Congratulations, Gretchen Howard

Congratulations to Winthrop High School senior Gretchen Howard on being selected to the Boston Herald Dream Team and the Boston Globe All-Scholastic Team, two of the highest awards that a high school athlete can receive in Massachusetts. Gretchen was certainly deserving of the recognition — with the talented 5-foot-9- athlete in net, the Winthrop/Lynn Lady Bulldawgs team knew that they had a goalie who would keep them competitive against any opponent.

Gretchen started her hockey career at the age of 10 and under the leadership of coach Butch Martucci, she developed into one of the state’s best goaltenders. It took hard work in the offseason and a total commitment to her craft of goaltending.

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention Gretchen’s grandfather, Peter Gill, former president of the Winthrop Town Council, who never missed a game and always stood in his customary spot behind the boards, rooting on his granddaughter and her teammates. Of course, Peter has been used to athletic excellence in sports, having watched his daughter, Lisa Gill Howard, perform so superbly for the state champion Winthrop High girls softball team, and then taking her game to the next level as a member of the Division 1 Boston College program.

Gretchen will be attending Salve Regina University where she will be continuing her hockey career and studying in the nursing program. Thank you, Gretchen, for the leadership, excellence, and sportsmanship that you demonstrated while representing our high school and our town. Your future place in the Winthrop High School Hall of Fame is assured.