Surrounded by family, friends, coaches, administrators and teammates, MWHS senior Molly Connolly signed her National Letter of Intent to compete in Division 1 swimming and diving for the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point.
Molly will study aerospace engineering at West Point. Her journey begins on June 29, when she reports for Reception Day or “R-Day." According to the West Point website, R-Day is when the West Point journey officially begins. Cadets report early in the morning to start the in-processing that marks the first step of the 47-month experience. The day culminates in the powerful Oath Ceremony, when Molly, along with other cadets, will publicly commit to the honor, discipline, and purpose that define West Point.
In addition to being a record-setting diver, Molly is also a recognized track and field athlete (indoor and outdoor). Highlights from Molly’s four-year athletic and academic HS career include:
Athletic:
Freshman Athlete of the Year
Track Outdoor MIP 2023
Track Indoor MIP 2024
Diving MVP 2024
Diving MVP 2025
All American Diving 2024
Academic:
National Honor Society
Math Honor Society
High Honor roll 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026
All American-Diving 2024 (2025-Pending)
Diving States-All four years
3rd in the State
Section Champion 2025
Counties Champion 2024/2025
Placed top 5 in Counties and Sections all 4 years
Diving Records Molly now holds:
Monroe-Woodbury Pool Record School 6 Dive Meet
Monroe-Woodbury School Record 6 DIve Meet
Section 9 Record 6 Dive Meet
New York State Record 6 Dive Meet
Monroe-Woodbury Pool Record 11 Dive Meet
Monroe-Woodbury School Record 11 Dive Meet
Section 9 Record 11 Dive Meet
Valley Central Pool Record 11 Dive Meet
Track and Field:
New Balance Outdoor Nationals (SMR)
Nike Indoor Nationals (4x100)
Nike Indoor National Qualifier (SMR, 60M)
Penn Relay Qualifier (4x100)
Indoor State Meet Qualifier (55 M)
Molly's message of thanks to her coaches:
I would like to thank my coaches, Pat Capriglione, Justin Wright, and Jim Frisbee. I wouldn’t be here without them.
Coach Wright convinced me to give diving a try in the spring of my 8th grade year. That one conversation changed everything for me. The following summer, Coach Frisbee helped me take my very first steps off of the diving board building a foundation and love for a new sport. When Coach Pat took over during the season, everything started to come together. With each new dive he encouraged me and challenged me. Coach Pat never stopped believing in me, he knew what I was capable of often before I did. They have been there with me through every step of this journey. Everything they’ve taught me, both on and off the board, has shaped who I am and will continue to guide me.
It was at a North Main Field Day that Coach Pesce told me I should run track in high school. Here I am years later pushing myself each season. I have made the best friends and created the most amazing memories. From late night meets at West Point, the long days in NYC at the Armory, our home and away meets in the Spring, I wouldn’t trade a single moment. I want to thank Coach Mpiasakos and Coach Pesce for believing in me, pushing me and seeing me for the athlete I am and the athlete I want to become. I am so grateful to both of them for their encouragement and heart that will stay with me long after I leave the track.
Molly's advice for younger students:
Show up every day. Commit and mean it. Get to know your coaches, they will inevitably turn out to be some of the most important and influential people in your life. Find that teacher who sees you for who you are and challenges you to be better each day whether you like it or not and let them. Take things one day at a time and don’t take anything too seriously. Laugh often and especially at yourself. Remember, every mistake is part of the process and each one makes you stronger.
The entire school community wishes Molly all the best as she pursues her dreams! Remember, once a Crusader, always a Crusader!💪🌟🏊🏻♀️