7 student athletes from St. David's School earn All-State honors, despite pandemic challenges

The pandemic has presented many challenges to traditional school activities, including athletics. However, student athletes at St. David's School in Raleigh have continued to succeed on and off the field despite numerous obstacles, with seven students from the school earning All-State honors for the 2020 fall season.

St. David's is continuing to provide athletes in all sports the chance to excel, even under challenging circumstances.

Athletics Director Ricardo Viera says this success is achievable when athletes are determined, coaches are supportive, and parents stay engaged.

"It goes back to the fostered relationship between the coach and the student-athlete," said Viera. "Obviously, you're going to need athletes that have a drive and passion for their respective sport to be great. I would say at St. David's, it's a great partnership with the parents; they understand what commitment we're going to get from their children. We have great support from our administration and we have great facilities. But it also comes down to my coaches. My coaches are the rise and fall of my athletic department."

St. David's focus on finding committed coaches played a significant role in the tennis team's success this year, said two-time All-State tennis player Kate Goracke.

"St. David's has provided me with coaches and an athletic director that encourage and push me every practice, and every day to want to be a better teammate and individual," said Goracke. "Earning All-State means that all of my hard work and hours practicing on the court has finally paid off."

Goracke's mother, Pam, echoed her daughter's remarks, and said the school went the extra mile to ensure a safe environment.

"I think St. David's has done an excellent job committing to provide after-school activities and showing a commitment to ongoing sports and competitions," said Pam. "They have done everything possible to keep the kids and students safe during COVID."

Goracke wasn't the only one to make All-State honors in tennis. Her teammate Maggie Holding earned the title, as well.

One sport that has thrived during the pandemic is golf.

With events held outdoors and plenty of physical distance between competitors, there were only some minor changes to get used to, said Kinsley Smith, a back-to-back All-State golfer.

"The only thing that really changed was with the team riding in the bus," said Smith. "We had to social distance and stuff like that."

Despite the minor changes, Smith earned her second-straight All-State selection in golf, which she said meant a lot to her, especially since she's been playing golf for so long.

Smith's father, Marcus, sees it as well-deserved recognition for the days spent practicing and traveling.

"It's an extreme honor," he said. "It rewards her hard work and dedication that she's applied for years." He added that it was a big help for his daughter to have flexible, caring staff to help her stay on top of her studies during her rigorous tournament schedule.

Football was one of the most affected sports during the pandemic, but four St. David's football team members still earned All-State honors this year. Cole Deihl, Paxton Williams, Meik Goode and Ford Everett were all recognized for their success on the field.

Due to gym closures and restrictions, training for the season took some creativity.

"I did a lot of tire flips," said Everett. "That was one thing that people didn't realize I did. I'd run every day; I've got some weights at my house that I'd use. I got creative and used a water jug as a dumbbell too."

Retaining close bonds with coaches and teammates was also critical to having a successful year, and Everett said the school made every effort to keep connections strong, despite new restrictions.

"One thing I really love about St. David's is I'm close with all of my coaches in football, baseball, and basketball, so I feel like I can go to them with anything really," he said. "If I have a question or just need advice on workouts or whatever it may be. And also, I think St. David's, in general, has done a good job of keeping a community. I'm close with all of my teammates. We all meet up; we all get along. I think that's really what played a part in our success this year."

Despite all of the challenges presented by an unprecedented year in sports, St. David's has placed its athletes in the best possible position to succeed. With a commitment to quality coaching and faculty support, all of the ingredients are here for continued success.

Being recognized as All-State this year is a special honor, Everett said.

"It means a lot," he said. "Especially this year, being able to get it back-to-back years, and also, after knowing my hard work over quarantine and all that paid off. Unfortunately, we didn't win the championship, but it's nice to be recognized in other ways."