Sadie O’Flaherty
Photo by Thomas Ranson.
Sadie O’Flaherty, who graduated from Oasis Academy in May, earned All-American and All-Academic honors and was named a recipient of the Jackie Pitts Award by USA Lacrosse last week.
“Receiving these honors for the sport I am most passionate about is truly one of my greatest accomplishments,” O’Flaherty said. “It feels amazing to leave my lacrosse career knowing I gave it everything I had.”
The All-American honor, as described by USA Lacrosse, is awarded to players who exhibit superior skills and techniques and possess exceptional game sense and knowledge.
O’Flaherty was a force this past season, leading the Bighorns to a third-place finish in the High Sierra Lacrosse League. She scored 50 goals in seven games, converting 59 percent of her shots on goal. Combined with nine assists, O’Flaherty totaled 59 points, averaging 8.4 per game. She also led the team in ground balls with 35 and forced 12 turnovers.
“I am immeasurably proud of the team I was so fortunate to play with and internally grateful to my teammates and coaches for pushing me to be the best player I can be,” she said.
In the classroom, O’Flaherty was just as dominant.
Thomas Ranson/LVN
Oasis Academy’s Sadie O’Flaherty walks up to the stage to give her valedictorian address during the school’s ceremony in May.
She finished as the school’s top student, earned her associate’s degree and will be attending the University of Oregon this fall.
A USA Lacrosse All-American is one of the best players in the United States, while also embodying excellent sportsmanship. All-Academic honorees exhibit exemplary lacrosse skills, good sportsmanship on the field, and represents high standards of academic achievement in the classroom.
The Jackie Pitts award recognizes high school seniors who go above and beyond in service to their team, school and community. According to USA Lacrosse, these athletes, who truly honor the game of lacrosse, are invested in the development of the game in their town and are exemplary teammates. In addition, they must be outstanding students with high academic achievement and serve as role models within their school community.
“I feel that these awards are not only in recognition of me but also of the school that I proudly represent,” O’Flaherty said. “My teachers, principals, coaches and advisers at Oasis Academy helped me make this all possible.”
Thomas Ranson/LVN
Oasis Academy’s Sadie O’Flaherty battles for possession against Damonte Ranch.