Phoenix Athletics Award Winners for 2022-2023

Seisen International School Phoenix Sports Banquet May 12th

Another exciting year of sports has drawn to a close and the athletic teams have much to be proud of.  Many Phoenix teams have soared to new heights and we were excited to be able to celebrate in person this year!  The Girls Athletic  Association (GAA) hosted all athletes and their families at the 2022-2023 Sports Recognition evening on Friday, May 12th.

Middle School Awards

Rookie of the Year

This award is presented to the Seisen athlete new to competition at the middle school level and has made an impact on Phoenix sports this year, as both a player and a teammate.  She is a standout in her skills, sportsmanship, and dedication. This athlete was involved in three-seasons of sports and contributed to their team’s success.  

The 2022-2023 MS Rookie of the Year is Victoria Rose Hudson. 

Most Dedicated

This award is presented to the athlete for whom sports are a passion.  She consistently demonstrated dedication and commitment to Phoenix sports, always showing up for practice and games/meets during the regular season and working to improve as an athlete during the off-season.  She has spent hours and hours working to improve her skills as well as being part of the swim team through St. Mary’s year round. 

The 2022-203 MS Most Dedicated Athlete is Ellen Ka. 

Phoenix Pride

This award is presented to the MS athlete who demonstrates exceptional sportsmanship, school spirit, and teamwork for all sports in which she participates and represents Seisen proudly in the Kanto Plain League.  Her Phoenix Pride has been seen all three seasons as she motivated her teammates with a whole lot of energy.  

The 2022-2023 MS Phoenix Pride award goes to Zafira Strauss.  

Athlete of the Year

This award is presented to an exceptional year-round athlete, one who makes an impact not only on her team but in the Kanto Plain League.  Recognized by her teammates and coaches for her skills, intensity, and commitment, she sets the standard for excellence in Phoenix athletics.  She also leads by example and always gives her best.  

The MS Athlete of the Year for 2022-2023 is Miss Naomi Terashima.  

High School Awards

Rookie of the Year

This award is presented to a freshman athlete new to competition at the high school level and has made a tremendous impact on Phoenix sports this year, as a player and a teammate.  She is a standout in her skills, sportsmanship, and dedication. She was a member of two Varsity sports this year: Cross Country and Track & Field.  The Cross Country team finished 2nd at Kanto Finals and 1st at Kanto Invitational.  She finished in the Top 15 in both of those races.  On the HS Track & Field team, she ran middle and long distances and finished 1st in the 800m run at Kanto Finals, qualified for Far East Track and was part of the 4x800 relay team that took 2nd place at Far East.  

The 2022-2023 HS Rookie of the Year is Ako Dambara

Most Dedicated

This award is presented to the athlete for whom sports are a passion.  She consistently demonstrated dedication and commitment to Phoenix sports all year, and was always someone that could be counted on. She also was very active in GAA as a leader and made the social media digital advertisements for many of the games, not to mention getting the morning sports announcements going over the loud speaker again.  Her heart and passion for sports is very evident.  She made a massive impact on both the volleyball and basketball teams for all four years in high school.  

The 2022-2023 HS Most Dedicated Athlete is Ann Katashiba.

Phoenix Pride

This award is presented to the athlete who demonstrates exceptional sportsmanship, school spirit, and teamwork for all sports in which she participates and represents Seisen proudly in the Kanto Plain League.  This athlete stepped into various roles when needed, especially this year, and always with a smile on her face.  She was always willing to learn and played with respect for the opponent while being a fierce competitor.  

The 2022-2023 HS Phoenix Pride award goes to Aina Sekido

Scholastic Athlete of the Year

This award is presented to the athlete who has maintained the highest academic standards whilst participating in sports throughout the year, and understands the meaning of time management. She has played eight seasons of high school sports while being an outstanding student. 

The HS Scholastic Athlete of the Year for 2022-2023 is Miss Maya Hemmi.

Athlete of the Year

This award is presented to an exceptional athlete, one who makes an impact not only on her team but also in the Kanto Plain League, so much so that opposing coaches acknowledge her presence. Recognized by her teammates and coaches for her skills, intensity, and commitment, she sets the standard for excellence in Phoenix athletics.  This year we have two athletes of the year, each named an MVP in a sport as well as being both a league all star, and a tournament all star.  They compliment each other when they play and add to each other’s success.  

The two HS Athletes of the Year for 2022-2023 are Miss Lisa Purcell and Miss Maya Hemmi!

Thank you for your dedication!

Thank you for your support of Seisen Athletics over the course of the year. GO PHOENIX!

On behalf of GAA,

Elizabeth Nienhaus

Athletic Director