11 AQ PRIDE, PASSION, AND PERSEVERANCE A collection of athletic triumphs, student-athlete accomplishments, and stand-out moments in sports. atHletics in action LUCAS LEONE ’25 Varsity Football This past football season, Lucas Leone broke the Section V record with 437 career tackles. An incredible achievement to say the least, and yet, it is Lucas’ humility and steadfast character both on and off the field that his coaches, teammates, friends, and teachers find most inspiring. As captain, his leadership and dedication to the team is unparalleled, showing up to every practice and every game with intensity and pride. Lucas’ commitment to Aquinas off the field shines as he regularly lends a hand in the Advancement Office and acts as a role model for future students. There is no doubt Lucas’ record-breaking achievement and remarkable character will be celebrated for a lifetime. Lucas also received the Section V AA Defensive Player of the Year award and Section V’s Football Athlete of the Fall (presented by Faber Builders). VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM Section V Champions The AQ Varsity Football Team captured their first Section V Class AA title since 2018 with a commanding 48-14 victory over Rush-Henrietta on November 15, 2024. The Li’l Irish (9-2) dominated the final at Bob Boozer Field at SUNY Brockport. The victory was especially sweet for Head Coach Moe Jackson, who guided the team to the championship in only his second year at the helm. Huge congratulations to Coach Jackson on being named Section V AA Coach of the Year. Aquinas faced Lancaster in the Far West Regionals Section VI Championship and emerged victorious with a hard-fought 21-19 win. Despite the bitter cold and relentless rain, the team’s determination never wavered, carrying them through to the very end. Advancing to the State Semi nals, Aquinas faced Christian Brothers Academy. Despite a valiant e ort, the game ended in a narrow 21-14 defeat. JADEN DEMING ’27 Girls Varsity Soccer Sophomore Jaden Deming has brought an unexpected edge to the Aquinas girls soccer team, using a skill honed in gymnastics to become one of Section V’s most dangerous players. Drawing inspiration from her mother, Jaden perfected the rare “sideline flip-throw,” a move that allows her to turn a simple throw-in into a powerful scoring opportunity. Her journey began with backyard YouTube tutorials, practicing front-hand springs and flips on a trampoline. Since she was eight, Jaden has fearlessly used the flip-throw in games, and her unique ability has transformed out-of-bounds plays into highstakes moments, making her a formidable asset on the field and a joy to watch for fans and teammates alike. According to several coaches in the Rochester area, flip-throwers are uncommon nowadays and were much more prevalent 10 to 15 years ago – we’re excited Jaden is bringing it back to Aquinas. SIENNA FALLONE ’27 Girls Varsity Soccer Sienna Fallone was named the Section V Girls Soccer Player of the Year and was selected for the 2024 Girls Soccer All-Greater Rochester first team. Sienna has become a force on the varsity team, defying expectations with her remarkable skill and tenacity, her determination and talent growing stronger and more refined with each passing year. Off the field, she’s just as remarkable— an exceptional student who ranks first in her class and is never without a friendly smile. Sienna’s accomplishments exemplify the spirit of excellence and perseverance that define Aquinas students. We have no doubt Sienna will continue to amaze us in all that she does. MOLLY O’TOOLE ’25 & LOREN “MISSY” GREEN ’27 Girls Varsity Basketball This basketball season, senior Molly O’Toole hit a monumental milestone, surpassing 1,000 career points during the girls’ basketball game versus St. Mary’s. Molly’s grit, determination, and talent shined brightly on the court, inspiring teammates and fans alike. A few weeks later, sophomore Loren “Missy” Green also reached 1,000 career points during the team’s win over Pittsford Sutherland. Missy is an unstoppable force on the court, and we can’t wait to see her strength grow with each year. We are so proud of both athletes, and to the rest of the girls’ basketball team. JOSHUA “LJ” GLEASON ’25 Boys Varsity Soccer Congratulations to LJ Gleason on an outstanding soccer career at Aquinas! LJ was named to the 2024 All-Greater Rochester Team and selected for the prestigious 2024 United Soccer Coaches All-State Team. As the starting goalkeeper for three varsity seasons, LJ’s leadership and skill on the field were unmatched, achieving an impressive 26 career shutouts. LJ’s dedication to the game and commitment to excellence truly embody the spirit of Aquinas athletics. We are proud to celebrate LJ and look forward to seeing his continued success in the future. VARSITY CHEERLEADING TEAM Section V Champions Our Aquinas cheerleaders made it a perfect twofor-two, winning the Section V Class C Game Day cheerleading sectional titles for the second straight year. Aquinas won with 80.2 points, defeating second-place Pal-Mac who had 74.8 points. Different from competitive cheerleading, game day cheerleading consists of routines similar to what you would see on the sidelines during football games. Last year was the first-ever sectional tournament. In addition, the team received the News 8 Primetime 585 High School Sports Elite Award for the 2024 Fall season. The News 8 Primetime 585 Elite Spring Awards recognize outstanding student athletes and coaches for their accomplishments throughout the 2024 Fall season. Head Cheerleading Coach TAYLOR (COOK) HERMAN ‘11 was named Section V Class C1 Coach of the Year—for the sixth time! A true testament to her dedication, leadership, and commitment to Aquinas cheer. And Cheerleader RACHAEL HENRY ’25, received the prestigious Nancy Saxton Leadership Award, honoring her exceptional leadership and team spirit! VARSITY VOLLEYBALL TEAM Section V Champions The Girls Varsity Volleyball Team captured the Section V Class B title with a 3-0 sweep over Hornell, marking their first sectional championship since 2010. The Li’l Irish clinched each set in close contests, winning 25-21, 25-22, and 25-22. Abbie O’Meara ’25 earned MVP honors, contributing 22 assists, two aces, and two digs. Haley Bennett ‘25 led the defense with 18 digs and two aces, while Savannah Hinchcliffe ’25 added 16 digs, seven kills, four blocks, and two aces. Addison Bardwell ’25 and Natalie Campbell ’26 were instrumental at the net with Bardwell recording seven kills and six blocks, and Campbell adding five kills and six blocks. Congratulations to NATALIE CAMPBELL ’26 for being named to the Girls Volleyball Section V All-State Players of the Year, third team, Class B!
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