Katie Marquardt, a senior point guard on the Fontbonne Hall Academy, Bay Ridge, varsity basketball team, signed a National Letter of Intent on Dec. 11, committing to continue her hoops career at Molloy College, Rockville Centre, L.I.
She became the first player in the history of the Fontbonne basketball program to earn an athletic scholarship to play in college.
The Bonnies’ team captain, who played Catholic Youth Organization basketball for St. Francis de Sales, Belle Harbor, has been a three-time Tablet All-Star – her freshman, sophomore and junior seasons. As a junior, she averaged 9.0 pts. and 9.0 assists per game to go along with 3.8 rebounds and 3.8 steals per contest.
“It’s hard to find a true point guard, and she is certainly that,” said Fontbonne head coach Steve Oliver. “It’s obvious each year she came back stronger and better. Her court sense and vision is higher than any player that I’ve ever coached.”
The Bonnies are expecting another impactful campaign from Marquardt.
The Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) is hosting its fifth annual Christmas volleyball tournament. The initial rounds began on Dec. 9, with the tournament wrapping up Dec. 28. Teams from 12 parishes in four CYO divisions are participating, including: St. Joseph, Astoria; Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Astoria; St. Pancras, Glendale; St. Mel, Flushing; Our Lady of the Snows, North Floral Park; St. Francis de Sales, Belle Harbor; St. Andrew Avellino, Flushing; St. Gregory the Great, Bellerose; St. Mary Gate of Heaven, Ozone Park; Blessed Trinity, Breezy Point; St. Margaret, Middle Village; and Our Lady of Peace, Lynbrook, L.I.
Coming to the close of its 10th anniversary year, the 501(c)3 Swim Strong Foundation, a largely volunteer organization based in the New York City metro area, has taught water safety and strong swimming skills to over 8,000 local students.
The foundation is run by Shawn Slevin, the former Catholic Youth Organization swim coach at St. Sebastian’s parish, Woodside.
At the heart of the organization’s mission is the knowledge that swimming is a life skill everyone should have. Many families however cannot afford to pay for swim lessons.
During the holiday season, you can help give 250 at-risk children free swimming lessons in 2018. Visit www.SwimStrongFoundation.org/DONATE.