Two student athletes – Abby Crowder (North Haven HS) and Michael Loomis (Branford) – are the recipients of the 2025 Southern Connecticut Conference “Comeback Player of the Year” awards.
Both students suffered severe injuries yet were able to overcome them to become outstanding role models in their respective schools.
A long-time corporate sponsor of the SCC, Connecticut Orthopaedics offered a Comeback Player of the Year Scholarship for student-athletes who participated in an interscholastic sport during the 2024-2025 academic year and showed great leadership both on and off the field after their injury.
Coaches and school’s athletic directors nominated these student-athletes after they each suffered an unfortunate injury that prohibited them from playing for their high school teams. Both will receive a financial scholarship to be used for their college education.
“This is our 15th year awarding student-athletes from the SCC with scholarships,” said Susan Bader, CEO of Connecticut Orthopaedics. “Our goal is to acknowledge student-athletes who have overcome the challenges of an injury and, through hard work and determination, become positive role models for their fellow teammates. As sports medicine specialists, we understand intimately what it takes to recover from an injury and return to playing sports at a high level.”
“Many thanks to the doctors and staff at Connecticut Orthopaedics for their support of the SCC and these scholarships,” explained SCC Commissioner Al Carbone. “Our league has many outstanding student-athletes who excel in the classroom and on the playing fields; but it is a tremendous gesture to recognize traits like courage, perseverance and selflessness.”
Pictured (L-R): Susan Bader, CEO of Connecticut Orthopaedics, Michael Loomis, Abby Crowder and Al Carbone, SCC Commissioner
2024-25 SCC/Connecticut Orthopaedics Comeback Players of the Year
ABBY CROWDER, NORTH HAVEN (cheerleading)
A captain for the Nighthawks’ competitive cheerleading squad, Abby suffered a few injuries (concussion, sprained wrist, severe foot bruises and broken hand) that prohibited her from competing.
Despite the unexpected injuries, she showed leadership and positive perseverance to return to the team and help the team to the overall state title.
An outstanding student and leader, Abby will attend Quinnipiac University in the fall and major in health sciences.
MICHAEL LOOMIS, BRANFORD (ice hockey, golf)
A four-year varsity letterwinner for Branford ice hockey team, and a two-year standout on the golf course, Michael suffered an ACL knee injury early in his scholastic career. Through his hard work and dedication, he returned to the ice. A co-captain during his senior season, Michael led the Hornets in scoring on the way to him earning All-SCC and All-State accolades.
An outstanding student who was a member of the National Honor Society, Michael will attend Fairfield University and major in business management.
ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
The 2024-25 academic year marks the 31st year of existence for the Southern Connecticut Conference. The SCC is comprised of 23 high schools with more than 23,000 students representing 16 communities. Recognized as one of the best athletic conferences in the state, the SCC also has a great tradition of offering first-rate non-athletic programs and events that enrich the overall high school experience of our young people to help them become responsible students, athletes and citizens. For more information on the SCC, visit www.southernconnecticutconference.org
ABOUT CONNECTICUT ORTHOPAEDICS
Connecticut Orthopaedics is the #1 physician practice for orthopedics in Connecticut. The practice is a premier team of orthopedic doctors and board-certified surgeons who provide compassionate and innovative care to keep you moving forward with life. With over 60 physicians serving 20 locations, including 8 Urgent Cares ,three orthopedic-only Surgical Centers and 14 state-of-the-art Sports Therapy | Rehab locations, we make it convenient for you to get the best in orthopedic care you need, close to where you live. To learn more, visit ct-ortho.com
