PHOTOS: Alexandria Sportsman’s Club Honors Six Local Athletes

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Alexandria Sportsman’s Club celebrated six outstanding City of Alexandria student-athletes at its November meeting. Coaches introduced their students, touting their many accomplishments and the tremendous contributions they bring to their teams and school communities.

The students honored are:

• Virginia Coulby, Alexandria City High School, Cross Country
• Kalina Janevski, Alexandria City High School, Volleyball
• Garrett Lian, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School, Soccer
• Cate Messing, Bishop Ireton High School, Cross Country
• Nick Milewski, Bishop Ireton High School, Football
• Addie Youree, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School, Field Hockey

After the award ceremony, ASC President Ryan Fannon held a fireside chat with Kate Schanuel, former collegiate student-athlete golfer at University of Maryland and current head women’s golf coach at Georgetown University. Kate talked about the role that athletics played in her formative years and the positive impact of playing multiple sports. She also provided guidance for student-athletes as they navigate the college application and recruitment process. Kate earned a master’s degree in sports management, and she discussed the multiple career opportunities in that field.

The Alexandria Sportsman’s Club was founded in 1947, as a non-profit and civic organization. Its sole purpose is to support local high school athletics and to recognize the achievements of Alexandria’s young athletes on the field and in the classroom.  The club was born of an idea by Tommy Ennis, a local athlete who returned to Alexandria after World War II as a decorated war hero. His idea was to call together former football players from George Washington High School who had participated in the “Old Oaken Bucket” Thanksgiving day game between GW and arch-rival Washington & Lee High School from Arlington. In March of 1948, meetings were held to explore interest in organizing an alumni club of former football players from the Alexandria area.

Due to overwhelming interest from other local sports enthusiasts, the membership was broadened to include any person interested in fostering and promoting athletics in the City of Alexandria, hence, the subsequent naming of “The Alexandria Sportsman’s Club.”