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Boston Globe
6 days ago
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Sharpshooters light it up in A Shot for Life Challenge to raise money for cancer research
'Mentally, it's very challenging to keep going for two hours straight,' MacDonough said. 'All I kept saying to myself was, 'Positive mind-set, you got this, be confident.' I just kept my shot going.' Reigning champ Elyse MacDonough with a ridiculous streak of 24 straight. St. Bonaventure is getting an absolute sniper — Trevor Hass (@TrevorHass) MacDonough, a South Burlington, Vermont, resident and Worcester Academy graduate who will play at St. Bonaventure next year, shot a blistering 87.4 percent to defend her title as the best shooter in Massachusetts. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Rising junior Maddie Keough, also a Worcester Academy catalyst, placed second (72.9 percent), while Medfield junior Naya Annigeri took third (70.9) at the Starland Sportsplex. Advertisement On the boys' side, Lynn native, Phillips Academy standout, and Northeastern-bound guard Xavier Abreu won at 86.4 percent. Northeastern-bound Xavier Abreu has a great stroke in general, and a great stroke for this event. Very rhythmic and fluid shot — Trevor Hass (@TrevorHass) Abreu shot for his grandmother, Cristina Medrano, who beat breast cancer twice. He planned to call her afterward to savor the moment together. 'It meant everything,' Abreu said. 'I know she'd be proud of me regardless, but the fact that I could come out here and win it and dedicate it to her means a lot.' Lynn native Xavier Abreu won at the 2025 Shot for Life Challenge with his grandmother, Cristina Medrano, in mind. Trevor Hass/Globe Correspondent Archbishop Williams junior Jack Olinto earned second (83.3), and Roxbury Latin sophomore Jackson Perri was third (80.9 percent). Advertisement Archbishop Williams junior Jack Olinto took second place with some help from his father, John, and 83-year-old grandfather, also John — Trevor Hass (@TrevorHass) MacDonough thought of her grandfather, Paul LaBonte, who is currently dealing with a health scare that may be cancerous. She just learned that his situation took a turn for the worse earlier this week, which gave her even more incentive. 'I'm just trying to be as supportive of him as he's been for me,' MacDonough said. 'Doing this for him really meant the world to me.' John MacDonough credited his daughter for living in the gym and relentlessly chasing her dream. He works in digital pathology at Philips, and seeing his daughter play for a larger purpose with so much meaning feels like a full-circle moment. 'Her mind-set is what sets her apart,' John MacDonough said. 'When I miss one, I'm going to get the next one. Resilience is the biggest piece. She figures out how to win.' Alana Hogan, an Ursuline Academy graduate who will play at Kenyon College, honored her late aunt and godmother, Margaret Nelson, who died of a brain tumor three years ago. Kenyon College-bound Ursuline standout Alana Hogan is still competing with a medial femoral condyle fracture. Very impressive dedication — Trevor Hass (@TrevorHass) Hogan competed with a brace on her left leg while dealing with a medial femoral condyle fracture. She knows she may be a bit sore the next day, but it was well worth it to support her aunt. 'I play for her every day,' Hogan said. 'She wore 15, so now I wear 15. It's special to me to be able to represent her in that kind of way and make her proud.' The girls' division shooters surround winner Elyse MacDonough after the A Shot for Life Challenge Saturday. Trevor Hass/Globe Correspondent For many involved, raising money for cancer research has a personal feel. Mike Slonina, the CEO and founder of ASFL, is proud of how far the organization has come, and invigorated to see how much further it can go. Advertisement Amid a jam-packed week with two events, Slonina and his staff took time to meet with doctors at Mass General Cancer Center to see, specifically, where the money goes. Being in the lab, looking at the beakers, centrifuges, and tissue gave Slonina and Co. an additional sense of gratitude and purpose. 'What they do goes so far beyond a basketball court,' Slonina said of his players. 'There are real people getting treatment because they're here, and they should be really proud of that.' It was amazing today to visit the We certainly know this as an organization, but we hope that all in our community are aware of just how… — Mike Slonina (@Slo_24) Trevor Hass can be reached at
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Indiana Fever All-Star Aliyah Boston joins Boston Legacy FC investor group
Indiana Fever forward and NCAA champion Aliyah Boston is investing in Boston Legacy FC, the NWSL club announced Monday, joining an investment group that includes gymnast Aly Raisman, actress Elizabeth Banks and Celtics general manager Brad Stevens and his wife, Tracy. Boston, 28, fell in love with basketball in the U.S. Virgin Islands before she moved to Massachusetts when she was 12 years old and played high school basketball at Worcester Academy, where she was named Gatorade Player of the Year three times. Her No. 00 jersey was the first ever to be retired by the school. Advertisement 'I'm proud to join the ownership group of the Boston Legacy,' Boston said in a statement. 'This city helped raise me, and the support I felt here shaped so much of who I am. I couldn't be more excited to have the opportunity to invest into a franchise that's building something special for its players, for the city, and for women's sports as a whole. 'And yes,' she said, 'Boston repping Boston just felt right!' The South Carolina alumnae won an NCAA championship with the Gamecocks in 2022, her junior year. The following year, the Indiana Fever took her with the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft. Boston was named Rookie of the Year and has made the WNBA All-Star roster each season she's played professionally. Boston also played for Vinyl BC in the inaugural season of the Unrivaled basketball league. 'Aliyah's investment in our club demonstrates the strength of women's sports as our two leagues — the WNBA and NWSL — continue to grow and expand,' said Legacy controlling owner Jennifer Epstein in a statement. Advertisement 'She is a proven winner who understands what it takes to build a championship team, and her presence in our investor group brings an invaluable athlete perspective. It's an exciting time to see professional female athletes help shape the future of global women's sports,' Epstein added. Boston's Fever teammate, Caitlin Clark, previously joined a Cincinnati-based ownership group looking to bring an NWSL expansion team to that city. The bid ultimately failed in favor of the group in Denver. The Legacy's announcement of Boston's involvement as an investor comes days after the club made striker Aïssata Traoré its second signing, contracting her through the 2028 season as the first player from Mali to compete in the NWSL. She, like their first signing Annie Karich, will play on loan until preseason begins in January. On June 25, the Legacy named Filipa Patão its inaugural head coach. Patão comes to Boston from Lisbon, where she managed the Portuguese side Benfica for five years. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. Indiana Fever, WNBA, NWSL, Women's Soccer, women's sports 2025 The Athletic Media Company
Boston Globe
14-07-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
WNBA star Aliyah Boston joins investment group of NWSL's Boston Legacy FC
'And yes ... Boston repping Boston just felt right!' Worcester Academy After winning an NCAA championship with the South Carolina Gamecocks, Boston Advertisement Jennifer Epstein, controlling owner of Boston Legacy, lauded Boston's entry into the ownership group. 'Aliyah's investment in our club demonstrates the strength of women's sports as our two leagues - the WNBA and NWSL - continue to grow and expand,' said Epstein. 'She is a proven winner who understands what it takes to build a championship team, and her presence in our investor group brings an invaluable athlete perspective. It's an exciting time to see professional female athletes help shape the future of global women's sports.' Related : Advertisement The Legacy will make their NWSL debut in March. They will Boston joins an investment group that includes actress Elizabeth Banks, Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman, and Celtics president Brad Stevens and his wife Tracy. No longer in the group is Linda Henry, CEO of Boston Globe Media, who has officially sold her minority stake in the team. Henry announced her intention to sell her stake in February and is no longer affiliated with the team. Michael Silverman can be reached at
Indianapolis Star
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Through the years: Indiana Fever All-Star forward Aliyah Boston
FEVER Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) rushes up the court Friday, July 12, 2024, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 95-86. Grace Hollars/IndyStar, Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK Mar 17, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Vinyl BC forward Aliyah Boston (7) drives to the basket against Rose BC guard Naz Hillmon (00) during the first quarter of the Unrivaled Championship game at Wayfair Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Sam Navarro-Imagn Images From left, Indiana Fever players DeWanna Bonner, Aliyah Boston, Lexie Hull and Caitlin Clark react as they are introduced during a Indiana Pacers game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Knicks defeated the Pacers 128-115. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Aliyah Boston has been an All-Star in both of her seasons. The 2023 Rookie of the Year averaged 14.0 points and 8.9 rebounds in her second season. Grace Smith/IndyStar Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever talks with Aliyah Boston #7 against the Chicago Sky during the fourth quarter in the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 01, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Andy Lyons, Getty Images INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JUNE 01: Aliyah Boston #7 and Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever celebrate after defeating the Chicago Sky in the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 01, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) Andy Lyons, Getty Images Former Worcester Academy basketball player Aliyah Boston had her old jersey retired on Saturday during at ceremony at Worcester Academy. Photo Provided By Drew Forsberg/Worcester Academy Photo Provided By Drew Forsberg/Worcester Academy Photo Provided By Drew Forsberg/Worcester Academy Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images Indiana Fever's Aliyah Boston and Lexie Hull share a laugh Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, ahead of a press conference welcoming Stephanie White as the team's new head coach. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar Sept. 25: The Indiana Fever's Aliyah Boston (7) drives to the basket against the Connecticut Sun during Game 2. Paul Rutherford, Imagn Images Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) smiles after scoring Friday, July 12, 2024, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 95-86. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) rushes up the court Friday, July 12, 2024, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 95-86. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) smiles Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Las Vegas Aces on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Sep 11, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) runs backs into Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Las Vegas Aces at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Grace Smith Grace Smith/USA TODAY Network Via Imagn Images Grace Smith/IndyStar Getty Images Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston waves to the crowd Tuesday, June 18, 2024, during the fourth day of competition for the U.S. Olympic Team Swimming Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) talks before shooting a free throw on Sunday June 16, 2024, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Fever beat the Sky 91-83. Jacob Musselman/ For IndyStar Jamie Squire,Aliyah Boston #7 of the Indiana Fever talks to reporters during media day activities at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 1, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Getty Apr 10, 2023; New York, NY, USA; Aliyah Boston poses for a photo with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being drafted first overall by the Indiana Fever during WNBA Draft 2023 at Spring Studio. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports Hoops Hype NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 10: Aliyah Boston poses for a photo on the Orange Carpet prior to the 2023 WNBA Draft at Spring Studios on April 10, 2023 in New York City. Getty Images Holly Rowe, left, interviews Most Outstanding Player South Carolina forward Aliyah Boston (4) after the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Sunday, March 5, 2023. South Carolina won 74-58. Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina forward Aliyah Boston (4) blocks a shot by Arkansas guard Samara Spencer (2) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the women's Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 4, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Mark Zaleski/ For The Tennessean South Carolina forward Aliyah Boston (4) moves the ball past Kentucky center Olivia Owens (00) as the teams face off in the championship game of the SEC tournament at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, March 6, 2022. South Carolina Kentucky 012 Saul Young/News Sentinal Jim Dedmon, USA TODAY Sports South Carolina forward Aliyah Boston (4) during a NCAA college basketball game between the Tennessee Lady Vols and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, February 23, 2023. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel South Carolina forward Aliyah Boston (4) during a NCAA college basketball game between the Tennessee Lady Vols and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, February 23, 2023. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel Feb 26, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks forward Aliyah Boston (4) is introduced before the game against the Georgia Lady Bulldogs at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports South Carolina forward Aliyah Boston (4) during the first quarter of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Saturday, March 25, 2023. Ken Ruinard / USA Today Sports
Boston Globe
21-03-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Meet the local players to watch in the NCAA women's basketball tournament
Columbia Nasi Simmons, G, freshman Simmons, 19, is from Brockton. She attended Noble and Greenough and led her team to three NEPSAC AA championships — a school record — and earned the 2024 NEPSAC AA Championship MVP. At Columbia, Simmons has appeared in 24 games, averaging 3 points and 1.7 rebounds over 12.2 minutes. Next game: Columbia vs. West Virginia in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday at 2 p.m., ESPNEWS Advertisement Duke Taina Mair, G, junior Mair, 21, is a Boston native who attended Brooks School. During her high school career, she led her team to the 2018-19 NEPSAC Class D title and the 2019-20 NEPSAC Class B championship, earning NEPSAC Class B Player of the Year honors in 2019-20. She began her collegiate career at Boston College, where she was named to the All-ACC freshman team and set the program's freshman assists record with 217. After transferring to Duke, Mair has started in 33 games in her second year as a Blue Devil, shooting 37 percent from three and averaging 7.1 points. Oluchi Okananwa, G, sophomore Okananwa, 20, is from Boston and played at Worcester Academy. A 2023 McDonald's All-America nominee, she was named NEPSAC AA Player of the Year and an All-NEPSAC First Team selection. She helped lead Worcester Academy to an 18-7 record as a team captain. At Duke, Okananwa made an immediate impact as the ACC Sixth Player of the Year and an All-ACC freshman team selection. This season, she is averaging 10.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 48 percent from the field. Next game: Duke vs. Lehigh in Durham, N.C., Friday at 8 p.m., ESPNU Fairleigh Dickinson Kailee McDonald, G, freshman McDonald, 19, is from Lowell and played at Worcester Academy. She was a two-time NEPSAC All-Star, 1,000-point scorer, and the team captain in 2023-24. Before Worcester, she starred in New Hampshire, winning NHIAA Defensive Player of the Year in 2020-21 and earning NHIAA All-State first team honors. At FDU, McDonald has played a key role off the bench, averaging 4.8 points and 29 rebounds per game while shooting 44 percent from three. Advertisement Next game: No. 2 TCU vs. No. 15 FDU in Fort Worth, Texas, 3:30 p.m. Friday, ESPN2 Harvard Abigail Wright, F/G, sophomore Wright, 20, was a four-year letter-winner in both basketball and volleyball at Newton North. Wright was named Boston Globe All-Scholastic three times and earned Carey Division MVP honors in 2022. At Harvard, Wright has played in 28 games and is shooting 52 percent from the field while averaging 5.4 points. Next game: Harvard vs. Michigan State in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday at 4:30 p.m., ESPNEWS Illinois Shay Bollin, F, junior Bollin, 20, was a three-time captain at Bridgewater-Raynham and earned multiple honors, including a Boston Globe All-Scholastic nod in 2020. Bollin began her career at Duke before transferring to Illinois prior to her sophomore year. In her first year at Illinois, Bollin has played in 29 games while shooting 45 percent from the floor. Next game: Illinois vs. Creighton in Austin, Texas, Saturday at 6:15 p.m., ESPNEWS Richmond Sam Dewey, F, junior Dewey, 20, is from Melrose and played for the Brooks School, leading the team to two New England championships in her two seasons there. She began her collegiate career at Illinois, where she played for two seasons. In her first year at Richmond, Dewey has played in 30 games while shooting 44 percent from the field. Payton Richard, G, freshman Advertisement Richard, 18, is from Bolton and graduated from The Rivers School. During her high school career, she earned ISL All-League honorable mention honors and served as a captain. In her first college season, Richard has played in 14 games while shooting 43 percent from the field. Courtney Swider, F, sophomore Portsmouth, R.I., native Swider, 19, led Tabor to a NEPSAC Class AA Championship. In her sophomore season, Swider appeared in 25 games, shooting 44 percent from the field and 43% from beyond the arc. Rachel Ullstrom, G, junior Ullstrom, 20, is from Auburn and attended Marianapolis Prep in Connecticut. At Marianapolis, she set school records for the highest single-season 3-point percentage (43.7) and most 3-pointers in a game (10 on multiple occasions). She was a four-time team captain and earned MVP honors her sophomore year. In her junior season at Richmond, Ullstrom has played in 33 games (32 starts), while averaging 11.1 points and 52 percent and 41 percent from the floor and three, respectively. Next game: Richmond vs. Georgia Tech in Los Angeles, Friday at 7:30 p.m., ESPNEWS UConn Caroline Ducharme, G, senior Ducharme, 22, is from Milton and was the 2019-20 Gatorade state player of the year at Noble and Greenough. As a junior in high school, she averaged 24.8 points, 14 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 3 blocks per game, leading the Bulldogs to a 24-3 record and a berth in the NEPSAC Class AA tournament quarterfinals. At UConn, Ducharme made an immediate impact as a freshman, averaging 9.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per game during the 2021-2022 season. As a whole, Ducharme has played in 64 games for the Huskies while averaging 7.7 points and 3.2 rebounds while battling injury. Advertisement Next game: UConn State in Storrs, Conn., Saturday at 1 p.m., ABC Vermont Natalie Beaudoin, G, freshman Beaudoin, 18, attended Lewiston High School where she averaged 17 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2 assists per game her senior year, earning first-team all-conference honors, recognition as a McDonald's All-Star and was a finalist for Miss Maine Basketball in 2024. The freshman has not appeared in a collegiate game. Catherine Gilwee, G, senior Gilwee, 21, is from Shelburne, Vt., and graduated from Champlain Valley Union High School. She was named the 2021 Vermont Gatorade Player of the Year and Burlington Free Press's 'Miss Basketball.' In her final two high school seasons, Gilwee led CVU to a 30-0 record. As a college senior, Gilwee has started in all 33 games played, averaging 8.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. Next game: Vermont vs. NC State in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday at 2 p.m., ESPN Max Schwartzberg can be reached at
