning record in the PCL since 2018 and 7–11 overall. They were led by four outstanding seniors: Kim Padilla, Lacey Long, Ruth Bryant, and Natashia Hunt. The team will return a ton of talent and experience next year and will look to build on the positive momentum they’ve created this season. The future is very bright for the CECGS program!”

Boys Soccer

(PCL Record: 5-7)

The CEC boys’ soccer team, led by captains Krystian Momot ‘27 Juan Correa ‘26 Jackson Held ‘26, and Chris DePaz Romero ‘27, rallied through a challenging schedule to climb back into playoff contention.

Momot highlighted the team’s comeback wins as one of the defining moments of the season. “Beating O’Hara and moving up in the standings showed how far we’ve come,” he said.

Correa noted the maturity and teamwork that set this year’s group apart. “There’s no individualism or greediness — everyone plays for each other,” he said.

Held and DePaz echoed that chemistry and faith were key. “We’ve learned how to play together and overcome adversity,” Held shared, while DePaz added, “We’ve faced injuries, but playing as one team keeps us strong.”

The team’s shared Hail Mary and Our Father prayers before each half became a grounding ritual and a reminder of unity.

Head Coach Mike Rigney reflected proudly on the team’s journey: “The 2025 season was one filled with growth, determination, and pride. From the first whistle in August to the final match in late October, this team embodied what it means to play for each other and represent the school. The leadership group set the tone from day one—pushing intensity in training and keeping spirits high through ups and downs.”

Rigney also praised the team’s character beyond the field. “Off the field, the team gave back through community service and youth soccer clinics, showing younger players what CEC pride looks like. The coaching staff saw this group grow tremendously, not just as players but as teammates. Their commitment, unity, and resilience define what it means to be an Eagle.”

He concluded by looking ahead with optimism: “Our season came to an end this past Friday in the PCL playoffs with a 2–1 loss to a very strong Roman Catholic team. The boys fought to the final whistle. With a talented core returning and a strong group of underclassmen ready to step up, we are looking forward to next season.”

Field Hockey

(PCL Record: 2-5)

With Clare Conaway ‘26, Lauren Berard ‘26, and Angelina Pandolfi ‘26 serving as captain, the CEC field hockey team built momentum and confidence throughout the season.

“The highlight so far this season was beating St. Hubert’s 10–0 in the pouring rain — it was so much fun,” said Pandolfi. She credited the team’s younger players and growing trust as keys to their success. “We had to learn to rely on one another, and that made all the difference.”

Head Coach Jen reflected proudly on the team’s steady growth: “We started off slow with a steady increase in cohesiveness as our senior leadership of Ang Pandolfi, Clare Conaway, and Lauren Berard stepped up to solidify our midfield and help secure a spot in the playoffs for the fifth season in a row.” She also highlighted the impact of new and returning players, noting that freshman Olivia Schafer led the team in goals and earned Second Team All-Catholic honors, while goalie Megan Embrico ‘27 recorded over 150 saves in her first season.

The team’s traditions — from pasta parties to matching hair ribbons — fostered a sense of togetherness and team spirit both on and off the field.

CEC finished the season in the first round of playoffs. 

Football

(PCL Record: 1-5)

With Dane Austerberry ‘27, Aubrey Kimbrough ‘27, and Abu Fofana ‘26 serving as captains, the football team was led through a competitive season filled with grit and perseverance.

“A highlight for me was returning a kickoff for a touchdown on the first play of the game against Boys Latin” said Fofana. He emphasized leadership through action: “I try to motivate my teammates by leading by example.”

Despite challenges, the team remained focused on their goal — making the playoffs and continuing to improve each week. The Eagles’ tradition of pregame prayer continues to anchor their team culture.

Head Coach Brian O’Hara reflected on the team’s progress and upcoming goals: “After a big win this weekend against Archbishop Carroll, we secured a chance to play Neumann-Goretti in the 3A play-in game in two weeks. We’ll honor our seniors at our last home game against Lansdale Catholic on Friday night and are looking forward to keeping our momentum going into the playoffs with a win this Friday.”

Football finished their season in the first round of playoffs. 

Cheerleading

Captains Sarah Ely ‘26, Lilyian Evans ‘26, Cassidy Slaven ‘26, and Riley Suppin ‘26 helped guide the CEC cheerleading squad through an exciting and goal-driven season.

“Our highlight has been hitting new stunts at every practice,” said Slaven. “We’re aiming to win finals and make it to Nationals in Florida.”

The squad’s close bond — both among teammates and coaches — has been key to their success. “We’re drama-free and really support each other,” she added. The team’s energy shines through every touchdown celebration, especially during their signature Eagle Hustle routine.

Head Coach Samantha Falconio reflected on the team’s progress and bond, sharing, “The CEC Cheerleading squad has brought the energy during football season, showing spirit, strength, and a new bond of sisterhood. From our new uniforms to performing new cheers and stunt sequences, this team truly gives it their all. Their growth, memories, and hard work have truly set the tone going into our competition season. Proud is an understatement.”

The Eagles will be cheering on the sidelines for the remainder of the football season as they prepare for the PCL Competition this winter. 

Golf

(PCL Record: 7-7)

Golf captain Brady Guzzie ‘27 led a growing team that saw increased interest and participation this season.

“The highlight for me was receiving All-Catholic honors,” said Guzzie. “We had great turnout this year and more players were excited to compete.”

Facing tough competition from PCL powerhouses like La Salle and St. Joe’s Prep, the team continued to improve and represent CEC with pride.

Head Coach Mark Tingle reflected on the team’s success, sharing, “We had a good season making the PCL Championships, and next year looks even better.” He also highlighted standout golfer Brady Guzzie, who earned All-Catholic honors and individually qualified for the District Championship.

Volleyball

(PCL Record: 8-3)

Captains Alia Schmidt ‘26 and Sophia Lodise ‘27 led a young and determined CEC Volleyball team through a standout season.

“The best part has been seeing us grow together,” said Schmidt. “We started 0–2 but practiced hard and won every game after that.”

Lodise echoed the team’s spirit and resilience. “We lost five starting seniors last year, so rebuilding was tough. But our bond is strong — we’re close on and off the court.”

From pregame prayers to singing the alma mater after every match, their shared traditions kept morale high as they aimed for a third consecutive trip to the state tournament.

Head Coach Sori Perez praised the team’s resilience and accomplishments, sharing, “It was truly a great season! Coming into it, I wasn’t sure what to expect after losing five seniors and having only three returning varsity players, but the team really stepped up. Their commitment to the plan and willingness to adapt made all the difference and ultimately led to our success.”

Perez also highlighted standout performances from several players: Alia Schmidt, who committed to Shippensburg University and earned 1st Team All-Catholic honors with 418 kills, 31 blocks, 39 assists, 375 digs, and 68 aces; Sophia Lodise, who earned 2nd Team All-Catholic honors with 147 kills, 209 assists, 142 digs, and 65 aces; and Hannah Ross, an All-Catholic nominee who finished with 93 kills, 211 digs, and 20 aces this season.

“I’m incredibly proud of how far we came and excited for what’s ahead,” Perez added.

Volleyball finished their season in the first round of playoffs. 

Girls Cross Country

Girls cross country captain Vittoria Stamato ‘27 led her team through a season of determination and personal bests.

“My highlight was placing 13th at a PCL meet,” Stamato said. She hopes to break 22 minutes in the 5K and qualify for states once again.

“This year is special because my younger sister joined the team,” she shared. Even through tough weather conditions, Stamato and her teammates encouraged one another to push through. Before each race, she leads the girls in a team prayer — a tradition that keeps their focus and unity strong.

Boys Cross Country 

Boys cross country captain Edward Larr ‘26 led the boys cross country team through a season defined by steady improvement and determination.

A highlight for Larr was running a new personal best of 18:37 at Belmont Plateau, the team’s most challenging home course. “We’ve been focusing on running more as a pack this year, which has really helped us during races,” he shared.

With goals of placing in the top two at Districts and qualifying for the State Championship in Hershey, the team continues to push one another through hard work and motivation at practice.

Despite facing a few injuries early in the season, the Eagles have stayed positive and are heading into championship meets healthy and ready to compete. Their pre-race tradition — a pasta party and a viewing of McFarland USA, keeps the team fueled and inspired before big races.

Head Coach Brian Wurtz reflected on the team’s progress, sharing, “The team is full for the first time in a while. The team is young, especially on the girls’ side, and they’ve been improving all season. Going into the winter season, we have a good amount of distance runners.”

Wurtz also highlighted standout performances, noting that senior Caitlyn Larr, who joined the team this year, made 2nd Team All-Catholic and has been a great addition. At the District Championship, five cross country members earned medals, with four of them qualifying for the State Championship.

The fall season brought unforgettable moments across all teams; wins, lessons learned, and memories that will last far beyond the scoreboard. Congratulations to our athletes for their hard work and dedication.

Stay tuned for the next edition of Captain’s Corner as we recap the winter season.