TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 9/16/14
From US Lacrosse

US Lacrosse announces Madison O’Leary of Gainesville, Florida and Morgan Bayreuther of Canaan, N.H. as the recipients of 2014 Michael Breschi Scholarships.

Established in 2007 to honor the life and memory of Michael Breschi, son of University of North Carolina men’s lacrosse head coach, Joe Breschi, the scholarships are awarded annually to two graduating high school seniors who plan to attend college and are the son or daughter of a coach who serves as a full-time employee of an educational institution. Criteria considered include academic qualifications, extracurricular activities, internships, community service and employment experience. US Lacrosse administers the scholarships, with winners selected annually by the Breschi family.

O’Leary is a 2014 graduate of Oak Hall School in Gainesville and is attending Stanford University, where she will be a member of the women’s lacrosse team. Her high school lacrosse coach describes her as an outstanding leader and motivator.

“Madison inspires others to love lacrosse,” said Coach Gigi Roark. “She motivates them to achieve their best and shares her expertise with the confidence of a seasoned coach. I have watched Madison excel in every aspect: athletics, academics, dedication, intensity, leadership, education of and care for others.”

Bayreuther is a 2014 graduate of Holderness School in Plymouth, N.H. and will be playing both ice hockey and lacrosse at Hobart & William Smith Colleges. Holderness’ director of college counseling says she is one of the most joyful and exuberant students he has ever encountered.

“It is not hard to feel better about yourself and life in general after spending some time with this fantastic gal whose love of life is palpable and contagious,” writes Bruce Barton in his letter of recommendation. “Her combination of grit and compassion make for a powerful and positive dynamic. The essence of Morgan, however, is best seen in the small acts of kindness and generosity which she doles out liberally to all those around her.”

“On behalf of my wife Julie and my four beautiful daughters (Sammy, Abby, Lucy and Emily), I’d like to thank US Lacrosse and all the applicants for helping us keep Michael’s memory alive with the annual Michael Breschi Scholarship,” Joe Breschi said. “Naming the recipients of the scholarship each year has been a rewarding experience but a very difficult process, with so many gifted student athletes from wonderful families. It is with great pleasure that we celebrate this year’s recipients, Morgan and Madison, who exemplify the happiness and passion for life as our son Michael did ten years ago.”

“US Lacrosse would like to extend its best wishes to Madison at Stanford University and to Morgan at Hobart & William Smith Colleges,” said Ann Carpenetti, vice president of lacrosse operations at US Lacrosse. “Each year we are honored to work with Coach Breschi and his family in awarding this scholarship to exemplary student athletes who are leaders on and off the field.”