Sewickley Student-Athlete Receives Spirit of Faith Award

A Sewickley resident was recently awarded the Spirit of Faith Award from the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese.

Cora Saftner attends St. James Parish and is a sophomore at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School, who also attended St. James School. She received the award on Sunday, March 3 from the diocese's Department for Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

Each year this award is presented to one high school boy and girl who participates in the Catholic Youth Ministry (CYM) Diocesan League.

This award recognizes the students’ athletic accomplishments, as well as their ability to demonstrate Catholic values as they play the game.  In Cora’s case, the award recognized her achievements as both a player and coach in the game of basketball, in addition to her prior experiences in volleyball, swimming and golf.  

Although this is Cora’s first year on St. James’ CYM team, Cora has been playing the game of basketball since third grade at St. James School.

While Cora wasn’t a starter this year, her positive attitude, encouragement of teammates, and aggressive defensive play all contributed to her earning this award.    

In addition, Cora has learned to take what she has learned on the court and give back. She is oen of the assistant coaches for the St. James School JJV boys team.  

“Cora is just so many things," said Valerie Tilson, a parent whose son Jack plays on the JJV team. "She's become a mentor and coach that all of our kids look up to and look forward to having her help their team.  She's moved on and up from our school, but she certainly still has an amazing presence when she is there coaching, motivating and 'yelling' at our kids.”

Whether it is on her own St. James Cougars CYM team, on the side lines for the JJV boys, or in the yard with one of her five siblings, Cora can be found shooting around and encouraging others to love the game as she does.

Cora is a sophomore at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School. 

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