For their accomplishments both in the classroom and in their respective athletic endeavors, senior captains Amanda Schneider of the state champion Masconomet girls soccer team and Graham Roberts of the St. John’s Prep football team have been chosen as the Moynihan Lumber Student-Athletes of the Month for October.
Amanda Schneider
Schneider was one of the on- and off-field leaders for the Chieftains this fall, who finished the season with an undefeated record and the Division 2 state title for the first time since 1989. She scored 20 goals and added nine assists, finishing her electric career on the pitch with 54 goals, 26 assists and 80 points.
“I’ve been able to have success from lots of practice, whether that’s with my club team, the Masco team, or training on my own,” said Schneider, who started playing the sport when she was four years old. “I have a very determined and competitive mindset and also love the sport, which has caused me to be eager to improve and learn more. I also have had great coaches who have taught me so much.”
A four-year varsity starter, three-time All-Northeastern Conference selection and two-time Eastern Mass. all-star, Schneider scored five game-winning goals in her team’s first 10 games. Her ability to push the pace, use her speed and athleticism to set up scoring plays, and play selflessly were all abundant throughout the season.
The three-sport captain, who skis for Masconomet’s defending state champions in the winter and takes part in outdoor track in the spring, was her one of two representatives from her school at the prestigious Women and Girls in Sports Day at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough earlier this year.
Excellence in her studies is also a hallmark of Schneider’s, who carries a 4.7 grade point average. A member of Masconomet’s National Honor Society, she has made the honor roll every quarter of her high school career.
Her favorite subjects have been chemistry, math and psychology. Mr. Dave Mitchell, who taught her history junior year (and is also her track coach in the spring) is one of her favorite teachers, as is Ms. Kathleen Natale, her junior year math teacher. Schneider thinks she might lean towards something in the science field when she attends Colby College in Waterville, Maine next year, where she’ll continue her athletic career in soccer and running track for the Mules.
“I’ve learned to be very organized and time efficient with my work,” said Schneider. “I’m very aware of my schedule, which helps me plan ahead. Over the years I’ve e learned that I’m at my best when I’m busy.”
As someone who enjoys being outside, Schneider likes to go running or skiing in her free time. She works as Paisley’s Farmstand and Greenhouse in Boxford during the summer months, and also volunteers with youth soccer teams.
Graham Roberts
Roberts, a 6-foot-3, 285-pound offensive lineman at St. John’s Prep, helped his gridiron squad reach the Division 1 state semifinals before falling to unbeaten Needham. He has been at the forefront of the Eagles’ running game and pass-blocking schemes, opening holes for Prep backs to run through while giving his quarterbacks plenty of time to find receivers downfield.
With the Swampscott native paving the way, St. John’s Prep has run for 1,981 yards and thrown for 1,677 more heading into Thanksgiving Day against Xaverian, an average of 332.5 yards a game against one of the state’s most difficult schedules.
Much of this he credits to the Eagles’ coaching staff, saying they’ve helped propel him into the player he is today.
“I’ve never felt more loved by a staff; they give all of us players everything they have in regards to coaching,” said Roberts, who also enjoys skiing in his free time. “Every week I feel prepared with an amazing game plan, and all I have to do is empty the tank.
“I feel that I’ve improved the most in the pass game,” he added. ” I’ve worked a ton on staying square and striking with my hands early, staying violent.”
Challenging himself academically is equally important to Roberts, who takes a mix of both AP and Honors classes. Having already been admitted to Harvard (committing the same day he was offered), he strives to keep furthering his academics each day and has really been enjoying his Economics class this year, which he plans to continue studying in college while playing football for the Crimson.
“I always set aside a few hours a night with no distractions to grind out my work,” admitted Roberts, who is also a part of the Student Council at St. John’s Prep. “I put my phone away and lock it.”
