Notre Dame Preparatory School senior Erin Workmeister, a member of the Towson school’s basketball team, was honored as one of two McCormick Unsung Heroes May 12 at The Marriott Hunt Valley Inn.
Quiet and easygoing, Workmeister was chosen from 119 nominated athletes from area public, private and parochial schools for her selfless play and defensive prowess on the basketball court. Further, Workmeister was the embodiment of the mission of the 68th annual McCormick Unsung Hero Awards, which acknowledges those players behind the scenes and behind the stat column. She will receive $36,000 toward college expenses while attending Salisbury University.
“Needless to say, we at Notre Dame Prep are thrilled with Erin’s honor,” said Sister Patricia McCarron, S.S.N.D., headmistress of Notre Dame Prep. “Throughout her time at NDP, Erin has proven to be a leader in and out of the classroom. She is sincere, sensitive, hardworking and mature. She is one of those quiet leaders who earn the respect of her teammates through good decision-making, dedication and a collaborative spirit. We are proud to claim her as one of ‘our girls’ at NDP.”
Katie Campitelli, head coach, highlighted Workmeister’s commitment to “team,” stating that she was one of seven seniors on this year’s squad yet her teammates unanimously chose her for captain.
“She has embraced this role with poise and integrity,” wrote Campitelli. “Erin is not the most vocal individual, nor does she like to be the center of attention, but her leadership shines through her actions and continuous effort both on and off the floor.”
Mary Bartel, athletic director, couldn’t say enough about Workmeister’s selflessness when it comes to “team.”
“Consistently, on the basketball team, she was assigned to guard the high scorer on the opposite team,” she said. “Not only was she effective in shutting down the scoring, she never complained or even thought about how that assignment affected her own statistics. She simply did whatever was best for the team.”
Campitelli said the team nickname for Workmeister has always been “Work,” not only because of her last name, but because she is the hardest worker on the team.
“Erin is a role model who works hard every day in practice and encourages her teammates to do the same. She is constantly preaching to her teammates the importance of ‘practicing like you would play in a game,’ and pushes them to leave everything on the court,” said Campitelli.
Workmeister is also a three-year member of the varsity lacrosse team and an active club lacrosse player. Academically, “Work” is consistently named to the honor roll and has taken advanced placement classes. She also volunteers at Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, and a summer sports camp for underprivileged children.