Bay Ridge

Xaverian names new girl’s volleyball coach

June 27, 2016 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Marie McGoldrick-Raico previously served as assistant coach of the women’s volleyball team at Saint Francis College. Photo courtesy of Xavieran High School
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Xaverian High School, which is going co-ed in September, is continuing its effort to establish a strong sports program for its incoming female students.

Xaverian President Robert B. Alesi announced that Marie McGoldrick-Raico has been hired to serve as the coach of the girls’ volleyball team.

McGoldrick-Raico comes to Xaverian from her previous job as first assistant women’s volleyball coach at her alma mater, St. Francis College.

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During her days as a student at St. Francis College, she competed in volleyball, basketball and softball. She was also inducted into the college’s Hall of Fame.

A Division I scholarship recipient, McGoldrick-Raico was on the Dean’s List and the Northeast Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

Prior to joining St. Francis College’s coaching staff, McGoldrick-Raico taught English and coached varsity volleyball for 16 years at St. Edmund Prep.

“I am extraordinarily grateful to join the Xaverian community during such an exciting time in the school’s history. I value Catholic education and have tremendous respect for the sacrifices that parents make to provide their children with this unique educational opportunity. I am eager to begin this journey with the young ladies who will enter the first co-educational class in September!” McGoldrick-Raico said in a statement.

Established more than 50 years ago by the Xaverian Brothers, a Catholic religious order, Xaverian High School has been an all-boys Catholic high school throughout its entire history. But last year, officials announced that the high school would accept female students starting in September of 2016.

Xaverian High School, located at 7100 Shore Road in Bay Ridge, also has a middle school, Genesis, which has always been co-ed.

Alesi predicted that McGoldrick-Raico will be a major asset to the school.

“We are incredibly blessed to have a coach of Marie’s caliber joining our athletics program. Like all the coaches at Xaverian, Marie exemplifies the best elements of high school athletics; her incredible athletic success is perhaps surpassed only by her dedication to academic excellence. Her own experience as a successful student-athlete will undoubtedly set a great example for our own students about how to succeed not only on the court, but in the classroom as well,” Alesi said.

McGoldrick-Raico, who was born and raised in Bay Ridge, currently lives in Belle Harbor with her husband Dennis and son Luke.

McGoldrick-Raico’s arrival at Xaverian is the most recent addition to a lineup of coaches who will serve as the foundation of the school’s athletics program for girls.

Earlier this year, Alesi announced the hiring of Margaret McKeon as the girls’ basketball coach, Mark Biancoviso as the softball coach and Erin Kennedy as the girls’ soccer and lacrosse coach.

McKeon will also serve as the school’s assistant athletic director. In addition to her coaching duties, Kennedy will teach physical education and biology.

 


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