Read the winning entries from the 2026 Will McDonough Writing Contest

Four New England high school journalists were recently judged to be tops in their grades in the revamped Will McDonough Writing Contest — and now here’s your opportunity to read the winning entries.

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The students — Devyn O’Donnell (Cranston West), Joseph Manzi (Cranston West), Ada Ferguson (Oakmont Regional), and Ella Fireman (The Rivers School) — were honored in June during a ceremony at Fenway Park.

The contest, previously run by The Sports Museum at TD Garden, is held in memory of longtime Globe sports columnist Will McDonough, who died in 2003.

Students from around New England submitted entries, which were judged based on how well they express and support ideas, opinions, and claims, with sports as a central element.

Here are this year’s winning entries:

(The following entry, by Devyn O’Donnell of Cranston West High School in Rhode Island, was selected as the Grade 12 winner in the 2026 Will McDonough Writing Contest.)

The Cranston High School West wrestling program had a historic showing at this year’s state tournament, bringing home two state champions and marking major milestones for the team.

Junior Dante Richardson took home the title for the 190-pound weight class, becoming the school’s first boys’ state champion in over a decade. Alongside him, senior Giana Espinal-Albizu won the 107-pound title, becoming West’s first ever state champion for the girls’ division, which was sanctioned in 2023. For both wrestlers, their victories were the result of hard work, dedication, and belief in their goals.

Espinal-Albizu’s win was especially meaningful. As she makes history, she hopes her accomplishments inspire others. She said, “It means a lot to me . . . Being the first female state champion in the girls’ division is a big honor, and it makes me proud to represent girls in wrestling. It shows that girls can compete in a male-dominated sport and succeed in it.”

Her journey to where she is now didn’t come easily. After finishing third at the state tournament last year, she used that experience as motivation.

“It took a lot of hard work and dedication this past year,” she said. “I trained almost every day, going to two practices every day, working on my strength and conditioning. I stayed focused and pushed myself even when it was difficult.”

“Last year I finished third, which motivated me to work harder and improve,” Espinal-Albizu continued. “Winning this year shows that all the effort I put in really paid off. It makes this win even more special.”

Being the first state champion for the girls’ wrestling division, Espinal-Albizu wants her victory to encourage others, girls especially, to not be afraid to try the sport.

“I want my win to show others that if you stay dedicated and believe in yourself you can achieve all your goals,” she said. “I hope it inspires more girls to try wrestling and not be afraid to compete.”

Looking ahead, Espinal-Albizu plans to continue improving her skills, and hopes to wrestle at the college level if the opportunity arises.

Richardson’s championship is another milestone for the Falcons. His victory ended a more than 10-year drought for Cranston West Wrestling, with the last state champion being Max O’Connell in 2015.

“It means so much to me to be able to be the one to put an end to the drought of no state champions and get West’s program back in the direction it should be in,” Richardson said.

Like Espinal-Albizu, Richardson credited his training for his success. He explained, “It has taken lots of work from early-morning practices and camps to late-night workouts by myself . . . Every day has been a grind and no part of this journey or this sport has been easy.”

“It took me lots of time and a group of amazing people to get me where I am. I feel so blessed for my family and friends that support me along with my coaches at club and in the room that have always made me work my hardest,” said Richardson, emphasizing the support system around him. “The coaches that I’ve had this year have been some of the most crucial people in my life.”

“I want people to know that it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, regardless of school or program – hard work, works,” he explained, emphasizing the message that dedication pays off. “What you put in is what you get out.”

But, Richardson isn’t finished yet; he already has his sights set on next season. He explained, “I’m coming back for a second state title and New England title . . . West as a program will be coming with me and I have nothing but faith in the fact that we will be a championship team.”

As for the coaching staff, the victories represent a lot of pride for the program. Head coach Shawn Giblin, in his first year leading the program, reflected on the two champions’ hard work and success.

He described Richardson as “fun-loving, hardworking, and coachable,” while describing Espinal-Albizu as “fierce, hardworking, and driven.”

According to Giblin, both wrestlers shared a key trait that helped them reach the top: they were able to visualize their success before stepping on the mat.

“They could paint a picture of that moment in their heads,” he said. “When athletes can visualize their goals, see it and fall in love with it, there’s no stopping them because they will do whatever it takes to achieve those goals.”

Assistant coach Chris LaVallee echoed this attitude, praising both athletes for their dedication and growth throughout the year.

“To see her find her self-confidence throughout these past 12 months or so is something you truly love to see as a coach,” LaVallee said, praising Espinal-Albizu’s growth. “She is a very standout human being and young woman with a bright future ahead of her both on and off the mat.”

LaVallee went on to speak very highly of Richardson’s strong sense of leadership and determination throughout the season. He said, “His ability to lead by example and connect with each of his teammates are part of the reasons he was a great captain and leader this season. His self-confidence and belief in his training kept him level-headed all season long.”

He continued, “Giana’s state title is a historic one, becoming the first girls’ state champion in school history. I hope that more girls will join the team and look to follow in her footsteps . . . Dante ended the drought, winning the first state title for the Falcons since 2015. You can win right here in western Cranston, and Dante showed just that.”

“Wrestling is not the type of sport you can come off the couch after Thanksgiving and be a championship contender,” LaVallee said. “This sport takes commitment all year long and these two are living proof. Be the one who keeps showing up. Everyone works hard, these two put in the extra behind the scenes, and that hard work paid off.”

With two state champions and a historic season in the books, Cranston West wrestling has proved that the program is moving in the right direction. Espinal-Albizu’s historic win and Richardson’s drought-ending title show what can happen when dedication and hard work come together.

For West wrestling, this season might have produced two champions, but they are not done, and according to the wrestlers and their coaches, this marks the beginning of a new era for the Falcons’ wrestling program.

(The following entry, by Joseph Manzi of Cranston West High School in Rhode Island, was selected as the Grade 11 winner in the 2026 Will McDonough Writing Contest.)

After three decades on the sidelines at Cranston High School West, longtime head baseball coach, football coordinator, and PE teacher Coach Rob Malo is stepping into a new chapter as Cranston Public Schools’ athletic director.

This role not only serves as a promotion, but will take him beyond any single team and into a leadership role impacting student-athletes across the entire city.

Malo, who has spent the majority of his life in Cranston, recently accepted the position of athletic director for the district. While his roots run deep at West, his perspective has always extended beyond one school.

“Even though I spent so much time at West, I always had that one Cranston mentality,” Malo said. “My job now is to be there for all six schools . . . supporting them equally, which is something I’m looking forward to.”

Malo’s coaching career began shortly after his own playing days ended right here at West. He started coaching baseball in 1993 and football in 1997, the same year he began his career as a physical education teacher. Over the years, he taught for 17 years at Cranston East before spending the last 14 at West, while coaching exclusively for the Falcons.

His tenure was marked not only by longevity but by historic success. Malo was part of a Division 1 Super Bowl championship football team in 2004 and led or contributed to multiple state championship baseball teams, including titles in 2006, 2007, and 2011.

Regarding championships, Malo has coached top teams all throughout his career, including 2010 baseball and 2018 and 2025 football, etc.

When speaking to a group of current Falcon football players, one said, “Coach Malo knows how to turn teams around, assert a winning culture, and win all around,”

Yet for Malo, the wins were never the most meaningful part of the job. “The wins are great,” he said, “but what I get more out of is years down the road, when former players come back, introduce you to their families, or just ask how the team is doing.”

Running back and all-state LB, Mehkhai Taylor stated, “You know, it’s always tough losing a longtime coach that’s done so much for me in the program, but congrats to him for taking the next step and becoming the new athletic director.”

“Just being around the kids, the camaraderie, the competition — especially Friday nights,” Malo said, explaining that the connection with players is what he says he will miss most.“There is nothing more intense than a home Friday night football game atmosphere.”

Malo also added, “There’s more to coaching than winning. Some of my best coaching years are when you’re just trying to help a team improve day by day.”

As he transitions into his new role, Malo believes his decades of experience will help him support coaches and programs across Cranston. He explained, “Understanding what coaches go through, the challenges, the budgeting, scheduling, everything; that’s going to help . . . Now it’s just on a bigger scale.”

One of his primary goals as athletic director is to increase student participation in sports, an area he says has seen a decline in recent years.

“Hopefully we can get more student-athletes involved and make sure programs are moving in the right direction,” Malo said. “Whether it’s improving numbers, facilities, or competitiveness, I want to help elevate all programs in all aspects.”

Despite the excitement of his new position, Malo acknowledges the relationships he is leaving behind, including his fellow coaches and colleagues. He stated, “You spend so much time with your colleagues, they become like family . . . That’s something I’ll definitely miss.”

As he steps away from coaching, Malo leaves his former players with a simple but heartfelt message: “Thank you . . . for the memories, the hard work, and the dedication. They made the experience what it was.”

(The following entry, by Ada Ferguson of Oakmont Regional in Ashburnham, Mass., was selected as the Grade 10 winner in the 2026 Will McDonough Writing Contest.)

High school: the grounds for fake friends, petty drama, and trifling insults. Similarly, high school sports can be about top scorers, all-star nominations, and ‘look-at-me’ media day. Unfortunately, kindness rarely seems to be a top priority.

No high school student will ever be perfect, but a student who leads with kindness is close. Oakmont’s Unified program continues to grow with these students every day.

Although Oakmont’s Unified program started seven years ago, both track and basketball popularity have increased each year. Whether that be with new members, fans, and even opponents. Unified is a perfect opportunity for every student wanting to try something new.

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“I am honored to coach such an inclusive and well-rounded group of students. To see the athletes on my team not only get a chance to compete against other schools, but also foster new relationships through the sport I love is what it’s all about,” said Charles Pappas, Oakmont Unified coach and math teacher.

​High schools all over the United States participate in Unified. Whether that be in clubs, classrooms, or even Unified sports teams. Unified schools are designed for inclusion, fostering new social upbringings, and enabling individuals to achieve new goals.

​No matter who you are or where you came from, Unified teams make it possible for everyone to make new friends and be able to embrace who you really are.

“I really enjoy sports, especially basketball. I also enjoy working and bonding with students that may not always have the same opportunities as me,” said Connor Rasmussen, Oakmont sophomore boys’ basketball and Unified basketball member.

Unified is relatively new. So, what is Unified? Unified sports/clubs are a place where students of all kinds can connect. It genuinely targets inclusivity and relationships between students with and without disabilities.

“In regards to the inclusivity seen within Oakmont’s Unified Program, it is very heart-warming to see first, the athletes’ pride in being a part of a team, and second, the partners’ willingness to support and develop relationships. Starting with the pride of the team’s athletes, I have yet to see a group of students buy into being a team like this program,” said Pappas.

​Unified is developed under the supervision of the Special Olympics, a nationwide organization. Oakmont Regional High School has two certified Unified teams. Track and field, which started in 2013, and basketball in 2018.

Oakmont’s Unified teams are award-winning from the Special Olympics. Proudly, Oakmont was awarded this banner in a special ceremony in 2018, then again in 2022. The award was presented by Special Olympics representatives Patti Doherty and Makayla Parris. This banner shows recognition of meeting or achieving standards of excellence, inclusion, advocacy, and respect.

“Since we started track and basketball, these two Unified teams have changed the aspect of sports inclusivity. Including the athletes and partners who are participating. We are proud of all the programs we offer, but these two are extremely special to us,” said Eric Dawley, Oakmont’s athletic director.

Oakmont’s Unified games never fail to be overflowing with enthusiastic staff members, riled-up student spectators, and, most importantly, proud parents.

​During the 2025 season, Oakmont had 26 participating students on the Unified basketball team.

“It has helped me gain social skills, helped grow my communication skills, and overall gave me new friendships, as well as something to look forward to every week,” said ​Rasmussen.

​Although playing in the game may seem like the only way students can participate, spectating still provides inspiration. Watching the bright orange ball fly around the court, kind heart-warming smiles, and even the celebration dances, leaves fans fulfilled.

​Oakmont junior Olivia Martin, who also plays on Oakmont’s varsity basketball team, expresses her overall joy and how amazing her experience has been. “The impact on me was helping other people, just being able to help people understand basketball, and to play a sport that I know and love,” said Martin.

​Everyone who is in that gymnasium wants to be there. The overall excitement and pure joy that fills the courts, and even the stands, never fails to show the true meaning behind Unified.

​Oakmont’s basketball team is known for its remarkable players, but sometimes it is forgotten that kindness is still the core of these awesome people.

​Students and spectators from Oakmont continually express their love and gratitude toward the Unified program.

“Watching Oakmont’s Unified basketball team brought me a lot of joy . . . seeing everyone’s excitement, communication, and just inclusiveness made it really enjoyable to watch,” said Lucy Davieau, an Oakmont sophomore.

​Oakmont participates in a Thanksgiving pep rally. This pep rally is a little different than most: The highlight is a teacher vs. student Unified basketball game. This rally is for the whole school to view, and they did not disappoint. The loud, roaring cheers echoed throughout the gym.

​Unified players when asked their most memorable game out of their four game schedule, they all said, “The pep rally!”

Chloe Richard (sophomore) and Maddison Pellissier (junior) mentioned how they loved the pep rally because they got to see their friends.

​Not only does Oakmont have passionate students to lead this program, they also have an incredibly dedicated coach.

​Oakmont Unified players, freshmen Connor Davison and Jasllyn Tumber, mention their love for Coach Pappas. “I like to hang out with Mr. Pappas because he’s nice . . . he teaches me basketball and how to dribble,” said Tumber. Similarly, Davison credits Pappas for his newfound love for basketball.

Clearly, Pappas continues to be a key factor toward the Unified team’s success.

​The Unified program doesn’t just affect Oakmont’s reputation or staff life. It affects the students participating.

​The nerves before a game, every practice, and even the social exposure these students get to experience, makes more of a difference than people think. It shows inclusivity. While it’s easy to see these incredible individuals grow, it is just as important that their passion for the things they love has also provided growth within Oakmont.

“We’ve got some ballers, you see Jimmy hitting all his threes . . . everyone’s scoring, everyone’s having fun, it’s positive and upbeat . . . learning how to dribble, learning how to shoot, layups, pick and rolls. I definitely think that we have improved, and will continue to improve.” Martin said.

​The students aren’t the only ones seeing success in Oakmont’s Unified program. James Mellekas, Oakmont’s special education teacher, talks about how crucial Unified has been to these individuals, and how it affects their everyday lives for the better.

“Unified Basketball significantly enhances the lives of these students, fostering growth in areas similar to those seen in other student-athletes, including increased confidence and self-esteem . . . which translates far beyond the court,” said Mellekas, “This competitive spirit and sense of responsibility are generalized into other aspects of their lives, motivating them to work harder in school, improve their performance in our class ventures, and ultimately take greater responsibility for their own success.”

​Joining a sport is never just about the pressure, competition, or the wins, it’s about how you grow as a person, and even as a team.

The athletic growth, confidence, and authentic kindness students pull from this program never fails to show why Unified is so special to Oakmont.

​In the end, it’s never just about who is watching, the pictures being taken, or new skills, it’s about who is with you throughout the season.

“What I notice is seeing my teammates, yelling ‘defense!” at them, and just supporting them,” ​said sophomore Julie Traudt, an Oakmont Unified player.

​It’s who invites the crowd, it’s who takes those pictures, and it’s who taught you those new skills.

​In reality, nothing will ever be perfect, but Oakmont’s level of inclusivity and success is close. The dedicated teachers and coaches, but also the kind, welcoming, and passionate students, are really what make Unified what it is – on and off the court.

​So, when the team was asked the final question, “Are you gonna play basketball next year?” Everyone screamed “YES!” with smiles, like the crowd after shooting the game-winning point.

(The following entry, by Ella Fireman of The Rivers School in Weston, Mass., was selected as the Grade 9 winner in the 2026 Will McDonough Writing Contest.)

I squint as drops of sweat fall down my forehead. I wipe my face and return to the ready position. I bend my knees, hold my racket up, and wait for my opponent to serve.

It’s a hot spring day, and I am in the middle of a tennis match.

Every time my opponent bounces the ball, my anticipation builds. She tosses the ball into the air and swings. Her serve is light and easy, but when I wind up to hit it, anxiety builds and I lose focus. I hit the ball into the net, losing what should have been an easy point.

I become overwhelmed. I repeat my mistake, and the next thing I know I’ve lost, 1-6. The first set is over. My opponent and I leave the court to take a water break. I storm off the court bursting with irritation.

I slump down on the bench, pick up my water bottle, and take large gulps of water. Out of the corner of my eye, I see my mom walking toward me. She comes over and takes a seat next to me.

“I don’t know why I keep making these mistakes.” I say to her. “They’re all easy balls. I keep losing points and it’s all from self errors.”

My mom looks at me, smiles, and says, “Ella, why do you think this keeps happening?”

Her question irritates me. “I guess I’m just worried my opponent will play better,” I respond. “I worry that I’ll mess up.”

The water break is nearly over and I don’t feel any better. “Ella,” she says, “you can’t control your opponent’s skill. It’s a waste of time to worry about something you can’t change. All you can do is stay calm, play your best.”

The sharp sound of a whistle signals the end of our break. As I stand up, something begins to shift in my mind. I set down my water bottle, grab my racket, and give my mom a soft smile before running onto the court.

The second set begins. If my opponent wins, I lose. If I win, we go into a tiebreaker. It’s anyone’s game, and I’m serving first.

I start my three-bounce routine but pause on the second bounce. The shaking in my legs slows down. My racket becomes lighter. Instantly, I understand. Every mistake I made was my own. My swing, my serve, my frustration. I built all of the anxiety myself. My mom is right. I can’t control my opponent. Why should I worry about how she plays?

I take a breath, bounce my ball three times, tossing it in the air, swinging sharply. I hit my serve with control. It lands exactly where intended. My opponent, unable to return it, gives me my first ace.

The match is intense. My opponent and I have our fair share of hits and misses, but it’s different. When I mess up, I stay calm. I improve how I play and stay in control. My opponent, however, starts making mistakes. I watch, as she visibly gets more frustrated after losing each point just as I did in the first set.

I go on to win, 6-2, and the tiebreaker, 10-3. I’ve won the entire match.

Excited by my win, I run to shake hands with my opponent. She stands frozen at the baseline, shooting daggers at me with her eyes, storming off without a word or a handshake.

Despite my opponent’s abrupt exit, I run to my mom, smiling from ear to ear. We exchange large smiles, telling each other more than words could have said.

I feel nothing but joy and a sense of growth.

I use this mind-set in everything. School, sports, friendships, even how I see myself. I don’t compare myself to others. I focus on making myself better. The truth is, someone getting a better grade won’t make yours any lower. Your friend gaining a new friend doesn’t make them like you any less. Someone else’s tennis swing doesn’t make yours any worse. The only person in control of you is yourself.

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In the end, all you can do is swing your racket and focus on the next shot.