Windham
resident and Cheverus senior Alexandra Hammond has worked hard to be a leader
both during games or meets as well as within the community. Aside from playing
a variety of sports, she dedicated over 200 hours of her time to community
service. Last month, Hammond was awarded Cheverus High School’s Southern Maine
Activities Association (SMAA) Citizenship Award.
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| Alexandra Hammond (photo by Shelly Rose Photography |
Cheverus
Athletic Director, Amy Ashley, said Hammond was chosen because of her
multi-sport participation and being a great citizen of the school. She always
competed with an emphasis on sportsmanship and represented Cheverus positively.
Academically, she was a top-notch student and was always willing to help out
and volunteer.
“She
does what you would hope all kids would do…a serious student and a serious
athlete; kind, compassionate, very easy to cheer for. Cheverus was very lucky
to have her,” said Vice Principal Dan Costigan.
“Receiving
this award felt like a perfect summation to a career that was cut short with
Cheverus High School Athletics. I worked hard...to be a leader on and off the
court, field, or runway,” said Hammond. “This award made me feel like all the
dedication had not gone unseen and that I have been able to leave a mark on my
community.”
Hammond
played varsity soccer, indoor track, varsity basketball, varsity volleyball,
and varsity softball (and was planning on participating in outdoor track this
season on top of softball). Outside of Cheverus, she has played Thunder
Softball, Velocity Soccer, Thunder Basketball, and Maine Juniors Volleyball.
The
ways Hammond has given back to the Cheverus and Windham communities are
multi-faceted. At Cheverus, she has been a community read leader, a summer
reading program, for two years. She has helped lead the freshman retreat, orientation,
and reunion. She has volunteered at the Special Olympics basketball tournament
at the University of Southern Maine; and she has helped to encourage
independence and to teach the different sports individuals may compete in for
Special Olympics at Windham Primary School.
Hammond
says community involvement is important to her because she has grown up in a
very connected world and there are many people she depends on. “This community
has given me so many role-models that I wanted to become one myself and give to
others what I was fortunate enough to have.”
Her
softball coach agrees.
“Alex
as an athlete goes beyond any stat. Her passion for softball is shown through
her commitment and hard work on and off the field. All it takes is to watch her
play one game to know that she plays with more than just skill, but also with
heart and integrity,” said softball coach Theresa Hendrix.
During
this time, Hammond is working to be a role model for the freshmen and dwell on things
that will happen, rather than things that won’t. Her softball team stays in
touch via weekly Zooms and fitness challenges are posted by Coach Hendrix
daily. Hammond is looking forward to what is coming by doing cardio exercises
and strength workouts. She also hits 60 to 100 balls off a tee daily and has a
throwing routine with her dad.
“I do
everything I can to be the best teammate, captain, supporter, student, and
athlete I can be. I think part of being a student athlete is definitely keeping
the grades before the sports.”
Hammond
added, “The credit is not mine for this award, it belongs to those that
supported me through Windham schools and onto Cheverus, my parents and family
for the emphasis on community, my coaches that understood my academic needs,
and all my friends that understand me and support me.”
Next
year, Hammond will attend Stonehill College in Massachusetts to play softball.
She will be majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Biochemistry on a
Pre-Optometry route.
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