The Magruder High School Colonels baseball team will be hosting the Rockville High School Rams as part of their annual Spring Fling baseball festival this Saturday, April 27. (more…)

Dan Rasher, head coach of the Montgomery County Raptors baseball team, recorded his his 500^th career win on Saturday, March 30 against Chesapeake College. The team currently has a 16-10 overall record.

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The Washington Capitals Hockey School program has announced a new partnership with Bar-T to add ball hockey to their after-school Kids Club. Bar-T Kids Club program is the largest private provider of before and after school programs in Montgomery County.

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Kayla DiCello, a 2022 graduate of Northwest High School in Germantown, won the all-around gold on Monday at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile. According to USA Gymnastics, “DiCello won the women’s all-around with a 54.699, thanks to posting the highest scores of the evening on uneven bars (13.633) and floor exercise (13.733) and scoring a 13.200 on balance beam and 14.133 on vault.” She is the first U.S. woman to win all-around gold at the Pan American games since 2011.

DiCello is a six-time USA National Team Member and currently attends the University of Florida. In 2021, DiCello made the Olympic team as an alternate and participated in the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

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Per Montgomery County: “The Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame (MCSHF) will induct its 2023 class of six new members on Sunday, Oct. 29, at the Silver Spring Civic Building in Downtown Silver Spring. The fifth class for the Hall of Fame includes legendary figures in their respective fields in Georgetown Prep football coach Jim Fegan, the late Gaithersburg High School football coach John Harvill, Paint Branch basketball star Tracy Jackson, Springbrook High and U.S. national team soccer player Joanna Lohman, tennis player Harold Solomon and television sportscaster Scott Van Pelt, who attended Sherwood High School.

The ceremonies on Oct. 29 will be free to attend. The Silver Spring Civic Building is located at 1 Veterans Place in Silver Spring. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the ceremonies will start at 6 p.m. Business or sports-themed attired is recommended.

The new class features County natives who have achieved at the national and international levels, as well as local figures who are among the best at what they have done in and for Montgomery County.

The Montgomery Sports Hall of Fame was created to honor the men and women that, through sports, have brought pride and honor to the County. The individuals honored are reflections of the dedication and devotion of many people who love sports. Nominations can be offered by any resident for consideration.

More information about the 2023 inductees is available at 2023 Class Announcement (mcshf.org).

More information about the Montgomery Sports Hall of Fame and its previous inductees can be found at Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame – Building a Better Community Through Sports (mcshf.org).

This year’s class of inductees:

• Jim Fegan was head football coach at Georgetown Prep in Rockville for 36 years. He won 236 games, including 14 league championships, and had nine unbeaten seasons. Fegan played high school football at Gonzaga and started his career as a youth coach at Blessed Sacrament in baseball, basketball and football. In 1961, he took over at Georgetown Prep and built a program that was respected throughout the Washington area. He retired as head coach in 1996, but continued as Georgetown Prep athletic director.
• John Harvill was the head football coach at Gaithersburg High School for 44 years. When he retired in 2000, he was the winningest coach in Maryland history with 312 wins. That included two state titles and four undefeated seasons. Harvill grew up in Washington, D.C., and played football at Mckinley Tech. He joined the Army out of high school. After three years in the military, Harvill enrolled at the University of Maryland, where he played football. Also a standout in baseball, he played professionally for three years in the Red Sox organization. While coaching, he helped develop the statewide playoff system that Maryland implemented in 1974. The Gaithersburg Trojans now play at John Harvill Stadium. Harvill passed away in 2013.
• Tracy Jackson was a high school All-American at Paint Branch High who chose Notre Dame after many college offers came his way. Jackson helped the Irish reach the NCAA Final Four in 1978 and the Elite Eight in 1979. He was drafted by the Celtics in 1981 and played in the NBA with Boston, Chicago and Indiana. After his playing career ended, Jackson was elected to a position on the Notre Dame board of trustees. He returned to Maryland to work as an insurance agent.
• Joanna Lohman was a professional soccer player for 18 years. After starting her youth career with the Bethesda Scorpions, she was an All-Met player at Springbrook High in Silver Spring. At Penn State, she was selected as a first team Big Ten player all four years, the first player ever to achieve that distinction. She was a four-time academic All-American as well. Lohman played professionally in Philadelphia and Boston, as well as internationally in Spain and Sweden, but came back home for two stints with the Washington Freedom. She played her last four years with the Washington Spirit of the NWSL. She also played for the U.S. national team from 2001-07. The Spirit retired her jersey No. 15 in 2019.
• Harold Solomon won 22 singles titles in his professional tennis career. The Springbrook High School graduate was ranked as high as No. 2 in the nation in his juniors career. He was a finalist at the 1976 French Open and was ranked in the top five in singles and doubles during his career. In 1980, Solomon became president of the Association of Tennis Professionals, the governing body of men’s tennis. He began coaching in the 1990s, working with Jim Courier, Monica Seles and Jennifer Capriati. In 2005, he opened the Harold Solomon Tennis Institute in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
• Scott Van Pelt is one of the most recognized sportscasters in the U.S. The Sherwood High School graduate attended the University of Maryland and then started his broadcasting career at Fox 5 in Washington. He was a host and anchor for The Golf Channel for five, then went to ESPN in 2001. At the Worldwide Leader in Sports, he became a Sportscenter anchor, golf correspondent and ESPN Radio host. After living in Bristol, Conn., for most of his career, he moved back to the Washington area and anchors his late night Sportscenter broadcasts from studios here.”

Per MSI: Montgomery Soccer Inc (MSI), a premier youth soccer organization in Montgomery County, Maryland has signed on as an official league operator of MLS GO. Powered by Major League Soccer, MLS GO, is a recreational soccer program designed to increase participation and access for boys and girls outside of the existing soccer ecosystem. This initiative is poised to revolutionize youth soccer development and extend its benefits to all communities within the county.

In addition to offering state-of-the-art soccer training resources, MSI will introduce MLS GO via their comprehensive after-school programs for all children. These programs will not only impart soccer skills but will also promote character development, teamwork, and life skills, using soccer as a vehicle for personal growth. The program will be implemented with support from RCX Sports, the leaders in youth sports experiences, who have partnered with MLS to operate and manage MLS GO.

“We are delighted to take part in MLS GO to bring positive change through soccer to all corners of Montgomery County,” said Gus Delgado, Executive Director at MSI. “Our involvement goes beyond the game itself, reaching out to all communities and providing children with valuable life skills that extend far beyond the soccer field.”

MSI, renowned for its commitment to youth soccer development, eagerly embraces this opportunity to expand its impact. Engagement with MLS GO as a league operator aligns seamlessly with MSI’s core values and underscores its dedication to making soccer accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstances.

“Our participation in MLS GO signifies our commitment to enhancing the lives of young individuals through soccer,” said Delgado. “By delivering our afterschool programs to all areas of the county, we aim to create positive change and empower children with essential life skills alongside their soccer education.”

Participants in the program throughout Montgomery County will engage in an hour-long session that includes skills and drills as well as small-sided games. Players and coaches will have access to MLS GO’s digital training and coaching materials through MOJO, via a curated education curriculum for MLS GO, which includes engaging drills, tactical analysis, and individualized training schedules. The MLS GO program through MSI is a 5-week program, at a cost of $75 per player. Scholarships are available for students who participate in MCPS’s FARMs program through MLS GO AND MSI.

MLS GO and MSI have worked together on initiatives within the program to develop young players’ abilities as well as encourage a love of soccer and personal development. As part of their experience in MLS GO, each player will also receive a co-branded MLS uniform and receive a ticket to a D.C. United game with one parent receiving a ticket at a reduced price.

Both organizations are eagerly anticipating the launch of MLS GO’s pilot program this Fall and more in the coming months, with the afterschool initiatives in areas of need being a central focus.

About Montgomery Soccer Inc (MSI): Montgomery Soccer Inc (MSI) is a leading youth soccer organization in Montgomery County, Maryland, dedicated to providing high-quality soccer experiences for players of all ages. MSI is committed to fostering character development, sportsmanship, and a lifelong love for the game of soccer.

Montgomery Soccer Inc (MSI) has announced the formation of the MSI Golden Knights, a new semi-professional soccer team in Montgomery County. Per MSI: Soccer enthusiasts and sports fans across Montgomery County, MD, have a reason to celebrate as Montgomery Soccer Inc (MSI) makes its grand debut as the area’s newest semi-professional soccer team, the Golden Knights. Founded with a vision to elevate the local soccer scene and foster a spirit of passion and excellence, MSI is set to redefine the sports landscape in the region.

With a deep-rooted commitment to the beautiful game, MSI aims to be a beacon of talent development and a source of pride for the community. As the team gears up for its inaugural season, anticipation is building among fans and aspiring athletes, eager to witness top-tier soccer action right in their backyard.
“At MSI, we are driven by a shared love for soccer and a genuine desire to create a positive impact in Montgomery County’s sporting ecosystem,” said Executive Director Gus Delgado. “We aim to provide local talent with a platform to shine, instilling values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play.”

The MSI Golden Knights roster will be a carefully curated mix of homegrown talent and seasoned athletes, chosen not only for their on-field prowess but also for their dedication to community engagement. The team’s diverse composition will embody the essence of Montgomery County and bring fans together from all walks of life.

Spearheaded by a team of experienced sports professionals and coaching staff, MSI is committed to providing a holistic training environment to nurture and hone the skills of its players. Training facilities will be state-of-the-art, complemented by personalized coaching sessions that focus on the individual growth of each player.

As part of its community outreach, MSI plans to collaborate with local schools, youth programs, and charitable organizations to promote sportsmanship and healthy competition among young athletes. The team aims to actively engage in initiatives that make a positive impact on society.
“We believe in the power of soccer to unite communities, inspire the next generation of athletes, and create lasting memories,” added Delgado. “MSI will strive to be a catalyst for positive change, on and off the field.”

To celebrate the launch of the MSI Golden Knights, the team will host a series of events engaging fan interactions in the coming weeks. Fans and supporters are encouraged to follow the team on social media and visit the official https://msisoccer.org/programs/upsl/ for updates and exciting announcements.

Fabianna Herrera, instructor/Sensei at Senshi Karate Do in Montgomery Village, won the National Gold Medal in two categories – Women’s 16-34 Kata and Style Specific, at this year’s USANKF Karate Championships, which was held July 13-16th in Richmond, VA. Seventeen of Fabiana’s students also competed in junior divisions, bringing home a Total of 22 Medals – 7 Gold, 8 Silver, and 7 Bronze. The USANKF Karate Championships saw competitors from across the United States, including several who have represented the country at the Olympic Games. It is considered the most significant event on the Olympic circuit for karate.

Fabianna is a 2020 graduate of Clarksburg High School and started her karate journey at the age of seven, when she began training with her parents, David Abraham and Karla Flores, owners of the Senshi Karate dojo.  Over the past decade she has participated in numerous competitions, including a Gold Medal win at last year’s US Open in Las Vegas. In 2019, Herrera earned a spot on Team USA’s roster.

Fabianna’s tells us, “Karate is a way of life. It teaches respect, discipline, focus, and above all, courage. Courage to try new things and step out of your comfort zone. Whether it be earning a new belt rank, or participating in competitions, my aim is to help my students build the confidence that will help them to have a successful life. When you love what you do and find joy in it, everything else comes easy. I am honored to represent my Dojo and the state of Maryland while doing what I love most.”

With her recent wins at the USANKF Karate Championships, Fabianna Herrera’s dedication to her craft is evident. By imparting the values of work ethics, discipline, and the importance of setting ambitious goals, she hopes to inspire young martial artists and athletes.  “It means so much to be a role model for my students, but they are the ones who inspire me! Their words of encouragement and admiration are what motivate me to better myself every day.”

The Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame (MCSHF) is proud to announce the class of 2022. MCSHF will be holding the 2022 Induction Ceremony on December 4, 2022 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at the Silver Spring Civic Building. This year’s inductees are:

• Lacrosse coach and rugby player Rob Bordley (Landon)
• Track and field star Sally Glynn Hauser (Walter Johnson)
• Terps and NBA star Steve Francis (Blair)
• Baseball player and coach Sonny Jackson (Blair)
• Sports writer and ESPN reporter Tim Kurkjian (Walter Johnson)
• Baseball star Clarence “Pint” Isreal (Rockville) – posthumous

“These men and women have brought recognition and honor to our community in their respective fields,” says MCSHF Board Chair Trish Heffelfinger. “It is a stellar group and the induction ceremony will be one fabulous evening.” This year’s class joins the members of our first three classes in the Hall of Fame: Katie Ledecky, Dominique Dawes, Shawn Springs, Bob Milloy, Bruce Murray, Walter Johnson, Johnny Holliday, Curtis Pride, Amy Wood, Tom Brown, Jeri Ingram, Roy Lester, Greivis Vasquez, Richie Anderson, Deane Beman, Charlene Thomas-Swinson, and Mike Curtis. More on each of this year’s inductees below:

Rob Bordley is one of the winningest coaches in Montgomery County history. He was the head lacrosse coach at Landon for 42 years, winning 655 games, the fifth most victories of any lacrosse coach in the country. Bordley also excelled in rugby, playing for Washington RFC as well as the US national rugby team. After earning 17 varsity letters playing at Landon, Bordley went on to Princeton where he excelled in lacrosse and football, earning all-Ivy League honors in both. He is a member of the U.S. Rugby Hall of Fame and the U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

Sally Glynn Hauser never lost a race in Montgomery County. She won four consecutive county, regional, and state titles in her time at Walter Johnson from 1992-1996. She was the only Montgomery County runner to qualify for nationals, where she finished second in the Foot Locker national cross country race. Her success continued at Stanford where she was an all-American in both cross country and track and field.

Steve Francis was the 2nd pick in the 1999 NBA draft after his one incredible season at the University of Maryland. He immediately made an impact by winning Rookie of the Year. Before the end of his senior year at Blair, Steve’s mother passed away and he did not graduate. He rebounded from the loss, obtained his GED and then attended Allegany Junior College prior to becoming a Maryland Terrapin. “Stevie Franchise” went on to play 10 seasons in the NBA for Houston, Orlando, and New York, and was a three time All Star.

Sonny Jackson played 12 seasons in the major leagues for the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves. A two sport star at Blair, he was offered a scholarship at the University of Maryland to play baseball and basketball, but instead chose professional baseball. He set the NL rookie record with 49 steals in 1966, while also finishing runner up for Rookie of the Year. That year, he led the NL in singles with 160. After his playing career ended, Sonny became a coach and manager in the minor leagues and major leagues for the Atlanta Braves, San Francisco Giants, and Chicago Cubs.

Tim Kurkjian is one of the most respected baseball writers and analysts around. The Bethesda native attended Walter Johnson and the University of Maryland before beginning his writing career with the hometown Montgomery Journal. He was a beat writer covering the Texas Rangers and the Baltimore Orioles in the 1980s before becoming a senior baseball writer for Sports Illustrated. In 1998 he was hired by ESPN where he has spent the last 24 years as a baseball writer, reporter, and analyst.

Clarence “Pint” Isreal was a member of the 1946 Negro League World Series champion Homestead Grays. Growing up in Rockville, he spent 5 seasons in professional baseball. The second baseman was nicknamed “Pint” due to his 5’5” stature. In the 1930s, he played in sandlot and semipro leagues representing Rockville. Like many others at the time, his baseball career was interrupted in the 1940s by two years serving in the US Army. Isreal spent his military years in World War II in Texas and Alaska, where he played and managed his baseball all star team. After his career, he worked at NIH in Bethesda as a lab technician from 1948- 1973. He was also active in promoting youth baseball in Rockville and co-founded the Black Angels Boys Club of Rockville, where he coached and mentored hundreds of kids. Isreal died in Rockville in 1987.