Every year, Sportswomen of Colorado, a group whose mission is to promote, honor, and empower Colorado girls and women in sport, honors the best of the best. This year Colorado Academy will be recognized on March 15, 2020, in three categories, including High School Team of the Year. On March 15, 2020, at their annual banquet, Sportswomen of Colorado will recognize Sloane Murphy ’19 for her accomplishments in Lacrosse and Junior Katharine Merrifield for achievements in Field Hockey. The 2019 Girls Lacrosse Team will be honored for their dominating performance during their most recent Spring season. In more than 50 categories, CA received more honors than any other Colorado High School.
Sloane Murphy ‘19
Sloane Murphy ‘19, currently a freshman on the University of Southern California Lacrosse team, was a force during her time as a Mustang student-athlete. A four-year Varsity starter, it was evident from Murphy’s early years that her energy, work ethic, and tenacity were outstanding and dominant. Murphy scored 176 goals and had 58 assists for 234 points as a Mustang. Speed was the cornerstone of Murphy’s game, and her attention to preparation was a model for all of her teammates. Murphy was named First Team All-State in Lacrosse in her Senior and Junior years, was Colorado’s Player of the Year, and was also recognized by U.S. Lacrosse as an All-American and Player of the Year in the West.
Katharine Merrifield
Junior Katharine Merrifield, who has committed to the University of Michigan for Lacrosse, has been chosen by Sportswomen of Colorado for her exceptional performance this past Fall on the State Championship Mustang Field Hockey Team. Merrifield, a gifted athlete noted for speed, quickness, and skill, scored 25 goals, had nine assists, and led the team and state in points with 59. For her accomplishments, Merrifield was named the top player in the state and First Team All-State. It will be exciting to watch Merrifield and her teammates in the Fall of 2020, as they look to construct another successful season.
Girls Lacrosse
Perhaps the most dominant Girls Lacrosse program in recent state history, Colorado Academy has produced five straight Colorado State Championships, been undefeated in the state for the past four seasons—last losing in early 2015—and formulating a 73-2 record over the same time span, an impressive 97 percent winning achievement. The current run of State Championships for the girls is especially notable, given the growth of the sport in Colorado. Currently there are more than 50 high schools who support the sport, and next year, the state will have two classifications, 5A and 4A, primarily based on school size. Because of the desire to play the most competitive schedule, CA will be 5A in Girls Lacrosse, despite the fact that CA will be the smallest school in the classification.
In past years, other Colorado Academy athletes have also been recognized by Sportswomen of Colorado, including Nellie Turnage ’16 for Field Hockey; Bridget Sutter ’17 for Lacrosse; and Lauren Russell ’18 for Lacrosse. We are proud of this record-setting year of honors, as they validate the hard work and determination of athletes and coaches in their quest for excellence. In athletics, we strive to match the great work done in the CA academic setting and arts world. Take a look at the new CA website for upcoming games and locations. Go Mustangs!