Sports

Watertown High Grad Attends NCAA Convention Representing Simmons University

By Charlie Breitrose | February 15, 2023

Emily Sideris

Former Watertown High School field hockey player Emily Sideris, who now manages Daly Field for Simmons University, recently got to participate in her first NCAA Convention. Sideris attended the national collegiate athletics event in San Antonio during the week of Jan. 11-14, where new legislative proposals for governing the NCAA and college athletics were discussed, the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year was awarded, and other issues were touched on during small-group discussions, such as mental health, student-athlete experience. She also met different members of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference, in which Simmons competes.

The convention took place before former Governor Charlie Baker took over as NCAA President.

Sideris enters her second year as the Manager of Daly Field Facilities and Athletic Operations at Simmons University. Daly Field is located across the Charles River from Watertown in Brighton.

Around Town

Youth Sports Grants Available From Watertown Community Foundation

By Guest Writer | February 15, 2023

The Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) announces the 2023 application process is now open for Youth Sports Leagues Grants. These grants provide funding to eligible organizations to offer scholarship support to Watertown youth from kindergarten to high school. Examples of programs eligible for Youth Sports Leagues Grants include:

• Baseball/Softball• Football/Cheerleading• Soccer• Basketball• Lacrosse• Hockey

WCF Youth Sports Leagues Grants will help pay for sports registration fees or equipment for student athletes who otherwise cannot afford to play. “Many children cannot participate in organized sports due to the cost and some of the volunteer youth league coaches assume the added burden of paying player’s fees themselves.” said Mary Ann Mulligan, WCF Board Co-President. The goal is to help reduce financial barriers and allow more Watertown youth to participate in team sports.

Around Town

Replacing Victory Field Turf with New Artificial Surface Supported by School Committee

By Charlie Breitrose | February 14, 2023

Charlie BreitroseVictory Field is home to Watertown High School’s football team, along with the field hockey, girls and boys soccer, boys and girls lacrosse, and baseball teams.

On Feb. 6, the School Committee supported the recommendation to replace the artificial turf surface at the field most used by Watertown High School’s athletic teams, however some did so with strong reservations because it would be a different type of artificial turf. The artificial turf field at Victory Field is nearing the end of its recommended life. The City plans to replace it with another artificial turf, but with an organic material between the plastic blades of grass. The final decision on whether to approve the project will come from the City Council, and the funding would come from the City’s budget, not the Schools.