Holy Cross High School is proud to announce that three of its’ students have been named All-State athletes by the Connecticut High School Coaches Association. Adam Razza ’17 (Watertown), Madelynn Mowad ’18 (Prospect) and Kiley Harnish ’18 (Middlebury) were awarded this achievement in football, swimming and soccer, respectively.
“It is terrific for Holy Cross to have representation on the All-State team from three different sports in one season,” said Jerry Ciarleglio, Director of Athletics. “These kids have worked very hard. It is a great accomplishment.”
Maddie and Kiley started playing their respective sports at a very young age; Maddie at age nine, and Kiley at age four. Both immediately learned the importance of team work, hard work and perseverance. Maddie, who got her start swimming on a Cheshire team, practiced every day for three hours. Her dedication paid off. She swam for winter and summer nationals in Greensboro, North Carolina. “I made it the summer of my freshman year,” said Maddie. “I never thought I was going to make it.”
Kiley’s days on the fields began at Middlebury Soccer. She eventually went to Premiere Soccer through Connecticut Football Club (CFC). Through CFC, she traveled and played all over the United States. She played mostly right-mid and forward throughout her high school career.
“Soccer is always exciting,” said Kiley. “There’s a thrill in every game. As a forward, when you score a goal, it is the best feeling in the world.”
Adam didn’t play football until he arrived at Holy Cross in his freshman year. He started as a camera man for the varsity team. By sophomore year, he was a wide receiver. After tearing his ACL and rehabbing throughout the summer months, he returned to play quarterback in his junior year.
“(Varsity Football Coach) Mike Giampetruzzi ’95 always stresses how to deal with obstacles,” said Adam. “When I tore my ACL, I learned how to overcome and deal with adversity. The amount of hard work I had to put in has paid off. I have my own high expectations and fulfilling them feels pretty good.”
Adam, Maddie and Kiley look at their team as a second family. “Swimming is categorized as an individual sport,” said Maddie. “However, if you don’t have your teammates pushing you, driving you or cheering you on, you have nothing.”