Congratulations to our 2021 NCSA Sportsmanship Award Recipient – Jackie McNulla – Naval Academy
“It is with great pride that I recommend MIDN Jacqueline McNulla as our candidate for this year’s NCSA Sportsmanship Award. I have coached MIDN McNulla for the last three seasons, and in that time I have come to know her very well, both as a student and an athlete. I am pleased to say that she brings the same level of effort and dedication to activities both on and off the field.
As an athlete, MIDN McNulla is focused and determined, often practicing 2 hours a day on her own time just to keep her skills sharp. This season, we desperately needed players to step up to help the pitching staff. MIDN McNulla did not hesitate to volunteer. MIDN McNulla is one of the most selfless players I have ever had the opportunity to coach. She learned how to pitch, hitting her spots and learning additional pitches to strengthen her skills and what she could bring to the game. She would routinely stay late after practice, pitching an additional 100 pitches in order to build her stamina and consistency.
MIDN McNulla has a sense of friendliness and fair play, treating people courteously and respectfully even when others begin to act poorly. Her healthy perspective and strength have made her a favorite on the team since she joined.
When MIDN McNulla is not playing softball, she is mentoring other MIDN at the Naval Academy. She became a tutor for members of the softball team, helping them prepare for 6 week, 12 week, and final exams. In addition to helping out teammates academically, she also makes time to help them emotionally and athletically. She’ll stay late to hit groundballs to infielders, originally a catcher – she will stay late to help other pitchers out, and throughout COVID she would check in with each of her teammates almost daily to make sure they were doing well. This is what made her such an outstanding leader for this team, and the reason she was appointed Club Team President.
MIDN McNulla also helps out with the Midshipman Action Group coordinating various service projects and took on a leadership role within the group last year as Treasurer. She is an MGSP (Midshipman Group Study Program) Leader helping students with Calculus III concepts and holding review sessions for tests, quizzes and exams. She volunteers to be a Boy Scout Day Tour Guide, giving tours of the Naval Academy to Boy Scouts and their families. She has been a participant in Honor Flights, a program where Midshipmen greet veterans who served in Vietnam, Korea and World War II who arrive at BWI Airport. When MIDN McNulla is home, she consistently volunteers to coach softball and basketball recreation teams in New Jersey.
MIDN McNulla is without a doubt, the heart and soul of this year’s team. Her service to others and work ethic is what sets her apart from her peers. It has been an honor and privilege to coach her these three years.” – Naval Academy Head Coach, Roxanne Rehberg