Rye Girls Varsity Soccer head coach Rich Savage has named his MVPs for the 2025 season: seniors Tessa Labovitz, Clare Nemsick, Parker Calhoun, and Sam Yeh.
“This season, the Rye Garnets’ four senior captains… led the team both on and off the field during their remarkable NYS Class A Championship run,” Savage told MyRye.com. “Just as important as their on-field performance was the leadership these captains provided during practices and off the field. Their commitment, energy, and unity were the glue that held the team together—and the driving force behind this championship season.”
Labowitz was the starting goalkeeper for a team which did not lose once and recorded 19 shutouts. She did not allow a single goal throughout the entire postseason.
“Her ability to read developing plays, organize the defense, and direct traffic in the box was one of the cornerstones of Rye’s dominant defensive unit,,” Savage said of senior. “Her poise with the ball at her feet also allowed the Garnets to build play out of the back, switching the field with confidence and precision.”
Nemsick was at the heart of Rye’s everyday gameplan as the center back. Although she was known for her exceptional defense in 2025, she also contributed offensively, perhaps none more impressive than scoring in all four of Rye’s sectional tournament games.
“Known for her exceptional leadership, Clare regularly studied game film and shared key insights with the defensive line,” Savage said of the senior captain. “Calm and composed under pressure, she leads by example and is respected not only by her teammates, but by opponents across Section 1 and throughout New York State.”
Parker Calhoun, the center defensive middie, contributed similarly – most effectively on defense with a sprinkle of offense (for the record, any team Rye played against thirsted said ‘sprinkle of offense’). Her best work came on the biggest stage, according to Savage.
“Dominant in the air and relentless in shutting down opponents’ top players, Parker’s impact was especially evident in the NYS final, where she effectively neutralized Aquinas’ national pool player, turning her into a non-factor,” the head coach lauded.
The fourth senior captain, Sam Yeh, had the largest offensive role of any of the prior three temmates listed, and made good work of it. She was as effective a playmaker as a finisher, doing both all season long to help Rye’s prolific attack, especially as the competition grew tougher.
“Sam continued to elevate her game throughout the season,” Savage said. “As the key playmaker linking midfield to the attack, Sam’s vision and composure were vital. Most impressively, she scored in both the NYS semifinal and final, delivering when it mattered most.”
All four girls helped lead the Garnets to a 21-0-3 record – an undefeated season pinnacled by a State championship trophy.
