This fall the Athletic Department is honoring Penguin athletes who make an impact on their team’s experience and outcomes, whether as individuals or in collaboration with teammates. Formerly known as “Athlete of the Week”, this new approach may nominate more than one student-athlete, or even a team. Honorees thus far this fall include the following Penguins:

Lexi Browell ’21 

(Westminster, MA) is an integral part of the Cushing Varsity Field Hockey team on and off the field. She has run the center mid position for both the team’s wins this season and never came off the field in the team’s huge win against Governor’s. Although Lexi “only” had one assist, she hit three crossbars and dinged a post over a two-game span. Lexi applies considerable pressure to the opposing defenses, plays at a tremendous pace, and has an excellent field hockey IQ. She has evolved from a skill player to one of the most dominant center mids in New England.

Alejandro Nila Cimino ’23 

(Huixquilucan, Mexico) is a newcomer to the JV Boys’ Soccer team and has immediately proven himself to be a talented, focused, and hardworking Penguin. Alejandro is a consistent player with excellent skills and solid practice habits. He continually amazes his coaches with the commitment and attention to detail in his play. Alejandro scored two goals in the team’s first home game of the year and followed it up by scoring all five of the team’s goals against Wilbraham & Monson Academy. Most recently Alejandro continued on his goal-scoring streak by depositing two into the back of the New Hampton net in a solid team display. He is a humble young man who has embraced working with and for his teammates as any true Penguin does.

Harry Harmon ’21 

(Ashburnham, MA) is a multi-talented Penguin whose passion for the game of soccer shows each day. Harry is a three-year starter on the Varsity Boys’ Soccer team and is relied upon heavily by his teammates. He works extremely hard to keep the defensive back line organized, communicates effectively, and maintains positive interactions with his teammates to assist with their development and improvement. In addition to the work not seen on a scoresheet, Harry recently had the game-winning goal as well as an assist against Wilbraham & Monson Academy. He followed it up the next day with another assist against Trinity-Pawling. Harry is a positive influence, whether at practice or on game day, leading by example.

Kate Montigny ’20 

(Shrewsbury, MA) is a multi-sport athlete who has led the Cushing Varsity Volleyball team to 6-0 start this season. The biggest win came against Lawrence Academy, a team the Penguins have not beat in many seasons. Kate’s play in both the front line and the back row is consistent, and this consistency keeps the Penguins in the game. She has a knack for throwing out great passes, knowing when to spike instead of doing a push, and when to speak up to rally her team. Kate’s willingness to not only get better herself, but to make her teammates better is one of her most admirable qualities. She’s the true definition of a leader.

Ashleigh Reid ’20 

(Bloomfield, CT) is a multi-sport athlete who is currently anchoring the net on the Varsity Girls’ Soccer team. Ashleigh has played on varsity for several seasons as the goalkeeper after having never been a goalkeeper and taking over the position to help the team. And help the team, Ashleigh has! The best game of the season to date for Ashleigh was against Lawrence Academy, where she shut out the Spartans by being confident and aggressive. Ashleigh is a leader on and off the field and Penguin Nation looks forward to her continued growth as her senior season progresses.

Varsity Girls’ Soccer 

Varsity Girls Soccer started their 2019 campaign on a tear with wins over Berwick Academy, Dana Hall School, and Lawrence Academy. The girls have shown grit, resilience, and determination throughout these games, especially the Berwick and Dana Hall games, when the team was down late in the matches and made amazing comebacks. Their latest win over Lawrence Academy was a statement win as it has been many seasons since the Penguins have overcome the Spartans on the girls’ soccer pitch.