Everett’s Emilia Maria-Babcock receives future leaders scholarship from the Bay State Games

Crimson Tide three-sport star demonstrates leadership in all aspects of high school life to warrant this honor

By Joe McConnell

Everett High School (EHS) senior three-sport athlete Emilia Maria-Babcock was recently selected for a 2024 Bay State Future Leaders Scholarship Program scholarship, along with five other statewide worthy candidates.

Maria-Babcock just missed by points from leading the Tide soccer team (7-8-4) to a state tournament berth as its starting goaltender. She has also demonstrated versatility to play anywhere on the pitch, and that type of athletic and leadership ability didn’t go unnoticed by those who judge high school athletes for awards.

The Bay State Games Foundation chose Maria-Babcock and five of her peers – Akosua Adu-Gyamfi of Holden and the Winchendon School, Priya Bedard of Medway, Shannon Gustin of Rockland, Keira Manning of Marlboro and the Advanced Math & Science Academy and Winthrop High School’s Amelia Spencer – from a large applicant pool after a process that included committee reviews of all applications and virtual interviews with selected applicants.

Besides being a talented athlete, Maria-Babcock is ranked No. 6 in her class of 630 students. Her grade point average is 4.76. She is also the captain of the basketball team, and plays softball in the spring.

The Everett native played in the Bay State Games Girls Basketball Showcase for the Metro team twice, winning a silver medal in 2023 and gold earlier this year. She’s the president of the EHS chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) and Spanish National Honor Society, and is a student ambassador and a member of the Key Club. She has also been presented with a National Women in Sports Leadership Award.

When she’s not on the field or court, you can find Emilia playing the violin in the EHS high school orchestra. She is a youth basketball and softball coach, and sailing instructor, as well. She hopes to become a physical therapist after college.

All six of these future leaders were selected based on their achievements and involvement in academics, community service, athletics and leadership roles. The Bay State Games Future Leaders Scholarship program was established in 1989, and has since distributed nearly $400,000 in financial aid. Each of these high school seniors will receive a $1,000 scholarship to help cover costs during their freshman year in college.

“Since its inception, the Future Leaders Scholarship Program has recognized outstanding high school students that excel in the classroom, in the community and on the field of play,” said Kevin Cummings, Executive Director of the Bay State Games. “We are proud that this program has provided nearly $400,000 in aid to support the continuing education of these well deserving student-athletes that represent all regions of Massachusetts (in) many different sports.”

Dom Persuitte, Maria-Babcock’s EHS soccer coach, was thrilled for her after hearing the Bay State Games news. “I couldn’t be more pleased (in hearing about this) honor, as it truly reflects her dedication and hard work,” he said.

“From my perspective as her soccer coach, I have witnessed Emilia’s relentless effort on and off the field. She consistently puts in the extra work during practice, and her commitment to improvement is inspiring. Beyond her athletic abilities, Emilia is a true team player. She uplifts her teammates, and (also) fosters a spirit of collaboration that enhances our team dynamics.  She is always motivating her teammates when the morale is on the lower level, yet manages to still make everyone laugh and make playing enjoyable. Emilia is a true team player. She leads by example, always encouraging her teammates and fostering a positive environment. She is a true leader, because she took on the role of goalkeeper this year and (the last) half of the previous season. Only a true leader would have done that. While most athletes would have just talked about switching roles, Emilia did it, and was extremely successful at the new position. That right there is a definition of a future leader.

“This honor would mean a lot to Emilia, as I have mentioned she works extremely hard and puts in the work. She puts the team first, which is hard at this age, as most athletes are only thinking about themselves and their records,” added the veteran Everett coach.

“I believe the Bay State Games recognized her for her leadership qualities and her ability to inspire others. This honor is a testament to her character, and I’m excited to see how she continues to grow as a leader in our community.”