Top PSAL honors go to stellar Curtis athletes

Three Curtis athletes’ efforts yield good results for their teams.

Maliek Kelly
Maliek Kelly
Martin Sessanga
Martin Sessanga
Caroline Gottlieb
Caroline Gottlieb

This fall season was the time to shine for Curtis athletes Martin Ssessanga, Caroline Gottlieb and Maliek Kelly. These three varsity athletes heavily contributed to their teams’  success.

This year was junior Martin Ssessanga’s first season on the boys varsity soccer team. With years of experience playing soccer outside of school, Ssessanga was ready to show his skills for the team. ”My brother convinced me to join the team, but I knew I could make a positive change,” Ssessanga said. After vigorous training during preseason, Ssessanga began the season on fire. He quickly became a scoring machine as he helped his team to victory each week with both goals and assists. A highlight of his season was scoring a bicycle kick against Tottenville. With his promising statistics of 20 goals in only 14 games, Ssessanga was named the top goal scorer on Staten Island and the top third goal scorer in New York City for boys soccer. “I was proud of myself for my performance this season because I didn’t know what to expect from my first high school season and I am thankful for the help from my teammates I received along the way,” said Ssessanga.

This 2014 season was senior Caroline Gottlieb’s fourth year on the girls varsity bowling team. Ever since she was a freshman, Gottlieb has played a significant role on the team with her recognizable leadership and impressive bowling form. “Since freshman year, I have had an irreplaceable bond with my teammates. I may be a ‘leader,’ but to win a match, it is a team effort,” said Gottlieb. Aside from her leadership within her team, this season Caroline is also leading in statistics with the highest amount of points scored, and second highest bowling average in the city for girls bowling. “The team means everything to me. When I am having a bad day, my teammates keep my head on straight, and when I am versing an unfavorable competitor, they back me and give me their support,” said Gottlieb.

With two previous years of varsity football experience, Senior Captain Maliek Kelly was made the starting quarterback for the varsity football team’s 2014 season. Kelly was faced with several instances where he had to fulfil responsibilities as a team leader.  “As one of the four captains, I had to help lead my team through the onerous season beginning with the death of our teammate and brother Miles Kirkland,” said Kelly. Maliek Kelly led the Warriors to success as they advanced to City playoffs after a 6-4 season. Maliek scored 24 points, throwing four scoring touchdowns so far. To contribute to his individual success, Maliek Kelly was nominated for the “Heart of A Giant” award, courtesy of the New York Giants in which the winner receives a $5,000 grant for team equipment. “I credit my success to my teammates who supported me since day one, they’ve made me a better athlete,” said Kelly. He will continue to develop his skills on a college level once he graduates high school.

Due in part to the spectacular contribution from these dedicated athletes, the boys varsity soccer, girls varsity bowling and varsity football teams advanced to the PSAL City Playoffs.