Congratulations to Grace O'Brien who recently graduated Galway High School for being named one of 10 scholastic award recipients for 2023 by the Capital District Sports Women of the Year organization.
Grace was a three-sport student athlete who competed in volleyball, basketball, and track and field throughout her high school career. She was an academic scholar five times, received a scholarship from the University of Rochester, and was presented with the George Eastman Young Leaders Award. She founded the Spanish Club at Galway Junior/Senior High School and was a member of the Student Senate.
Athletically, Grace was a First Team WAC All-Star in both her junior and senior seasons. She was a First Team All-State Class C volleyball selection last fall. She was the WAC MVP and Top Scholar-Athlete in the WAC and a WAC All Star in basketball.
In community service work, Grace organized a donation to UNICEF for children in Ukraine. They made and sold bracelets that said "We stand with Ukraine," All the profits made were donated to UNICEF. Grace worked for the Clean Up Great Camp Santanoni program in Newcomb. This camp in the Adirondacks was built in the 1890s and has been passed down through many families. Now the camp is open to the public and in the late spring, Grace and other volunteers clean the debris from the winter. She also helps with scorekeeping services for girls modified and JV basketball games.
“Grace was a 4-year starter on the Galway Varsity volleyball team, and she never missed a game or a start in her career. She played every position (except libero) and was a tremendous leader on and off the court. This season, Grace helped our team get back to the State Final Four and was named NYS First Team All-State, WAC Mohawk Division MVP, WAC Overall MVP, WAC First Team All-League, NYS Final Four All-Tournament Team, and Exceptional Senior Team. She finished the season with 214 kills and 434 assists, bringing her career totals to 556 kills and 915 assists.”
~ Mike Glenn, Galway Girls Varsity Basketball Coach
“Grace is a very versatile athlete and can perform in a wide variety of events. She was a key member of our relays as she is a natural runner with a beautiful stride. She works hard in practice and has never been absent from a meet or a practice and has been a model of consistency in her efforts.”
~ Geoff Maliszewski, Galway Track and Field Coach
“Grace is a great teammate. She is a role model for other players both on and off the court. Grace is always working to make the team better. Her number one goal is for the team to be successful.”
~ Phil Meashaw, Galway Basketball Coach
“Grace is the type of athlete who brings positivity, confidence, and unity to her teams and community at large. She has many academic accolades, even more athletic accomplishments, and she creates a culture of unity and progress.”
-Elise Britt, Former Galway CSD Athletic Director, Assistant Principal
Grace will be recognized at the Capital District Sports Women of the Year Awards Gala on Monday, August 7, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at the GE Theatre at Proctors in Schenectady. Tickets are available online at proctors.org or at the Proctors Box Office.
The Capital District Sports Women of the Year organization (CDSWOY) honors the best and brightest female student athletes from high schools and colleges in the Capital District of New York State. The student-athletes will be recognized for their achievements in academics, athletics, and community service. More information is provided at the website: cdswoy.com.