Abington Friends School senior Angela Stevens ’25 has been named one of the inaugural winners of the Jack Goldenberg Scholar-Athlete Award, sponsored by the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
The scholarship award for rising senior student-athletes was given to two Jewish scholar-athletes who embody the humility, passion and determination of the award’s namesake, Jack Goldenberg*. But while the award recognizes sports involvement, it also considers outstanding academic and extracurricular achievement by a Philadelphia area student-athlete.
At AFS, Angela exemplifies the ideal student-athlete. In the classroom, she has a passion for science and plans to pursue a pre-med track in college. On the soccer field, she shines as an attacking midfielder, making plays from outside the box like Debinha or Alexia Putellas. “Just the other day, we played with first graders to get to know them,” explains Angela. “It’s part of being a senior, connecting with your pages before you walk together at graduation. And I remember being that first grader, having a senior partner. Now being on the other end, I can’t even believe I’m here. I get to be that role model.”
As any soccer player or watcher knows, injuries are a big part of play. Angela faced a setback last spring when she hurt her leg and was out for the season. But what started as disappointment led her to new opportunities and some reflection. “I partnered with Fairmont Soccer Club, and I was able to help coach toddlers. It was a lot of fun, and I realized I just also loved the sport outside of being a player. I really hope I can keep doing it this year.”
Angela is also the lead clerk this year of Kicks for Cancer, a student organization that raises money for melanoma research through a yearly soccer tournament. The event was started nearly 15 years ago in honor of student Christina Furlong, whose father passed away. Since then, the event has grown, having raised thousands of dollars for its cause. Last year as co-clerk of the event, Angela and fellow clerk Julia Marczak ‘24 led an incredible event that raised over $15,000.
“I had been playing in [Kicks for Cancer] since Middle School, and now I’m thrilled I got to organize it,” she says. “This year, we really want to try and get more alumni involvement and participation in the tournament and participation, keep the energy going.”
Adena Dershowitz, the faculty mentor for Kicks for Cancer, is very proud of the work she’s observed from Angela. “She has a clear view of what the organizing committee needs to accomplish in order to reach our goal,” Adena remarks. “She motivates and lifts up other students, and she is incredibly organized. This is going to be a fantastic year for the event.”
Angela expresses her gratitude for the support she’s received. “I’m so deeply honored by the Goldenberg family; I know a lot of athletes from the area, and I know their selection wasn’t easy. I’m just really thankful for that opportunity. I want to shout out Brian Schiff, a coach and mentor who has been so supportive. And my mom – I love my mom.”
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Note: The Jack Goldenberg Award was named for Jack Goldenberg was a humble man who loved people, supported Jewish life, and adored sports––playing, coaching, and watching. His education, while formally ended in 10th grade, was lifelong. He was generous with his time, considerate of others, and always willing to help someone before they needed to ask. When we, as his family, think of him, we think of qualities like possessing a work ethic, having a fire in the belly, being a team player, being inclusive, compassionate, valuing education, and being proud of his Jewish identity––among others. Cooper Lechtman of Harriton High School was the other recipient.