Impressive resumés

Westisle athletes of the year Hackett, Smith close out high school on a high note

ROSEBANK, P.E.I. – Macy Hackett and Nathan Smith bolstered their resumés while closing out their athletic careers with a bang at Westisle Composite High School.

The Grade 12 students were recently named Westisle’s athletes of the year for the 2021-22 P.E.I. School Athletic Association (PEISAA) season.

HACKETT

Hackett, a seven-sport athlete, received an award in each sport. Hackett was named the most valuable player (MVP) in cross-country and track and field; most improved player (MIP) in senior AAA volleyball and senior AA basketball; the best defensive player in senior AA basketball; best female player in badminton; best new lifter in powerlifting, and a league all-star in softball. Hackett also received a PEISAA academic achievement certificate.

“(It’s) something special when you meet an athlete with great potential,” said Westisle staff member George Kinch, who introduced the female athlete of the year. “It’s hard to explain, but she had that; she constantly would strive to be better and never say that is good enough.”

Kinch went on to praise Hackett’s work ethic, which he described as second to none. What is even more impressive is Kinch noted Hackett juggled four school sports all at the same time. “This student is one of the most unassuming athletes I have had the opportunity to coach,” said Kinch. “She lets her work ethic do her talking.

“She was a late starter to both cross-country and powerlifting, but in the short time through hard work and unwavering dedication, she worked her way to be a top runner and powerlifter in the province.”

Hackett will attend UPEI and study nursing.

SMITH

Smith, who will study business at Crandall University in Moncton, N.B., earned MVP honours in senior soccer and basketball. An example of

Smith playing games the right way is he was named a recipient of a sportsmanship award.

“This young man’s successes are both on the court and in the

classroom,” said Westisle athletic director Brett Corcoran. “He is one of the most polite students we have at the school, always friendly and up for a good conversation about the game the night before.

“His positive attitude, motivation

to excel, and leadership qualities, all while wearing his emotions on his sleeve, will all be huge assets as he moves on next year.”

Corcoran described Smith as an exceptional student-athlete and praised his leadership qualities.

Corcoran went on to say Smith led by example through a relentless work ethic while committed to a team-first approach and was always eager to learn and improve each time he stepped onto the pitch or court.

“Throughout the last three

years, there is no student at Westisle that has put more time into the gym to improve their shot, and when you see him on game days for either of the sports he plays, you can notice the focus on his face,” said Corcoran.