Maggie Holt, in pursuing multiple sports and the fine arts, has lived her high school years to the fullest.

When junior Maggie Holt joined the girls’ swim and dive team, she didn’t think it would entail going to her swim coach’s house in a shark costume to sing Christmas carols. 

Maggie and the rest of her team had bought wearable shark blankets to prank their coach, Tim Jasperse, by showing up at his door to sing Christmas carols for him. This, and many other memorable moments from the swim season, are why she loves the community and continues to participate in the sport. Maggie is also a water polo player and, because much of the swim team also plays water polo, she can be a part of this vibrant, hardworking community nearly year-round. Both these sports have impacted how she thinks about and approaches work.

“I think both water polo and swimming have made my work ethic more of a ‘do what needs to be done’ mentality instead of taking things slow and [focusing on] every little thing,” Maggie said. “Obviously, swimming and water polo take up a lot of my time, so I don’t have much time for anything else, so I do what I need to do.”

In particular, Coach Tim and Coach Sara, the former coach of her water polo team, have affected her significantly. Because she plays two sports, Maggie has multiple coaches who all have different ways of coaching their athletes, and their leadership styles have inspired her greatly. 

“My coaches have a pretty big impact on me,” Maggie said. “Especially Tim Jasperse. He has always lifted me up and encouraged me to do my best in the pool and in school. Sara Fredricks has also always been there for me when it comes to relationships and how to handle situations.”

Even though she invests much of her time and energy into her sports, Maggie is still taking multiple AP classes, including AP Environmental Science (APES). Though she’s not settled on exactly what career she wants to pursue, she says the wide array of classes she takes has influenced what she wants to study after high school. 

“I haven’t really looked at a lot of colleges, but I’ve always been leaning towards MSU or somewhere similar out of state,” Maggie said. “High school hasn’t really impacted my decision on whether to go to college or not, but what I want to study. I really want to study either biology or political science.”

While a class’s content is important, the subject material can only go so far if someone cannot teach it effectively. Maggie has found that certain teachers have truly changed her way of thinking, giving her the opportunity to interact with the course in a much more meaningful way. Mr. Pool, who teaches orchestra, and Mrs. Lipke, who teaches math, have had the biggest influences on not only her learning but also her general high school experience. 

Maggie has had Mr. Pool as a teacher for the past six years, as he is the orchestra director for the high school, middle school, and sixth grade—when instruments are first introduced to students in school. She plays the violin, and her orchestra class has formed her since her elementary school years.

“Orchestra has taught me a lot about troubleshooting and doing what works for you, whether it’s a part in our music I can’t quite play perfectly—or at all—I can find what does work or find ways to practice to get better,” Maggie said. “I think it’s good to pursue music because the community is wonderful, and learning to read music and understand the value of music is important.”

Throughout her high school career, Maggie has learned so much. Of course, she’s memorized formulas and historical figures, but, more importantly, she’s learned how to live life. She’s learned what it means to be a hard worker, to appreciate music, and to be a part of a team. 

“When I started high school, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect,” Maggie said. “I wanted to be in all of the hard classes and try to get way ahead in many classes, but now I realize that there is also plenty of room to have fun with the short time you have in high school.” 

For Maggie, high school has been a transformative experience, full of life lessons and formative moments. When Maggie was starting high school, she was coming in almost blind. She hopes that future freshmen don’t have to experience that. 

“I would tell incoming freshmen not to stress over grades and to get out of the house and hang out with friends,” Maggie said. “Get involved in clubs and sports. You will want fun memories to look back on, not just studying.”

COLLEGE STATION, Tex. — Jaden DeSouza is moving on! The senior out of Lihue, Hawaii not only shattered the program record in the 400m hurdles (a record she has now set and reset five times this year), but also ran the 20th fastest time in the field of 48 runners, good enough to qualify for Saturday evening’s quarter finals. 

Running in lane two, DeSouza had a slower start, sitting in eighth at the third hurdle, but began to kick at the first straight away. At the halfway mark, she began to run her race and began picking off the competitors in front of her. With two hurdles to go, DeSouza worked her way into the top five, and maintained that all the way to the finish line with a blazing fast time of 58.20. The top three from each heat qualified automatically for Saturday’s quarter finals, but the next six fastest times would also earn at large bids. DeSouza ran in the second of six heats, so it was a grueling wait to see if her time would hold up, As it would finish, DeSouza’s heat would go on to be the second fastest at the race, and she would qualify in the top-24, finishing 20th overall. 

DeSouza will be back at it on Saturday for the 400m hurdles quarter final which will be run at 7:25 PM CDT (5:25 CDT). The top three runners from each quarterfinal and the next three fastest times will advance to the semifinals in Eugene, which will take place between June 11 and June 14.

#GaelsRise

COLLEGE STATION, Texas—The CSUN Women’s Track & Field team were represented at the NCAA West First Round for the first time since 2022 on Thursday at E.B. Cushing Stadium. CSUN’s Summer Mosley and Jasmine Haskell competed in the hammer throw and in the 400m, respectively, but each fell just short in advancing to the next round. 

Senior Summer Mosley began the day by competing in the women’s hammer throw. After fouling on her first attempt, Mosley deposited a throw of 57.92m (190-0). That toss would place her 25th overall in the 48-athlete field, but short of advancing to the NCAA Outdoor Championships. Despite falling short of nationals, Mosley’s 25th-place finish is her best of her collegiate career at an NCAA regional. Earlier this month, Mosley won the hammer throw title at the Big West Championships, becoming the first Matador to win the title since 2017. 

Mosley will have one more chance to advance to the NCAA Outdoor Championships as she is scheduled to participate in the discus on Saturday.

Haskell made her NCAA West First Round debut on Thursday by competing in the 400m. The sophomore entered the event as the 47th seed in the 48-athlete field but improved upon that seeding to finish 38th overall with a time of 54.05. However, Haskell finished outside the top 24 to advance to the 400m quarterfinal round. Haskell’s west region appearance caps a career year on the track in 2025. She would reach the podium for a first career time when she took third place at the 2025 Big West Championships in the 400m with a personal-best time of 53.71. 

UP NEXT

The CSUN men’s track & field team will have one representative on Friday at the NCAA West First Round. Jay Louison-Roe will take flight in the men’s triple jump beginning at 12:30 p.m. PT. 

On the final day of the NCAA West First Round, the Matadors’ Summer Mosley will cap her stay at the regional by competing in the discus starting at 11:00 a.m. PT. 

#GoMatadors

 

(BPT) – Daydreaming about your next family getaway? Look no further than Northwest Florida! The location and climate are ideal, and thanks to its recent $35 million makeover, the sensational Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in South Walton, Florida, offers everything you could wish for in a vacation destination.

Here are the 5 top reasons why this resort will be your ultimate family paradise.

1. It’s all about that beach

Wish you were on the beach right now? As the largest full-service beachfront resort on Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, Hilton Sandestin Beach lets you immerse yourself in calm, clear emerald-green water and sink your toes into the pristine white sandy beach. You’ll enjoy exclusive sun-bathing, sandcastle building, swimming, and soaking up the stunning views such as one of the most colorful sunsets you’ll ever see along Miramar Beach.

When all that swimming and sunbathing makes you hungry and thirsty, Barefoot’s Beachside Bar & Grill lets you dine and sip while gazing out at the Gulf. And when you need a break from sand and saltwater, you can enjoy the two outdoor pools, and whirlpools.

Rainy day? No worries. Hilton Sandestin Beach has thought of everything, including a newly renovated indoor pool in a spacious tropical-themed atrium.

2. Endless fun

Adventure awaits at Hilton Sandestin Beach and beyond! Whether you’re up for a round of golf at world-class courses, or a game of beach volleyball, tennis, biking, paddleboarding, or kayaking, this resort has it all.

The resort is also near several off-property opportunities for water sports galore, like snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, and fishing.

Nearby, explore the surrounding area by taking a complimentary shuttle to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for family-friendly attractions like zip lines, water parks, a rope course, go-karts, shopping, seasonal events and live music, and more.

For a change of pace, you can also visit nearby state parks, including the Underwater Museum of Art, which is a diving area located off the state park where five resort-sponsored sculptures can be found among the growing aquatic installation 58 feet below the water’s surface.

3. Total relaxation

Need a place to chill beyond all that fun in the sun? Hilton Sandestin Beach is able to recommend local babysitting services, allowing parents to unwind at the renovated Serenity by the sea Spa — a world-class 14,500-square-foot spa offering an extensive menu of treatments, relaxation areas with cascading whirlpools, sauna and steam rooms, plush robes, zero-gravity loungers, and a 24-hour fitness center featuring top-of-the-line Precor equipment and Peloton stationary bikes, with fitness classes like yoga, Pilates, and more.

Relax with your partner in the spa’s new area for couples, complete with a wet bar and cozy fireplace. Adding to the wide selection of facials, body treatments, massages, salon services and rejuvenating experiences, the spa now offers new features including touchless wellness, using innovative technology to offer individualized experiences — like Hydrojet Massages or Prism Red Light Pad therapy.

If you want to update your look, the full-service spa also offers two styling rooms with a wide range of hair, makeup, and nail services.

4. Unforgettable events

Celebrating a momentous occasion? From weddings and anniversaries to birthdays, reunions, and more, Hilton Sandestin Beach has you covered with customizable venue options and group activities. The resort offers three main ballrooms, in addition to numerous outdoor and indoor event spaces of different sizes suitable for all kinds of get-togethers — plus event planners to work alongside each couple or family to plan their special occasion. Spa treatments, beachfront yoga on the deck, dining experiences, volleyball tournaments, beach relay races, and more can enhance your celebration.

For soon-to-be newlyweds, Hilton Sandestin Beach is one of the only resorts in the Northwest Florida area offering an all-encompassing wedding experience. Your full wedding itinerary is customizable — including options from a welcome beach bonfire to a farewell brunch.

5. Culinary delights

Savor a variety of on-site dining options at Hilton Sandestin Beach to tantalize your taste buds, including fine dining at Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood (the area’s only AAA Four-Diamond steakhouse), plus casual eateries like Sandcastle’s Restaurant and Lounge, The Coffee Shop, and Hadashi Sushi Bar. Beachside and poolside dining with seasonal hours include Barefoot’s Beachside Bar & Grill and Picnix Poolside Market. In-room dining is also available.

Plan your visit

Ready to make your dream vacation a reality? Great accommodations await you and your family at Hilton Sandestin Beach, with 590 spacious guest rooms and suites including private balconies with partial or full Gulf views, and first-floor rooms feature a covered patio. Junior deluxe suites are ideal for families, with bunk beds and sleeper sofas. The resort also offers ADA-equipped rooms.

Explore the possibilities for your next family vacay at HiltonSandestinBeach.com, and check out great package offers at HiltonSandestinBeach.com/vacation-packages.

EASTON, Mass. (May 29, 2025) – Stonehill College track and field head coach Michael Delgado and his staff were named the Northeast Conference Outdoor Track & Field men’s coaching staff of the year, the conference announced on Thursday.
 

Delgado (Throws/Hurdles/Horizontal Jumps), in his sixth season at the helm of the Skyhawks Track & Field program, led a staff of head cross country coach Karen Boen and assistant cross country coach Carl Boen (Distance/Mid-Distance), along with assistant track & field coach Dan Schwartz (Vertical Jumps/Sprints), to the staff’s first postseason honor at the Division I level, as voted on by the other NEC head coaches.
 
This is Delgado’s second Coaching Staff of the Year award in total, having earned the honor in the Northeast-10 at the Division II level in 2019. He joins Boen, who was given the honor of NEC Cross Country Coach of the Year in both 2022 and 2023, leading the women’s squad to the NEC title in 2023.
 
At outdoor championships at W.B. Mason Stadium this past May, the men’s team propelled itself from sixth place after the first day of competition, up to second place in the final standings with a team score of 105.50 points, trailing only Central Connecticut, which won the title with 235 points.
 
This was the highest placement for the men’s team at NEC Outdoor Championships, placing fourth last year and ninth the year before. Their second-place finish included seven top-three finishes and four silver medals. The women’s team placed third with 124 points, their best finish at the DI level after coming in sixth in 2024 and fourth in 2023.
 
Along with the Skyhawks coaching staff receiving postseason recognition, graduate students Jacob Pacheco (Merrimack, N.H.) and Cody DeAngelo (Old Saybrook, Conn.), and senior Parker Hagen (Newport, R.I.) were named to the NEC All-Conference Second Team for their silver medals in the javelin throw, pole vault, and the triple jump. The Skyhawks’ 4×100-meter relay team also earned Second Team honors.
 
The men’s NEC All-Rookie Team included freshmen Kyle Kwiatek (Lynn, Mass.) and Jacob Tobin (Natick, Mass.), who were the top first-year finishers in the 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter races.
 
On the women’s side, graduate student Abigail Larsson (Bayport, N.Y.) won the pole vault to be the lone Skyhawk to earn All-Conference First Team honors. Classmate Kaytlin Encarnacao (Reading, Mass.) was named to the All-Conference Second Team after earning a silver medal in the 400-meter race. Joining her with second team honors was senior Madison Rousseau (Canton, Mass.) for her performance in the 100-meter hurdles and sophomore Kayla Oakes (Kingston, N.Y.), who placed second in the long jump.
 
Stonehill’s 4×400-meter relay and 4×800-meter relay teams were also additions to the NEC All-Conference Second Team. The Skyhawk women led the conference with four student-athletes on the NEC All-Rookie Team, as freshmen Hannah Santos (Swansea, Mass.), Rachael Korowski (Hudson, Mass.), Emmy Belvin (Chepachet, R.I.), and Makenna Dube (North Andover, Mass.) were all recognized by the conference. Santos was the top freshman finisher in the high jump, Korowski in the 1500-meter race, Belvin in the 800-meter race, and Dube in the shot put.

For the latest on Stonehill Athletics, follow the Skyhawks via social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.