Introduction by Dani Marquez ’18
Good afternoon, my name is Dani Marquez, class of 2018, and I am honored to present Ms. Melissa Bourdon, class of 2003, for induction into the Hall of Fame.
Melissa Bourdon arrived at Williston in the fall of 2001 from her native Canada where she enrolled as a junior. To say that she left her mark on Williston during her two years here would be an understatement, as she immediately became an impact athlete –on the field, on the ice and in the pool! In the fall, she was a strong contributor to two outstanding Williston soccer teams. In 2001, her team finished runner-up in New England while in 2002 they won the school’s first-ever New England prep school championship in girls soccer.During the spring, she led Coach Dave Koritkoski’s girls water polo team as leading scorer earning All-NEPSAC honors.
While Ms. Bourdon was a major contributor to these two sports, the reason she decided to leave home and attend Williston was to pursue her love of hockey, specifically playing goalie. A team MVP both seasons, her stellar play “between the pipes” earned her recognition as one of the top goaltenders in New England girls prep hockey. Her outstanding accomplishments during her two years at Williston earned her the 2003 Alumnae Award as well as a full scholarship to the University of New Hampshire. At UNH, she enjoyed a phenomenal career as their starting goalie all four years finishing with an astounding record of 86-19-1. Here is just a sampling of her accomplishments during her college years: four time Hockey East Goaltender of the Year, three time All New England goaltender, school record holder in wins and shutouts – and she is still currently ranked 3rd in all-time NCAA Division 1 wins and shutouts – a Frozen Four appearance in 2006 during which her team was the #1 ranked team in the country. Additionally, she was named to Team Canada’s U-22 team while also being recognized by Sports Illustrated with a “Faces in the Crowd” feature.Not surprisingly, post-college, Ms. Bourdon has continued to stay competitive as a dedicated marathon runner, qualifying for, and competing in, the Boston Marathon six times, including last month!
It is my great pleasure to invite Ms. Melissa Bourdon to the stage to receive her award.
