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Silver Medalist And Harvard Men's Basketball Highlight the Celebration of Our 14 Triple-Impact Competitor Finalists

11.12.2019

Have you ever held an Olympic medal? Our fourteen Triple-Impact Competitor Finalists did on Sunday, November 10th when they gathered in Harvard’s Hall of History for a special celebration to recognize their exceptional commitment to make themselves, their teammates, and the game better.  

The gleaming silver medal belongs to Dr. Gevvie Stone, Olympian (Rio 2016, single sculling) and emergency room physician. Dr. Stone took time out from training for Tokyo 2020 to help shine the spotlight on the Finalists for PCA’s Triple-Impact Competitor Scholarships at a New England classic reception of apples, apple cider, cider donuts, and pumpkin bread, because “what gets rewarded, gets repeated.”

Surrounded by images of Harvard athletes throughout history, Dr. Stone talked to the Finalists about how she found her passion for rowing, and how learning to accept coaching (and constructive criticism) has helped her achieve her goals on the water, in medical school, and in life. During the reception, the Finalists had the opportunity to talk informally with Dr. Stone and PCA staff, Senior Partnership Manager Chris Fay and Executive Director Beth O’Neill Maloney.

Each of the fourteen Finalists received a gift card for a free pair of New Balance shoes, an autographed copy of Powerhouse by longtime USWNT soccer star, member of the 99ers, and PCA National Advisory Board member Kristine Lilly, a crimson RESPECT t-shirt, and tickets to the Harvard Men’s Basketball game versus Maine for themselves and their guests.

Many of the Finalists arrived early and had the opportunity to witness the undefeated Harvard men’s water polo team in its final regular-season match against MIT in men’s water polo. Harvard’s Water Polo program is led by Ted Minnis, PCA Champion and award-winning coach. Coach Minnis brought his team to a win over MIT to finish the regular season with a 27 – 0 record (catch the highlights here). With an impressive 198 wins at Harvard in Men’s Water Polo, Coach Minnis has a track record of success posting more than 110 wins in Harvard Women’s Water Polo, which he coaches in the spring.

In a loud and lively Lavietes Pavilion, PCA National Advisory Board Member Tommy Amaker coached his team to a strong second half and a 67 - 46 win for the home team. (Click here for highlights from the Harvard/Maine game.) Harvard has a full slate of non-league games coming up, and is scheduled to begin Ivy League play on January 18 with a game against Dartmouth. In the crowd was Massachusetts Governor, and Harvard Basketball alumnus, Charlie Baker. During the game, Harvard displayed the PCA logo and several PCA images, including one of Coach Amaker with Alex Cora, on the videoboard eliciting cheers from the Finalists and their guests. During the game, each Finalist met with a PCA staff member to share more about themselves, including their favorite sports moments, and how their coaches or parents have supported them, and the lessons they have learned from sports that will help them in life.

When the game ended, Coach Amaker was the model of a respectful opponent shaking the hands of every player and staff member from Maine, and then hosting a Harvard Basketball Team autograph line for the many youth players in attendance.

The day’s celebration concluded at almost 5 pm with the Harvard Basketball Team posing for their annual photograph with PCA’s Triple-Impact Competitors.

PCA expects to announce the scholarship winners in January 2020. This will be a difficult selection process with fourteen well-qualified Finalists, all of whom have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to doing the right thing.

Thank you Nixon, Colby, Sofia, Rafael, Alexis, Liam, Sydney, Yara, Evan, Julia, Faith, and Tianna.

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To see all the event photos, click below

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