Rye’s girls soccer team capped an undefeated season by winning its second state championship in three years, defeating Aquinas Institute 4-0 on a snow-covered pitch in Cortland.
The most impressive part of the Garnets’ 21-0-3 season is that they didn’t allow a goal all postseason — that’s four section playoff games, two regionals, and the state semifinals.
At the heart of that unrelenting defense was co-captain and central defender Clare Nemsick, deservedly the Rye Lions Club’s selection for November Athlete of the Month.
“Clare Nemsick, a four-year starter for the Rye Garnets, closes her career as one of the most accomplished and respected players in program history,” said coach Rich Savage. “She has helped lead Rye to four league titles, three Section 1 Class A titles, and three regional championships, along with two state titles.
“Remarkably, Clare played every minute of every season across her four years, anchoring the defense with unmatched steadiness, intelligence, and composure. She is widely regarded as one of the very best defenders in New York state.”
What does the first-team all-state selection believe makes her such an adept defender?
“Probably, it’s my decision-making,” Nemsick said, “knowing the space that exists between me and the attackers, where the flight of the ball will send it, if I should move up or stay back. I think I come up with the right answers more often than not.”
The senior standout is more than just a soccer star. She also anchored the lacrosse team’s defense during league, section, and regional title runs in the spring. Next year, she’ll play both sports at Bucknell.
“I just really liked the coach and players,” Nemsick said of her college selection. “They made me feel like family, much the way it is now at Rye High.”
Nemsick, who has an adjusted GPA of 100.29, enjoys several of her current courses.
“Math with Ms. (Nicole) Marron and Mr. (John) Murolo, and English taught by Mr. (Anthony) Frabizzio and Mr. (Joel) Edminster,” she said. “I think I might major in business or marketing in college, but I’m also interested in sports journalism, which I do now for The Rye Record.”
When she’s not in the classroom, Nemsick is immersed in the school’s activities. She runs podcasts for the Garnet and Black newspaper, raises money for the Cancer Awareness Club through bake sales and a T-shirt design competition, and works with kids with intellectual disabilities during lunch and after school through the Bridges Club. She also took part in Rye’s Unified Basketball program, spending more time with many of the same young people.
Savage elaborated on why he nominated Nemsick for the Lions Club award.
“As the Garnets advanced through sectionals, regionals, and the NYS Class A championship, she elevated her leadership to another level,” said Savage, New York state’s coach of the year. “Clare routinely reviewed film on her own and created detailed notes for her fellow defenders. Her preparation ensured that the back line operated as a cohesive, disciplined unit with a clear understanding of each opponent’s tendencies and the team’s tactical plan.
“Across the eight-game championship run, the Garnets did not concede a single goal — an extraordinary achievement that speaks directly to Clare’s communication, positioning, athleticism, and command of the entire defensive third. Clare’s leadership extended to every corner of the team. She led pre-game psych-ups, provided honest and constructive feedback after practices, and always reflected on how she could continue to elevate her play. Her teammates looked to her not just for direction, but for inspiration.”
Nemsick thanked her parents for helping her win the Lions Club award, which is given jointly with Rye’s athletic department.
“They drive me everywhere to practices and attend all my games,” she said. “And I want to thank Coach Savage as well. He creates such a great culture among the players.”
As with the other monthly winners, this win makes Nemsick eligible to be named Rye’s Athlete of the Year at the Lions Club’s annual awards luncheon this spring.
