MKA Athletics - SAC Updates

Hello from the Cougars! Every week this summer, a different member of the Student Athletic Council (SAC) will take over MKA Athletics Instagram introducing themselves, what it takes to prepare in the offseason and showing you what they like to do in their free time! The take over begins this weekend, enjoy!! 🐾 ☀️😎

Congratulations to Ella Freeman ‘26 (Girls Lacrosse) the recipient of the ”Carmen Marnell Captain’s Award” which is given out each season to the MKA Team Captain who has exhibited the qualities that we look for in our team captains...leadership, dedication, respect, work ethic, and being a role model both on and off the field to his or her teammates and peers. 
 
Head Coach Kristen Dawes ‘95 writes…

Ella is the kind of leader every team hopes to have and every coach dreams of coaching. As a senior captain, she has been the backbone of our team…steady, fearless, and endlessly dependable. She leads not only with her voice, but with her actions, setting the standard every single day through her preparation, toughness, and commitment to excellence.

Ella is a trusted teammate, a relentless worker, and an inspiring leader who elevates everyone around her. Her athleticism and talent are undeniable, but it is her dedication, resilience, and character that make her so deserving of this honor. She has left a lasting mark on this team, and her legacy as a captain, competitor, and role model will be felt long after this season ends.

The MKA Upper School Weight Room Summer 2026 hours starts TODAY!💪

Summer Dates/Hours:
June 8 - Aug 12
Mon-Fri (3:00pm-5:30pm)

Open to ALL ‘26-‘27 MKA Upper School (Grades 9-12) students, coaches and faculty.

Congratulations to the winner of the Al Stapf Award...Grace Masella ‘26 (Soccer/Lacrosse).

The Al Stapf Award is given in honor of Mr. Al Stapf, a graduate of Montclair Academy and it is awarded to a senior athlete who had to overcome a physical handicap or a serious injury to contribute to the success of athletics at MKA.

An ACL tear is one of the most challenging injuries an athlete can face. It tests the body but even more so, the mind and spirit. The pain goes without saying, the rehab is long and isolating, there are setbacks and uncertainty about whether a return to sport is possible.

What makes Grace extraordinary is that she fought her way back from not just one, but 2 ACL tears. Her return to the field as a fearless competitor leading both the Varsity Girls’ Soccer and Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse programs to reach high success has been inspiring.

Congratulations to this year’s Deetjen award recipients Nina Abalos ‘26 (Tennis) and Thomas Meeker ‘26 (Ice Hockey/Lacrosse).

The Rudolph Deetjen Award is presented to one female and one male student athlete in the senior class who have a distinguished record in MKA athletics and academic work and whose character and deportment have been a positive influence in the life of the school. Award winners will have demonstrated a positive attitude in the classroom, in their respective athletic arenas, and in the community at large, exemplifying the grace, humility, tenacity, and charisma that defined Rudolph Deetjen’s life.   🎓 🐾

Congratulations to this year’s 12th Grade Klein award winners Shea Murphy ‘26 (Field Hockey/Lacrosse) and Jan Hejna ‘26 (Soccer).

The MKA “Klein Awards” are given to recognize the top male and female student athlete in each grade, who exemplify excellence in academics and strong character.  Klein Award winners must be a positive member of the school community both in the classroom, and on the field and courts, and must display positive leadership qualities to their teammates, coaches and opponents.  🐾

Congratulations to this year’s 11th Grade Klein award winners Caroline Cuneo ‘27 (Soccer/Lacrosse) and Lucas Barbetta ‘27 (Baseball).

The MKA “Klein Awards” are given to recognize the top male and female student athlete in each grade, who exemplify excellence in academics and strong character.  Klein Award winners must be a positive member of the school community both in the classroom, and on the field and courts, and must display positive leadership qualities to their teammates, coaches and opponents.  🐾

Congratulations to this year’s 10th Grade Klein award winners Carter Convey ‘28 (Basketball/Lacrosse) and Olivia Adubato ‘28 (Field Hockey).

The MKA “Klein Awards” are given to recognize the top male and female student athlete in each grade, who exemplify excellence in academics and strong character.  Klein Award winners must be a positive member of the school community both in the classroom, and on the field and courts, and must display positive leadership qualities to their teammates, coaches and opponents.  🐾

Congratulations to this year’s 9th Grade Klein award winners Trevor Meeker ‘29 (Ice Hockey/Lacrosse) and Sloane Dawes ‘29 (Soccer/Lacrosse).

The MKA “Klein Awards” are given to recognize the top male and female student athlete in each grade, who exemplify excellence in academics and strong character.  Klein Award winners must be a positive member of the school community both in the classroom, and on the field and courts, and must display positive leadership qualities to their teammates, coaches and opponents.  🐾

MKA Fall ‘26 Sports/Team Meetings will be on Wed, June 3rd in the US Weiss Auditorium @ 3:30pm and 4:30pm.

1) All RETURNING Upper School student athletes: 3:30pm-4:30pm. We will break into individual team meetings to go over all summer plans, workouts, camps and August pre-season.

2) All INCOMING 9th grade student athletes (Class of ‘30) NEW and RISING MS 8th graders as well as new upperclass transfers: 4:30pm-5:30pm. 

In addition, the MKA Class of ‘30 will have their first class meeting and party at 5:30pm.