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Standout center fielder Brooklyn Awad has been a pleassure to coach as Montclair softball head mentor Mike Goldstein has enjoyed having her in the lineup for the past three seasons for the Mounties. Awad, who has more than 100 hits in her high school career and will return next spring for senior season, recently committed to play her collegiate softball at Wellesley College. (Photos by Gene Nann & courtesy of MHS softball)
Brooklyn Awad has made one of the most important decisions in her young life, and the Montclair High senior and standout softball player is very excited about that next step. Awad will attend Wellesley College, in Wellesley, Massachusetts, beginning in the fall of 2025, where she will continue to play softball. “When I made my visit to Wellesley, and met the team, it felt natural,” said the personable Awad, who has also excelled for the NJ Pride travel teams. "The girls were always supporting each other, but also had that competitive edge. When I stepped onto the field, it felt like home.” A very good student, the Mounties’ standout center fielder noted that she was also in search of a high academic school. “Wellesley fulfilled that, with its challenging curriculum and prestige,” she said. “I was also deciding between playing at Division 1 schools, compared to Division 3. I have always loved the city of Boston, and its people. It’s a great area, with some of the best schools in the country, and enthusiastic sports fans. It fits my personality perfectly. I am excited to play there.” But before she heads off to college, there’s still pretty much a full academic year left at Montclair High, including another softball season in 2025. “I am also honored to be able to play my last season at Montclair,” said Awad, who wears jersey #99 with the Mounties, and has the rare honor of being a 2-time team captain this coming season. “Some of my best memories, while I have been at Montclair, have come from the softball team. I have laughed, celebrated, and had fun countless times, with some of the best people. “When I first joined the team, I was nervous about how I would make friends. However, the immediate welcoming spirit was incredible, coming from Coach Mike (Goldstein, the team’s head coach), Coach George, Coach T, and the senior captains at the time, Brianna Leech and Remi Antinoro.” Awad recalls a big game for Montclair, against the eventual Essex County and Group 1 champions, Cedar Grove, during the 2023 season. It was a Super Essex Conference matchup, at Panther Park in Cedar Grove, on May 10. Cedar Grove was down to its last strike, and trailed, 2-1, but rallied back to tie it in the last of the seventh inning, and won it in the eighth, 3-2. “My favorite game that I have participated in on the team is actually a loss,” she said. “We were the underdogs, but that didn’t stop us from having the desire to win. Cedar Grove definitely saw us on the schedule, and thought they were going to have an easy win, but they didn’t. It was a close game all the way.” Cedar Grove led, 1-0, in a pitcher’s duel, heading into the top of the seventh. There, Savannah Seawell hit a 2-run homer to give the Mounties, a 2-1 lead. “We were beating the seemingly unbeatable team,” recalled Awad. “Both teams fought hard, and Cedar Grove tied it up. The game ended with an RBI hit, by Cedar Grove, in the last of the eighth. “This loss became cemented into my mind, as a reminder that any team can beat another. No games are easily won, it takes determination and hard work "Some of my goals this year are to pass along the amazing teamwork we have at Montclair, and positive spirit. Softball is a difficult game, but it can be made easier with a great team of girls both as players and people.” Awad’s determination and drive have impressed Goldstein, her head coach. “Brooklyn Awad has committed to playing her college softball at Wellesley College next year,” said Goldstein, who has led the Mounties to a 48-34 record, during Awad’s three years there, including 16-12 last spring. "She has been a standout centerfielder for the Mounties these past three years. She was named a first-team player, in the American Division of the Super Essex Conference.” According to Goldstein, Awad led the Mounties in hits, with 38, along with a very impressive batting average of .452, as well as 20 stolen bases. She has 108 hits for her career, so far, along with a .422 career batting average, and a career slugging percentage near .600. In 2024, she also hit her first two varsity homers. Awad’s game is more than just offense, however. “She is a highly regarded defensive standout, along with her offensive prowess,” said Goldstein. “Brooklyn will enter her senior year as the lone captain, an honor she shared with graduating seniors Hannah Martin and Maya Gerdes last season. “From my perspective, she is one of the finest outfielders I have ever seen, and she is a wonderful example to the younger players on our team. She has a great sense of humor and loves to chop it up with her teammates, but is all business on the field.” Follow Sideline Chatter on 'X' @Chattermeister
Brooklyn Awad's teammates celebrate her notching 100th career hit as she holds a softball on ground while enjoying moment. No. 99 has been a force with her hitting, fielding and speed on bases for head coach Mike Goldstein's improving softball team. (photos courtesy of MHS Softball) Copyright 2005 Sideline Chatter - comments - contact the webmaster
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