Bears For Life

Ursuline athletes headed to the big leagues

The Ursuline Academy athletic program has significantly evolved over the last three decades, transforming from a “one sport a season” pastime to a competitive program featuring fourteen varsity teams.

Ahead of its time in many ways, the program was up and running long before stipulations of Title IX slipped in to open doors for female athletes. Since Ursuline’s mission is to provide a well-rounded education for young women, a program was put in place shortly after the school opened, offering volleyball, basketball and softball to interested athletes. Over time, as the emphasis on health education for young people grew, so did the number of athletes representing the Bears.

A well-organized athletic program in an academically renowned school often breeds a collection of outstanding and well-rounded athletes. In the past twenty years, we have recognized three students for scoring 1000 points on the basketball court, seen numerous young women honored by the MIAA for balancing sports and school, and have proudly cheered-on a handful of athletic achievers as they embarked on careers as collegiate competitors.

The Class of 2010 is fortunate to have many accomplished athletes, each of whom exhibited leadership and commitment as they moved up the ranks. However, for Dana Weston and Katie Kenney, the journey is only beginning, as they prepare to leave the Bears in June to join Division I collegiate programs next fall.

Katie checks out her time.

Come September, all-scholastic athlete Katie Kenney of Dedham will dive head first into a career with the Boston University Terriers, as a member of the Women’s Swim Team. With a solid finish to her high school career last Saturday, finishing first in all of her races, she is looking forward to being a small fish in a bigger pond at BU.

“I couldn't be happier about my choice to commit to Boston University. It is a great fit for me,” she says. “The school has a very strong program for the area of study that I want to go into - physical therapy, and when I went on my recruiting trip I clicked immediately with the coaches and the team. I'm really looking forward to my next four years as a Terrier!”

As for volleyball captain Dana, whose team wrapped up the season with an impressive 13-4 record and chance at the tournament, a smaller pond with a winning team is worth the trip to Worcester.

Dana, ready to strike back.

“I am so excited to continue my volleyball career at a school I absolutely love,” says Dana, who will join the College of the Holy Cross Crusaders in September. "Volleyball is my passion and I cannot wait to learn more about it and to evolve into a better player at a collegiate level.”

While some athletes pursue college-level careers and others are recruited, it is well known that coach’s ultimately hope to attract dedicated athletes who will be able to stay above water academically as the season heats up. Holy Cross Volleyball Coach Marritt Cafarchia says that she asked Dana to join the team because of her great ability and academic promise.

“I saw Dana play on a couple occasions this summer," says Cafarchia. "She plays with passion and has fantastic athletic ability.  Not only is Dana a great player, she is also a great student and more importantly a great person.  Dana puts her heart into achieving what she wants. We look for players that have enthusiasm, drive and determination to succeed, like Dana.” 

With two seasons still ahead for Ursuline's senior class, it will be interesting to see if any more students decide to pursue dreams of collegiate athletic glory. However, no matter where their paths may lead, it is comforting to know that every UA athlete is a Bear for life.