New England Pride Scholarship
In March, the New England Pride
The New England Pride Scholarships were established in 2017 to recognize outstanding individuals who have competed in New England as youth/high school wrestlers. The NE Pride Scholarships are intended to show pride and support for the collegiate wrestling aspirations of the scholarship recipients.
High school seniors who intend to wrestle in college, especially those who formerly competed in the Youth New Englands, are encouraged to apply for a scholarship award. In order to be considered for a NE Pride Scholarship Award, you must complete the scholarship application by clicking this button:
*Applications must be submitted by February 20, 2025
How you can contribute:
Donate To NE Pride Scholarships: Your tax-deductible contribution will help us recognize and support the outstanding individuals who receive a New England Pride Scholarship. Join us in supporting these New England wrestlers as they chase their dreams at the collegiate level.
Sponsor a Page in the Program Book: you can sponsor a page in the YNEW program book. Contact [email protected] to support the NE Pride Scholarships and connect your organization with our customers.
2024 New England Pride Scholarships
ASHLEY DEHNEY, Central Catholic
What Ashley says about wrestling…
“Wrestling was instantly the perfect fit for me…
this sport has taught me to never give up…
and to work hard. Wrestling has not only
given me many opportunities but it has also
taught me so many more lessons. Wrestling
has changed my life for the better.””
What others say about Ashley…
“Ashley’s fire, drive, and determination
are truly admirable. She embodies the concept
of leading by example… never giving up on her
team or herself. Ashley left a lasting
impact on her teammates… by fostering
a culture of excellence within the team.””
DAISEY HAWKINS, Scituate HS
What Daisey says about wrestling…
“Wrestling has inspired me in different ways. It
has allowed me to make friends, travel the world,
and have opportunities that others might not
have. If someone were to ask me what wrestling
means to me, I would say family. Honestly, no
words can describe what wrestling means to me.””
What others say about Daisey…
“Over the years, Daisey has consistently
demonstrated her commitment to excel with her
strong work ethic and passion for the sport. She
is highly respected… for her positive attitude,
sportsmanship, and willingness to go above
and beyond. I am honored to have had the
opportunity to coach and mentor Daisey.”
MADELINE LI, Andover HS
What Madeline says about wrestling…
“My first year of wrestling was challenging, being
the only girl on the team and still very new to
the sport. I quickly grew to love the sport and
competing with the team. Wrestling has given
me a new way to express myself. I have grown in
perseverance and self-discipline. The love and
passion I have for wrestling gives me life.”
What others say about Madeline…
“Maddy is extremely self-disciplined and
self-motivated. Never having wrestled before, but
with an extensive background in jiu-jitsu, Maddy
found immediate success on the mat.
I have come to know her as one of the
hardest working and most committed
wrestlers that I have coached in my career.”
AMARA SANTULLI, Amity HS
What Amara says about wrestling…
“My first win… sparked an inferno and showed
me what hard work and determination can get
you. I found a community of girls with the same
passion for wrestling that I have. Wrestling
continues to help me grow as a person and an
athlete. I can confidently say I am stronger in
body, mind, and spirit because I wrestle.”
What others say about Amara…
“Amara has embraced wrestling with every
fiber of her being and is inspiring others
to get into wrestling. She understands
the importance of leadership and hard work.
Amara is an outstanding role model and peer
advocate. I truly believe her experience in wrestling
has had much to do with her growth.”
BAILEE MILITELLO, Gloucester HS
What Bailee says about wrestling…
“Going to wrestling tournaments became my
happy place. I felt right at home when I walked
onto the mat. Wrestling allowed me to find
my second family. I started to develop my own
identity as a wrestler. My view of life has changed
because of wrestling… this sport has transformed
me into the woman I am today.”
What others say about Bailee…
“I cannot say enough about Bailee’s positive
contributions and leadership roles within the
school community. Few students… have the
leadership qualities and work ethic that Bailee
possesses. Her peers as well as her teachers hold
her in high regard. She is an absolute joy to be
around.”
BRENT NICOLOSI, Haverhill HS
What Brent says about wrestling…
“I got into wrestling because my older brother Jake was involved. I instantly fell in love with the sport and found success early on. Something about the one on one aspect of wrestling really drew me in. I liked that you couldn’t blame teammates for a loss. Most importantly, wrestling taught me to be the best version of myself.”
What others say about Brent…
“Brent is a great example of a student who works hard and reaps the benefits of his hard work. Brent’s work ethic translates the most to his true passion, wrestling. He is constantly training, competing, practicing, or preparing for an event in wrestling. Brent has the skill, determination, and work ethic to be successful in any endeavor he may choose.”
VICTOR PETKOV, Ridgefield HS
What Victor says about wrestling…
“Wrestling has been more than a sport to me.
It has taught me important life lessons and it
has really shaped my character. Wrestling has
profoundly influenced my life in ways that
extend far beyond the confines of the mat.
It has taught me the importance of resilience
in the face of adversity, the value of teamwork
and camaraderie, and the significance of
setting and striving for ambitious goals.”
What others say about Victor…
“It has always been a belief of mine
that most great athletes… decided they wanted
to be great and worked at it. Victor took this
approach and applied it to his whole life.
He wanted to crush all challenges around him.
It has been incredible to be able to follow
Victor’s progress as a wrestler, a student, and
a young man. He should be the standard of
excellence at every high school in America.”
NATE TAYLOR, Green Farms Academy
What Nate says about wrestling…
“Wrestling teaches invaluable lessons in
perseverance and dedication, both on and
off the mat. Success in wrestling, as in life,
hinges on preparation and endurance.
What I love most about wrestling is its
inherent complexity. This aspect of the sport
fuels my creativity and strategic thinking.
Wrestling combines the need for careful
planning with the ability to react quickly.”
What others say about Nate…
“Nate’s sincerity, diligence, and no-nonsense
approach, as well as the relationships
he creates with peers and teachers, will make
him an asset to any community. Nate is a
capable, earnest, and engaged young man who…
mixes his inner fire in pursuit of success
with a healthy patience for the lessons
of the long game, a habit no doubt honed
from trial and error on the wrestling mat.”
FISHER STITES, Newtown HS
What Fisher says about wrestling…
“Wrestling has given me a solid foundation
and it has helped me get into a college that will
change the course of my life. In the off-season,
I practiced almost every day. I learned new
techniques, improved on my strengths, and
chipped away at my weaknesses. With my high
school career now coming to an end, I can’t
help but look back on all the perseverance,
accomoplishments, teammates, and especially
coaches that got me where I am today.”
What others say about Fisher…
“I’ve had the opportunity to witness Fisher’s work
ethic firsthand, and I can confidently attest to
his relentless pursuit of excellence. In addition
to his exeptional athletic abilities, Fisher is
also a person of strong character and integrity.
He exemplifies the values of sportsmanship,
teamwork, leadership, and discipline. Fisher’s
positive attitude and leadership qualities make
him not only an asset to the wrestling team, but
also a positive influence on his peers.”
HADEN BOTTIGLIERI, Belmont Hill School
What Haden says about wrestling…
“It is an understatement to say that wrestling
means a lot to me. I instantly fell in love with the
gritty and unforgiving nature of the sport. I loved
knowing that I was the only one responsible
for my successes and failures. The lessons of
discipline and mental fortitude… and the ability
to overcome adversity are things I would not
have learned if it were not for wrestling.”
What others say about Haden…
“Haden is a once-in-a-lifetime talent…
who exemplifies what it takes to lead from
the front and sets a standard of excellence for
those around him. Haden displays a strong
interest in making an impact on the world
around him. He is the gold standard of what we
strive for… that each individual athlete becomes
the best wrestler and person they can be.”
DYLLAN DAVIS, Wells HS
What Dyllan says about wrestling…
“My uncle convinced me to give wrestling a try.
Little did I know this sport would give me the
opportunity to train with high level kids day
in and day out. The people I was surrounded
with molded my drive to always better myself
and chase my goals. Through all of my life
experiences I have really learned to appreciate
the value of hard work and dedication.”
What others say about Dyllan…
“Dyllan made an immediate impact on
an already successful wrestling team.
He is very willing to help others in the wrestling
room with technique and conditioning.
He has just as much passion in the classroom as
he does on the mat. Dyllan quickly became one
of our leaders, somebody the other wrestlers
looked up to and wanted to be like.”
MATTHEW LOPES, Blair Academy
What Matthew says about wrestling…
“As wrestling came into my life at such a young
age, never did I imagine that I would be sitting
here now with the love I have for this sport.
Being surrounded by role models, my love for the
sport just grew daily. My success opened doors
for me to attend… one of the top boarding
schools in the country. I am grateful for
the opportunities wrestling has given me.”
What others say about Matthew…
“Matthew has demonstrated exceptional
dedication, talent, and character both on
and off the wrestling mat. He has consistently
displayed remarkable skill and commitment to
the sport of wrestling. Matthew’s hard work,
discipline, and perseverance have been
evident in his consistent improvement and
success as a wrestler.
PEYTON ELLIS, Coventry HS
What Peyton says about wrestling…
“I started wrestling at the age of five and have
loved it ever since. Being a young athlete with
big dreams, I was able to develop a hard-working
mentality and a goal-oriented mindset. Wrestling
has influenced my life by making me an overall
better person. It has taught me the importance of
hard work and dedication.”
What others say about Peyton…
“Peyton is an exceptional athlete who consistently
demonstrates determination, perseverance, and
a strong work ethic. He possesses a natural
talent for the sport of wrestling, but what truly
sets him apart is his unwavering commitment to
self-improvement. Peyton is not only a standout
athlete but also an outstanding individual.”
TEGHAN MCCONNELL, Bedford HS
What Teghan says about wrestling…
“My life has revolved around the sport of
wrestling for as long as I can remember.
Ever since I was little, I have had a certain
passion for wrestling that no other sport or
activity could compare to. Wrestling has
improved my confidence, work ethic, and
my character. I give wrestling the credit
for my success on and off the mat.”
What others say about Teghan…
“I met Teghan as his youth wrestling coach…
one of those young men I could see would be a force
to be reckoned with as he progressed. There came
a time when the desire to be the best consumed Teghan, and eventually he settled in with year-round wrestling. Teghan has the characteristics of a “winner” – including commitment, discipline, composure, and belief in himself.”
2023 New England Pride Scholarships
DEREK COTE, Noble HS
What Derek says about wrestling…
“Wrestling has been so much more than just a sport for me, as it has taught me the most valuable lessons I have learned in my short life…how to be disciplined and to tackle tasks when there is adversity.”
What others say about Derek…
“Derek is one of the most driven, determined students I have ever taught… he is an inspiration to his peers, his friends, his teammates and to me personally.”
RAWSON IWANICKI, St. John’s Prep
What Rawson says about wrestling…
“Wrestling seemed like an impossible task. Little did I know, I was about to open the door to experiences and relationships that would mold and guide my future.”
What others say about Rawson…
“Rawson has a great deal of potential, athletic ability, and the fire that any wrestler needs… I have been even more impressed with his humility, kindness, and hard work.”
NEHEMIAS PETTWAY, Fairfield Warde HS
What Nemo says about wrestling…
“My wrestling journey has been nothing short of amazing. I have friends today that I cherish with all my heart. I have people in my life who I can count on. This is all due to the sport of wrestling.”
What others say about Nemo…
“Nemo has a genuine heart and is willing to do whatever it takes for his team to succeed. He possesses a great capacity for growth and his motivation and determination will allow him to meet any challenge in his way.”
TYLER KNOX, St. John’s Prep
What Tyler says about wrestling…
“My wrestling journey started when I was 4 years old… I found a love in the sport that would carry on throughout my life to present day. I am confident that wrestling has prepared me for life and it’s many unseen challenges.”
What others say about Tyler…
“Tyler has a unique quality: he embraces competition. He is determined to do his best and learn from every experience on the mat. Tyler has grown into a polite, friendly young man… who has not forgotten how to treat people, always smiling and giving words of encouragement.”
JOE TULLY, Carver HS
What Joe says about wrestling…
“The more I wrestled with like-minded athletes and coaches, the more I fell in love with the sport. I will continue to set and achieve goals, and I will continue to give back to the sport that has given me so much.”
What others say about Joe…
“I have observed Joe’s focus grow along with his strength, coordination and maturity. His training regimen and workout schedule is an inspiration to all of us who believe in hard work!”
TAYLA TILDSLEY, Phillips Andover
What Tayla says about wrestling…
“Wrestling has emphasized the importance of family and community… it is woven into all aspects of my life… and it will forever be a part of me.”
What others say about Tayla…
“Tayla is a natural leader who defines the true meaning of the word student-athlete… she leads from the front in every area that we challenge our athletes.”
SHAYMUS MACINTOSH, Northfield Mount Herman HS
What Shaymus says about wrestling…
“The reason I love wrestling is because it teaches you to deal with adversity like nothing else… it has helped me grow as a wrestler and human being.”
What others say about Shaymus…
“As a wrestler, Shaymus is not only talented and disciplined but also remarkably cerebral for a high school athlete. The most rewarding aspect of working with Shaymus, however, involves his tremendous potential for leadership.”
RYAN DONOVAN, Milford HS
What Ryan says about wrestling…
“Being a wrestler is something that I pride myself on. It is one of the toughest sports, both mentally and physically, and it has taught me so much about myself.”
What others say about Ryan…
“Ryan is an extremely kindhearted individual, who demonstrates excellent character and incredible work ethic. He is an individual the wrestling community can be proud of.”
JACK CALLAHAN, Tewksbury HS
What Jack says about wrestling…
“Wrestling has affected almost every part of my life… the sport has taught me many life lessons and has shaped me into the person I have become today.”
What others say about Jack…
“Jack is a leader on and off the wrestling mat… I have never met a more mature student athlete in all my coaching career.”
JOSH CORDIO, Wyoming Seminary
What Josh says about wrestling…
“While the competition… gave me new goals and a new perspective on what I wanted to make of my wrestling career, I had yet to learn how far wrestling would take me in life.”
What others say about Josh…
“What makes Joshua so special is his work ethic. His ability to push forward when it appears there is nothing else to give is one of his strongest traits.”
Past NE Pride Scholarship Recipients
2022: Peter Kane (Greens Farms CT); Kelvin Griffin (Hill School PA); Aiden Hanning (Northfield Mt Hermon MA); Jimmy Harrington (Belmont Hill MA); Lucien Perla (Nashoba MA); Conor Maslanek (Pelham NH)
2021: Sophia Matthews (Woburn MA); Anson Dewar (Merrimack NH); Zachary Rioux (Bishop Guertin NH); Nick Pallaria (Timberlane NH); Conor Maslanek (Pelham NH); Joshua Cote (Lebanon ME)
2020: Marisol Nugent (Phillips Academy MA); Joziah Frye (Coventry RI); Antonios Sevastos (Mansfield MA); Sam Wilkins (Mount Anthony VT); Jake Nicolosi (Haverhill MA); Dominic Bonanno (Chariho RI); Harrison Shapiro (Belmont Hill MA); Matt Ryan (Trumbull CT); Hunter Adrian (Melrose MA)
2019: Ryan Garlitz (St. John’s Prep MA); Luca Pontone (Belmont Hill MA); Jack Darling (Masconomet MA); Colin Vallis (Belmont Hill MA); Joe Valentino (No. Andover MA);
2017-2018: Lucas Cordio (Nashoba MA); Drew Chase (Londonderry NH)