FALLS VILLAGE — It is an honor to have even a single student athlete chosen for an All-State team, and Housatonic Valley Regional High School has had three during the fall season.
Volleyball player Danielle Kearns and soccer players Reilly Lynch and Andrew Hoffman were chosen for the Class S All-State teams. The honor recognizes high school athletes for their individual athleticism and talent, regardless of their team’s record during the season.
All-State athletes are nominated by their coaches, who are allowed to choose one team member for nomination. The coaches then can vote for five athletes from all of the teams in the region. This means that each All-State athlete’s talent has been noticed by many other coaches besides their own.
“We couldn’t be prouder of them and their accomplishments on the field,� said Dan Carroll, athletic director. “They truly epitomize what it means to be a student-athlete. They’re all good citizens, good students and good athletes. Their selection for the All-State teams is a tremendous testament to the coaching staffs they had this fall, as well as the parental support they’ve had over the years.�
Danielle Kearns
Age: 17
Grade: Senior
Sport: Volleyball (she also plays basketball.)
How long have you played volleyball? Four years
Why volleyball? “Back during freshman year, I decided to do something different, because I wasn’t very good at soccer. Volleyball was that something different, and I thought it would be really fun.�
Why do you think you were chosen as an All-State athlete? “I think I was chosen because I have worked very hard and I’m always putting out the best potential I have.�
What are your college plans? “I’d like to go to Lynchburg College in Virginia to study exercise science and become a personal trainer. I’d like to play volleyball in college.�
Andrew Hoffman
Age: 17
Grade: Senior
Sport: Soccer (he also plays basketball and lacrosse.)
How long have you played soccer? “I’ve been playing since I was a young’un. I was about 5 when I started.�
Why do you think you were chosen as an All-State athlete? “I was chosen because I worked hard and played well in important games. I stepped up when the time came.�
What are your college plans? “My top choices for colleges are Wesleyan University and Sacred Heart University. I’d like to study physical therapy and sports medicine. In college, I am actually looking to play lacrosse, not soccer.�
Reilly Lynch
Age: 17
Grade: Senior
Sport: Soccer (he also plays basketball.)
How long have you played soccer? “I’ve been playing since I was 4. I lived in Delaware at the time, and they had a huge soccer program there. I’ve really been playing since I can remember.�
Why do you think you were chosen as an All-State athlete? “I think it helped that I’m really flexible, position-wise. I played three or four positions this season. I went wherever the team needed me.�
What are your college plans? “I applied early decision to Williams College in Massachusetts, and I should be finding out really soon if I got in. I will try and play soccer there. I’m not sure what major I will choose. I’d just like a good liberal arts education.�
Justine and Victor Valla in their studio with a painting of Victor’s,”Jonah and the Whale.” Robin Roraback 
A ceramic vase by Kathleen Heidemann.Provided 
Joy Brown’s delightful ceramic sculptures.Provided 
Hundreds of items at Stateline Auctions, including a candy-apple-red Crosley pickup truck.D.H. Callahan
