Michelle Cassavaugh burst onto the athletic scene at Amesbury High School in the fall of 1990. The first place she landed was the soccer field, playing the sport she loved since she was a little girl. For the next 4 years, Michelle not only played varsity soccer, but also played varsity basketball and softball, becoming the first athlete in school history, male or female, to earn 12 varsity letters. Think about that for a minute…12 seasons of varsity athletics, competing at the highest level every season, every year. Kristen Perry of the Newburyport News said in May of 1994, “It is a record that may be matched but can never be broken.”
While playing soccer at AHS, Michelle played every position on the field at one time or another, but where she was most effective was in the midfield. From there she could control the game and act as the quarterback of the team. As a freshman, she was chosen as a Cape Ann League All-Star, an honor she would continue to receive throughout her soccer career. Michelle was captain of the soccer team both her junior and senior year, and was chosen team MVP.
The winter season found Michelle on the basketball court playing for Coach Chris Perry. She was one of the first off of the bench her freshman year, and started every game her sophomore through senior years. She was a perennial Cape Ann League All-Star player who was known for her tight pressure defense, often being assigned to guard the ball handler on the opposing team. Although defense was her specialty, she was also a consistent scorer, leading the team in scoring her sophomore year, and accumulating 604 total career points. Michelle could drive to the hoop for a layup, hit the short jumper from the key, and put back an offensive rebound, but her signature shot was the 3 pointer. Michelle loved when she got the green light from Coach Perry to take that 3 pointer when she found herself open on the perimeter! Michelle was Co-captain of the team both her junior and senior year, awarded the Unsung Hero Award both her sophomore and junior year, and the Most Valuable Offensive Player Award her senior year.
The sport Michelle loved playing the most at AHS was softball. She had followed the team closely as a middle schooler, and witnessed firsthand the Kristy Gleason led state championship teams of 1988 and 89. When Michelle got to high school she couldn’t wait to play and continue the tradition of greatness that the softball team had established. She would again be playing for Coach Chris Perry, a man who had quite an impact on Michelle throughout her high school career, as they spent 8 seasons together. Coach Perry remembers Michelle as an intense competitor and a team player who practiced and played hard every day. He considers her one of the best leadoff hitters the softball team has ever had. A left-handed batter, Michelle was a great bunter who could also hit for power and steal bases.
Michelle played first base her freshman year, but was moved to catcher for the next 3 seasons. That proved to be a great move on Coach Perry’s part as Michelle became an outstanding defensive catcher who rarely gave up a stolen base. She was a Cape Ann League All League player who ended her career with a .443 batting average, 16 homeruns, 67 RBI’s, and 63 stolen bases. Michelle was the recipient of the Coach’s award, and a Co-captain of the team her senior year.
Michelle cherishes her memories of her time playing sports at AHS. She remembers lots of laughter and celebrations, as well as some disappointments. She thrived in the daily structure athletics provided her, and feels privileged and full of pride to have played for a school with such a long history of athletic success. Michelle also found success in the classroom at AHS where she was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated in the top 10 percent of her class.
Michelle’s fondest memories at AHS center around her teammates and Coach Perry. Michelle is quick to give credit to Coach Perry in teaching her how to work hard and realize her strengths, lessons that have helped her in life, not just on the field. Her teammates have left a lasting impression on her. Michelle cites her dearest, lifelong friends who during their high school years deemed themselves the Fab Five – Tiffany Clark Nigro, Jodi Salomon, Shannon LeBlanc Hlebichuk, and Cali Smithson McDonald. They were a joy to play with and share so many fantastic memories! Michelle feels so fortunate to have been able to share that special time in their lives together.
Michelle had the opportunity to do some coaching at AHS after college, where she played both soccer and softball at UMASS Lowell. She was honored to be able to share her knowledge and love of athletics with the students she coached. Today Michelle continues to work with students in her job as a school psychologist for the State of Arizona. Her words of advice to future athletes as she left AHS continue to ring true today. “Work really hard, but remember to have fun!”
Congratulations to inductee, Athlete Michelle Cassavaugh, Class of 1994.
