Ocean County Sportsmanship Award Goes to Lady Raiders | Toms River Regional School District

Lady Raiders photo by Allison Goodwin sportsmanship

Coach Jamie Blondina-- left, front and center of the huddle as usual-- leads the High School East girls soccer team, both with Xs and Os strategy and through teamwork, toughness, and togetherness, which has formed a uniquely strong bond among players (above). Photos by Allison Goodwin.

'High standards on and off the field'

Nov. 12, 2024-- The High School East girls soccer team is the recipient of the 2024 Ocean County Sportsmanship Award.

The honor, voted on by the Soccer Referee's Association, goes to individuals or teams that compete with respect, integrity, and goodwill, and who go above and beyond to display good character.

In a prime example of what the Lady Raiders are all about, the "Mae Game" earlier this fall honored the late Maegan "Mae" Higham, a former Toms River student-athlete who passed away this summer from a rare form of adrenal cancer. The team invited the Higham family to the game and on the field for a pre-game moment of remembrance, and then went out and defeated Red Bank Regional, 2-0.

Mae Game photo with coach Blondina by Allison

The Higham family stands with HSE coach Jamie Blondina (far right) before the "Mae Game" Sept. 30. Photo by Allison Goodwin.

The team takes its cue and its lead from head coach Jamie Blondina.

"Jamie has high standards for her team's performance and behavior both on and off the field," said Athletic Director Ted Gillen. "She is demanding but fair, and her team reflects her expectations with their tough play, and also how they conduct themselves with class, respect, and kindness."

The Lady Raiders pride themselves on doing things the right way, and that was evident during one of the team's big recent initiatives-- a bathroom renovation project at the East field house. The coach, her team, and volunteers painted the bathroom in order to restore its purpose and presence. It was a project based in kindness and humility, of doing the dirty work to benefit others. The school community has taken notice, and has lauded the team for the practical and aesthetic improvement.

"It's appropriate and just plain awesome that one of our own teams would earn this award this year, during our 2024-2025 Kindness Campaign," said Assistant Superintendent Pat Thomas. "East soccer truly does embody everything this award stands for, and on behalf of the district, I am so proud of them, and happy for this squad."

The 2024-2025 High School East girls soccer team will be presented the 2024 Ocean County Sportsmanship Award at a banquet later this month.

High School East girls soccer team hugs after score

The Lady Raiders had plenty to celebrate (above) in 2024, finishing the season 13-9-2, and 4-1 in Shore-B South. But their most noteworthy accomplishment is the 2024 Ocean County Sportsmanship Award, bringing a close team even closer together (below). Photos by Allison Goodwin.

High School East girls soccer team in the huddle

competing for ball against Shore senior night

Soccer games, like any sport, can be aggressive and contentious, fighting for possession (above), fighting for space. But whether it's Shore or any other team, East soccer competes with respect for their opponents. It hasn't gone unnoticed by the Soccer Referee's Association, which awarded the Lady Raiders this year's honor for good sportsmanship. Quite a way to go out for the team's seniors, which celebrated Senior Night with their families Oct. 28 (below). Photos by Allison Goodwin.