Brielle Celebrates Soccer triumph and Honors Teacher of the Year
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A remarkable season for Brielle High School culminated in a December 17th celebration as the Board of Education recognized the 2025 boys soccer team for their Monmouth County Athletic League (MCAL) Championship victory and honored Maria prendergast as the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year.The event underscored the community’s commitment to both athletic and academic excellence.
Three-Peat for Brielle Soccer
The brielle boys soccer team secured their third consecutive MCAL championship this season, cementing their dominance in the league. During the board meeting, Superintendent Stacie Poelstra personally acknowledged each player, presenting them with a certificate in recognition of their achievement.
The honored players included: Gavin Atnes, Axel Becker, Robert Booth, Russell Clayton, Axel Cull, Connor Fahey, Noah Fernicola, sebastian Gulotta, Patrick Healey, Connor Hughes, Cormac Johnson, Max Koblan, Ryan Kozyra, Gavin martin, Patrick Olson, Brayden Salvatoriello, Decker Seitz, Trevor Tice, Norbert Walsh, Andrew Whiting and Hudson York.
Beyond the Scoreboard: A Coach’s Legacy
Departing Boys Soccer Coach Pete DeBenedetto used the occasion to deliver a powerful message to his players. “It’s not about the soccer,” he stated.”It’s about how you grow up and how you conduct yourself because things aren’t going to get easier for you as you get older, so hopefully in some little way, between your parents and our teachers and management and what we did together, we were able to put you on that path.”
DeBenedetto extended his gratitude to the school administration, parents, and his family for their unwavering support throughout the season. This year marked the end of his tenure as coach, following a previously announced retirement. His leadership has clearly left a lasting impact on the program and the young men he coached.
Recognizing Educational Excellence
Alongside the soccer team’s achievements, the Board of Education also celebrated the dedication of Maria Prendergast, naming her the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. This recognition highlights the vital role educators play in shaping the future of Brielle’s students.
Why was Maria Prendergast honored? Maria prendergast was named the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year by the Brielle Board of Education for her dedication to students and her impact on the school community. Who was involved? The Board of Education, Superintendent Stacie Poelstra, and Maria Prendergast were central to the recognition. The entire 2025 boys soccer team was also honored.What happened? The Board of education held a meeting on December 17th to celebrate the soccer team’s MCAL championship and honour Prendergast. how did it end? Coach Pete DeBenedetto retired after a prosperous tenure, leaving a legacy of athletic and personal growth for his players, and Prendergast was recognized for her contributions to education.
For a more complete report on this event, readers can find the full story in The Coast Star, available on newsstands Thursday and online in the e-edition. Stay updated on local Brielle news with daily updates from The Coast Star, also available on newsstands Friday and online.
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