BOSTON – Ira Boci of the Suffolk softball team has been named the 2021-22 Charles Melanson Unsung Hero, Director of Athletics Cary McConnell announced Thursday morning.
Given annually in honor of the late Charles Melanson, who volunteered countless hours to the Athletic Department as a team manager, the award is presented to a student-athlete whose contributions to the Athletic Department exemplifies the attributes of an unsung hero; a selfless individual, who is often uncredited."
"If there was an "I" in team it would stand for Ira," Janet Maguire, head softball coach said. "Ira is one of the most selfless athletes I have ever coached. Even when playing through injury or struggling to find her own rhythm, she doesn't miss a beat in supporting her teammates. She gave confidence to eight different pitchers this season including five freshmen. Her positive energy and enthusiasm is contagious. Ira bleeds blue-and-gold whether with her softball team or supporting the other varsity teams."
Boci, a sophomore from Fairfield, Connecticut, is the youngest recipient of the distinction in the Rams' record books, which date back to the 2008-09 season, and is the third member of the softball squad to pick up the feat joining Monica Cioffi and Sydney Littlefield, who garnered the accolade in 2010-11 and 2016-17, respectively.
The backstop put up career numbers in her second collegiate season. Over 38 games played she produced 17 hits, nine of which were good for extra bases in six doubles and three jacks, to bring in nine runs and score 13 herself. Behind the dish she caught a pair of runners stealing and compiled a .992 fielding percentage.
Although an underclassman, Boci's leadership showed on a young team that featured 11 true freshmen. She helped Suffolk play its way into its first CCC Tournament and put together a .500 (20-20) record.
Boci is set to return to the diamond for her junior campaign in 2023 where Maguire's team aims to build on the success it had this season.
CHARLES MELANSON UNSUNG HERO
2008-09 Kevin Blake, Men's Basketball
2009-10 Kelsey Armstrong-Han, Volleyball
2010-11 Monica Cioffi, Softball / Allan Ray, Men's Basketball
2011-12 Dan Belanger, Baseball / Tim Belanger, Baseball
2012-13 Mac Jacobson, Baseball
2013-14 Katie Babb, Volleyball
2014-15 Glamarys Sierra, Volleyball
2015-16 Adam Chick, Men's Basketball
2016-17 Sydney Littlefield, Softball & Volleyball
2017-18 Greg Speliotis, Baseball
2018-19 Cam Powers, Men's Basketball
2019-20 Cam Powers, Men's Basketball
2020-21 Stephanie Moy, Women's Hockey
2021-22 Ira Boci, Softball