Student Athletes of the Week

The Gillnetter’s top picks of GHS athletes

ALEENA BROWN, GRACE CASTELLUCCI, and COLE MOSLEY-WYNN

April 9, 2025

Olivia Madruga and Giacomo Martell are this week’s top student-athletes honorees.

Lexi Thomas

(Bryan Lafata)

Olivia Madruga - Softball

It wouldn't be controversial to admit Olivia Madruga is currently one of the best athletes in Gloucester High School. This year alone, the sophomore was named to the NEC All-Conference (field hockey) and All-Star (basketball) teams. It wouldn't be a surprise if she got selected for a third time this spring; Madruga's performance has been much more than admirable.

Madruga notched a hard-hit triple down the third baseline in Gloucester's 2-1 win over #17 ranked St.Mary's of Lynn. The triple tied the game at one a piece in the 6th inning. Teammate Julia Carrancho's single scored Madruga, allowing Gloucester to take the lead and ultimately win.

The sophomore is tied for the third-best batting average on the team alongside first baseman Emma Carrapichosa. She's also tied for the most hits with Carrapichosa and Carrancho.

She has a perfect fielding percentage behind the dish with 32 total put-outs. She has one of the strongest arms in the NEC, which aids her in throwing out runners on the basepaths. She commands the field behind the plate, accurately calling pitches and directing the infield.

The sophomore was named a Boston Globe Player of the Week after her outstanding performance against the Lynn powerhouse.

As the season progresses, expect Madruga to be a key player in the Fishermen's quest for a state championship.

(Bryan Lafata)

Giacomo Martell - Baseball

Giacomo Martell has been awarded Student Athlete of the Week for his recent performance in Gloucester's opening day win.

Martell was the starting pitcher in the 6-1 win against Salem. Martell pitched a dominant game, going 6 ⅓ innings and only letting up 1 earned run. The D2 commit struck out 6 batters and let up just 3 hits during the game.

Martell, as a captain of the team, led the Fishermen in the right direction. He helps in giving the team promise and confidence to keep the train going throughout the season.

Top Performers of the Week

New to Student Athlete of the Week: The “Top Performers of the Week” segment highlights GHS athletes who had strong performances in the week’s matchups. 6 athletes (3 boys and 3 girls) will be highlighted each week.

(Bryan Lafata)

Julia Carrancho - Softball

Julia Carrancho was named a Boston Globe Student Athlete of the Week after her contribution in Gloucester's 2-1 victory over St.Mary's. In the Fishermen's season opener, Carrancho went 2 for 3. Alongside her impressive outfield performance, the senior captain hit an RBI single that would push the Fishermen ahead of the #17 Spartans.

Out of Gloucester's starting lineup, Carrancho currently hosts the best batting average (.667), OBP (.667), OPS (1.833), and SLG (1.167).

In Gloucester's win over Salem, the captain hit an inside-the-park home run. She leads the team, alongside Aleena Brown and Emma Carrapichosa, in home runs.

(Note: The Pre-Season ranking is courtesy of the Boston Globe, not the MIAA. The Spartans were ranked #17 out of all five divisions.)

(Bryan Lafata)

Aleena Brown - Softball

In her second career varsity start, sophomore Aleena Brown showed up in a huge way in Gloucester's 10-2 win over North Reading. With a mere lead of 1-0 entering the 3rd, Brown rocketed a 3-run home run over the left field fence to give the Fishermen a 4 run lead. Her homer was just the spark the lineup needed, giving the Fishermen the timely momentum to score 6 more before the end of the frame.

In the designated hitter spot, Brown has a batting average of .200, an OBP of .429, OPS of 1.229, and SLG of .800. She leads the team, alongside Julia Carrancho and Emma Carrapichosa, in home runs.

(Bryan Lafata)

Emma Carrapichosa - Softball

Emma Carrapichosa has been a force in the Fisherman lineup since entering high school. The junior is notorious for her power at the plate, and she's been giving the crowd just that this season.

Carrapichosa had a 2-run homer against North Reading in Gloucester's 10-2 win over North Reading.

She currently has a batting average of .400, an OBP of .400, OPS of 1.400, and SLG of 1.000. She leads the team, alongside Julia Carrancho and Aleena Brown, in home runs.

(Bryan Lafata)

Seamus Linehan - Boys Track

Seamus Linehan was a key contributor to the boys' track team's win against Saugus last Thursday. He placed first in the 400-meter hurdles with a state-qualifying time of 61.9 seconds. He also placed first in the triple jump.

(Bryan Lafata)

Matt Smith - Baseball

Matthew Smith was a player who came up clutch in Gloucester’s win against Salem. With two runners in scoring position, he hit a two RBI single to give Gloucester the momentum to win.

(Bryan Lafata)

Jaeden Chipperini - Boys Lacrosse

Jaeden Chipperini has been one of Gloucester Lacrosse's best performers in the opening frame of the season. The junior goalie made 23 saves in Gloucester's 3-10 loss against Bedford. He had 8 huge saves in the team's 13-10 win over Somerville. As a reliable force in the lineup, expect Chipperini to have more strong games in between the pipes.