Two Falcons Earn SPC Sportsmanship Award

Each season, the Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) honors athletes and teams that embody the highest ideals of sportsmanship – integrity, respect and gracious competition. For fall 2025, Madeline O’Neill ’26 (field hockey) and Jack Semple ’27 (football) were selected as the School’s individual SPC Sportsmanship Award recipients. Coaches in FWCD’s Athletic Department determined honorees.

“These kids are terrific representatives of FWCD,” said Director of Athletics Leigh Block. “They are tough competitors, but above all they’re good people who play the game the right way and treat teammates, coaches and opposing players with respect.” 

Field Hockey Program Director and Varsity Head Coach Paige Farris Chisholm ’87 shared what sets O’Neill apart. “Maddie embodies all that we want from an FWCD student athlete,” Chisholm said. “She works hard and competes hard while encompassing the values of great sportsmanship. She plays within the guidelines of the game while modeling our Core Values for her teammates, the other team and the officials. She always puts the team first and represents our team, our program and FWCD with integrity, respect, positivity, courage and humility. We are extremely proud of her.”

Varsity Football Head Coach Keith Burns said this about Semple: “I couldn’t think of a better student-athlete to receive the sportsmanship award. Jack’s unselfish character and work ethic, combined with a team-first attitude, set him apart, in my opinion. We are very fortunate to have him on our team and in our classrooms.”