Barker’s Denny to play field hockey at University of Rochester

Contributed Photo – Barker High senior Olivia Denny signs a letter of intent to play field hockey at the Unversity of Rochester. She is shown here with her parents, Mel and Meg Denny. In back are Barker Athletic Director Dave Carson and Barker varsity field hockey Coach Jeff Costello.

Barker Central School is pleased to announce that senior Olivia Denny will continue her field hockey career at the University of Rochester this fall.

Denny earned 2013 first team Niagara-Orleans All-League, All-WNY, and All-State honors. She has been a member of the Lady Raiders field hockey program since 7th grade and was a key player on four Niagara-Orleans championship teams, four Class C Section VI championship teams, and three Far West Regional championship teams.

Denny was also a major contributor to Barker’s basketball and softball programs. In basketball, Barker’s four-year starting point guard earned honorable mention or second Team All-League over the past three seasons. She also finished her basketball career representing Barker in the Exceptional Senior game. She is a two-time first team All-League player in softball and has been a starter on the varsity since the 8th grade.

Denny is a three-time All-Western New York Scholar-Athlete, a New York State Athletic Administrators Association Scholar-Athlete Award recipient, a Time Warner Scholar-Athlete of the week honoree, she received the Niagara-Orleans Scholar-Athlete Award, and yesterday Olivia was named the Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year by Channel 4.

“Olivia Denny’s individual and team accomplishments as a member of the Barker Field Hockey program are many. She was a major contributor to the teams which competed in the State Semi Finals 3 of the last 4 years. She has been the type of player who gives maximum effort and commitment to better herself and her team year round,” said Barker varsity field hockey Coach Jeff Costello. “As a player in several off season development programs and tournaments, Olivia has always pushed herself to be the best player possible, challenges her teammates to be successful, and shows a genuine love for the game. Her recent selection as the WIVB Channel 4 Scholar Athlete of the Year also shows that she has excelled in the classroom. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to coach her at both the JV and the Varsity level and on the basketball court as well. Her contributions to both programs have been immeasurable. As she transitions to the college game and college life, I have no doubt that she will continue her success and strive to meet her goals. The University of Rochester is gaining a real talent with a bright future.”

“We are thrilled to have Olivia join our program here at the University of Rochester. Olivia has great poise with the ball, speed on the attack and makes great decisions and I believe she will adjust quickly to the college game and make an immediate contribution to our team this fall,” said University of Rochester Coach Wendy Andreatta. “Rochester is a great fit for Olivia academically as well, and I believe Olivia will thrive both on and off the field at Rochester. I couldn’t be happier to welcome Olivia and her family to Rochester!”