PFA Hosts First ESPYS (Sports) Banquet
Under the new leadership of Athletic Director Daniel Pierre-Louis, successor to the legendary Kris Fielder, Pine Forge Academy held its first-ever Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards (ESPYS) Banquet on Sunday, May 4th, right on campus. Hosted by Kaitlyn Lyseight Shields, senior of the Incandescent Class of 2025, the evening was filled with inspiration, celebration, and a renewed sense of pride in the school’s athletic achievements.
The ESPYS Banquet was designed to celebrate and recognize the outstanding athletic accomplishments of Pine Forge Academy’s student-athletes throughout the year. Modeled after the nationally recognized ESPY Awards, the event honored not only athletic excellence but also character, growth, and commitment to team and sport.
This year’s student-athlete award recipients participated in a range of sports, including girls volleyball, boys flag football, girls varsity basketball, boys varsity basketball, and coed track and field. This year marked the return of JV Boys Basketball, a beloved program that has reenergized school spirit and development in the basketball program. It also introduced an exciting new addition to the athletics lineup: Boys Volleyball, which made its debut this season and has already become a staple of our sports offerings.
Each sports team honored student-athletes with four signature awards that highlight the diverse strengths and contributions of each player:
• MVP (Most Valuable Player): Awarded to the athlete whose overall performance and leadership had the most impact on the team.
• Most Improved Player: Given to the student who showed the greatest growth in skill and performance over the season.
• Coach’s Award: Recognizes an athlete who exemplifies commitment, discipline, and a strong work ethic, both on and off the field.
• Student-Athlete: Celebrates the player who demonstrated exemplary athletic performance.
In addition to school-wide recognitions, several Pine Forge student-athletes received special honors from the Penn-Jersey Athletic Association (PJAA), the league in which Pine Forge competes:
• Sydney Marsh (Class of 2025):
o All-League First Team – Volleyball
o All-League Second Team – Basketball
o Runner-Up for Volleyball Player of the Year
• Andres Trellis (Class of 2025):
o All-League Second Team – Basketball
• Jonathan Pluviose (Class of 2027):
o All-League Third Team—Basketball
• Czarah Nora (Class of 2028):
o All-League Third Team – Basketball
The evening was made even more memorable with a powerful keynote from community guest speaker Wayne Deegan, a two-time Olympic torch runner (1984, 1996). Mr. Deegan spoke passionately about the importance of maintaining optimal health and fitness beyond athletic competition. He inspired students to take ownership of their well-being, sharing his personal journey and even allowing students to hold and take pictures with the Olympic torches he carried.
The inaugural ESPYS banquet was not only a celebration of the past year but also a powerful statement about the future of Pine Forge Academy athletics. With new programs, strong leadership, and a growing culture of excellence, the athletic department is heading in an exciting direction.
Special thanks to all parents, donors, community members, and school administration whose continued support makes these opportunities possible for our students.
To keep up with everything happening in PFA Athletics, be sure to follow our Instagram page: @pfa_athletics for the latest updates, highlights, and announcements.
Submitted by Daniel Pierre-Louis, PFA Athletic Director and PE Teacher