Ephs' Dana Leary Named NSCAA/adidas National Div. III Player of the Year

12:00AM / Wednesday, January 03, 2007Print Story | Email Story

Williams senior captain, defender/forward, Dana Leary

Mission, KS -- Williams senior captain, defender/forward, Dana Leary (Gonzaga College High School/Washington, DC) named the NSCAA/adidas National Div. III Player of the Year by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). "Dana possesses all the attributes of an elite player," said Eph head coach Mike Russo. "He's clearly the most powerful player we've had in our program at 6' 4" and 220 lbs. He strikes the ball well, is exceptional in the air and he has a versatility that many players do not -- he can score goals and he can prevent goals." Leary, a four-year letterman in soccer anchored a back line this season that allowed just 8 goals in 17 games as the Ephs went 14-1-2 on the year, winning both the NESCAC regular season and tournament titles and advancing to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen. Leary netted four goals this season and three of them were game-winners. Williams compiled a four-year record of 57-9-6 (.833), won four NESCAC regular season titles, three NESCAC Tournaments, played in four straight NCAA Tournaments and allowed just 48 goals during Leary's career. Leary tallied 16 goals and assisted on seven in his career for a point total of 39. The presentation of the National Div. III Player of the Year award will take place at the annual NSCAA Convention on January 13th in Indianapolis. "Technically Dana is very sound and mentally he excels as either a central forward or a central defender and he is most deserving of this honor," said Russo. "His graduating will leave us with a large hole to fill next year." Leary, a history major, also lettered in basketball for the Ephs for two years and spent the spring of his junior year abroad in Australia where he studied public policy and multiculturalism where he focused on aboriginal issues. Leary plans to take a year off and work in a law-related job like paralegal work or something similar before enrolling in law school. "If I came across an opportunity in soccer I would definitely purse it," said Leary. "It's every kid's dream to play pro sports and I'd really like to try and see what happens." Leary is quick to point out that this award is the result of hard work and having the love and support of two families â€“ the Learys and Williams soccer -- on and off the field. "This honor means a lot to me," said Leary. "It represents the hard work I've put in over the years. My mom would come down to the park by my house over the summer where I was working out and scream at me to stop running and playing because she thought I would collapse from the DC heat and humidity. It's funny to look back on those moments, they were the only times I didn't listen to her." "I also want to thank my coaches, Russo and [Tom] Demeo for making me the player I am today'" said Leary. "From pushing me hard, perfecting my skill and technique on the field to being mentors off of the field. I can not emphasize enough how much our relationship means to me." "I have so many memories that I will cherish of Williams soccer," said Leary. "First our preseason trip when it's just the team. I've never had such a close bonding experience. Next would be the sprints at the end of practice. We all hated it and loved it at the same time, you could just look over into your teammate's eyes, and you both know that you are going to keep running and pushing yourselves for each other. There was no option of quitting, It's a good feeling. I'll also remember circling up with the team before games, feeling the intensity and knowing that no matter what happened, we were in it together and we were going to fight." Leary joins Alex Blake '01 (forward), Brad Murray '97 (forward) and Terry Kaufmann '96 (back) as Ephs named national players of the year under Mike Russo.

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BVNA Nurses Raise Funds for Berkshire Bounty

06:38AM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Massachusetts Nursing Association members of the Berkshire Visiting Nurses Association raised $650 to help with food insecurity in Berkshire County.

The nurses and health-care professionals of BVNA have given back to the community every holiday season for the last three years. The first year, they adopted a large family, raised money, bought, wrapped and delivered the gifts for the family. Last year, they sold raffle tickets and the money raised went to the charitable cause of the winner.

This year, with food insecurity as a rising issue, they chose to give to Berkshire Bounty in Great Barrington.

They sold raffle tickets for a drawing to win one of two items: A lottery ticket tree or a gift certificate tree, each worth $100. They will be giving the organization the donation this month.

Berkshire Bounty seeks to improve food security in the county through food donations from retailers and local farms; supplemental purchases of healthy foods; distribution to food sites and home deliveries; and collaborating with partners to address emergencies and improve the food system.

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