Printer Friendly Version - Coyle Earns SCC Comeback Player of the Year Award for East Haven

East Haven senior Olivia Coyle was named an SCC Comeback Player of the Year on behalf of the Yellowjackets’ girls’ basketball team. Pictured are SCC Commissioner Al Carbone, fellow award recipient Mark Montano of North Haven, Coyle, and Glenn Elia, the Chief Executive Officer of Connecticut Orthopaedic Specialists. Photo courtesy of Al Carbone

Olivia Coyle, an East Haven senior who recently completed her career with the girls’ basketball team, was one of two local student-athletes who were presented with the 2018 Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC) Comeback Player of the Year Award. Coyle received the award alongside Mark Montano, a senior football and lacrosse player at North Haven. Coyle and Montano both suffered severe injuries, but were able to overcome them to become outstanding role models at their respective schools.

Coyle sustained a meniscus tear in her left knee during the last part of the 2016-’17 season, one that saw her earn All-SCC honors for her efforts. Through her diligent rehabilitation, Coyle returned to the team for the 2017-’18 season, yet was dealt another setback when she injured the same knee during the first week of practice. She had another surgery and went through a second rehabilitation process in order to return to the court.

Coyle’s second comeback to the court was indeed admirable, but her positive attitude, persistence, and the leadership that she exhibited were integral reasons why the Yellowjackets ascended to their first appearance in the SCC final and then earned the program’s first state championship by winning the Class M state title.

“When Olivia was hurt, she knew there was light at the end of the tunnel,” East Haven Head Coach Anthony Russell said. “She was remained enthusiastic, which helped her and her teammates. The end result was spectacular for her and her teammates, and she deserves credit for her drive and determination.”

Coyle will attend Pace University in New York City in the fall with plans to major in finance.

A corporate sponsor of the SCC, Connecticut Orthopaedic Specialists P.C. (COS) offered a Comeback Player of the Year scholarship for student-athletes who participated in an interscholastic sport during the 2017-’18 academic year and showed great leadership both on and off the field after enduring their severe injury. The student-athletes were nominated by the athletic directors and coaches from their schools after they each suffered an unfortunate injury that prohibited them from playing for their high-school teams. Coyle and Montano will both receive a financial scholarship to be used for their college education.