HAVERFORD, Pa. - Sophomore Jessica Koshinski, a member of the Haverford College softball team, is the 2015 recipient of the Archibald MacIntosh Award. Koshinski is the second softball player to receive this honor in the award's 51-year history. The Beta Rho Sigma alumni society has presented the award in MacIntosh's honor to the top scholar-athlete in the first-year class at Haverford since 1964.
Koshinski started all 36 games during her freshman campaign as she became the first player in program history to be named the Centennial Conference's Rookie of the Year. The Fords' third baseman was also one of a program-record five individuals to earn first-team All-Centennial Conference honors during the 2015 season.
"Being named the MacIntosh Award winner is a tremendous honor, particularly when I reflect upon the accomplishments of my classmates here at Haverford last year. Just to be nominated within this distinguished group of student-athletes can be considered an outstanding accomplishment," explained Koshinski. "To me, personally, receiving this award is not only recognition for my past performance. It is also a charge to promote the spirit of Haverford as I continue my academic and athletic life here on campus, just as those before me have done."
Playing for a team that has experienced unprecedented success in recent seasons, Koshinski batted leadoff on her way to helping the team reach its third straight Centennial Conference Tournament for the first time in program history. Playing with a senior-laden team around her, Koshinski led the Fords with 10 doubles and finished the year with a .357 batting average in a team-best 129 at bats. The Aliquippa, Pa. native showed incredible consistency by recording a hit in 28 different games, including 16 multi-hit games.
"Jess possesses the spirit and discipline of a true competitor as she has an impressive ability to rise to challenges and meet and exceed heightened demands with ease," said head coach Erin Brooks of her standout student-athlete. "I continue to grow in respect and admiration of her demeanor, work ethic, and character. I look forward to supporting her continued academic and athletic growth at Haverford."
Coach Brooks is one of many people that Koshinski would like to thank in helping her achieve this honor. "Success in academics and athletics is never an individual effort. There is a framework of people that have contributed greatly to my success, pushing me to excel in the classroom and on the field," stated Koshinski.
A telling story about Koshinski's dedication to the complete student-athlete experience was recounted by Dean of First-Year Students Michael Martinez, "As a member of the First-Year Dean's Council, Jessica wrote a blog post over the summer for the incoming class of 2019 titled 'Getting Involved,' which I thought was very fitting considering Jessica is one of the most involved students I know. Jessica's involvement is not superficial; she is not involved merely for the sake of being involved. Her form of involvement is rooted in a deep sense of commitment, which is what she gives to all of her many obligations. She is truly committed to her team, her academics and to Haverford, and for that, she is so deserving of this important award."
Recognizing the complete dynamic of the student-athlete experience, Koshinski thanked the Haverford College faculty and staff, along with her coaches, teammates and family. "Without the guidance and support of the people that I mentioned and many more, I would not have reached where I am today. I am immensely grateful for everything they have done for me to help me reach my goals both academically and athletically."
Although unsure about the exact path her professional career will take, Koshinski is eagerly awaiting the opportunity and potential for personal and professional growth during her next three years at Haverford. "After graduation, I would like to pursue a professional degree of some kind, in either medicine or law. Ultimately, I aspire to gain as many experiences as I possibly can and to hopefully make a positive lasting impact on someone's life."