Here are 8 inspirational Sports stories from The Providence Journal in 2023
The past year was full of sports stories that inspired, encouraged or just made you feel good. It wasn't only about wins and losses, but stories of redemption or watching dreams fulfilled. There were plenty that were told on the pages of The Providence Journal, and on our website, providencejournal.com.
Here are nine stories that weren't all about the games but about moments that are worth revisiting.
Special night for Kwity Paye, and RI
A State of the Union address by a U.S. president is usually a moment to reflect on our country's accomplishments and to look at the path ahead. We'll leave the divisive politics of the event off to the side and focus on a truly feel-good moment — when Rhode Island's Kwity Paye, the Hendricken football star with an amazing backstory who now plays for the Indianapolis Colts — was the guest of freshman U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner. It's been quite the journey for Paye, and it's not over yet.
More: NFL and Hendricken star Kwity Paye is Magaziner's guest at State of the Union. Here's why
A college football tradition endures
Rhode Island may not be the center of the college football universe but there's something to be said for tradition — especially one that dates back more than a century. The annual football game for the Governor’s Cup dates back two generations. But the meetings between Brown University and the University of Rhode Island span nearly six. This is tradition for the good of it and football for the competition of it. What's more? This year's matchup was one of the best Governor’s Cup games in the last decade, coming down to one final, critical play. Syeed Gibbs' second interception sealed a 34-30 win for Rams.
More: In a rapidly changing world, this Rhode Island football tradition endures.
Tom Brady returns for a formal thank you
Tom Brady's departure from the New England Patriots in 2020 proved to be a turning point for the organization. Three years later, the Patriots aren't even close to the heights reached when TB12 was under center. In September, Brady was back "home," if you will. The self-proclaimed "Patriot for life" will be enshrined in the team’s Hall of Fame on June 12.
More: Tom Brady is welcomed home to Gillette Stadium; will be inducted to Pats Hall of Fame in June.
Reese Fahys battles back from injury
One of state's top distance runners, Reese Fahys of East Greenwich High School, fought back from a leg injury that put her dreams on hold. But her senior season was a triumph — both on the track and on a personal level. Her story was worthy of The Journal's Courage Award, given at the annual All-State Rhode Island High School Sports Awards held last June.
Big league dreams for Alex Clemmey
Middletown's Alex Clemmey got the call he'd been waiting for on a Sunday night last July. The Bishop Hendricken standout lefty had just heard his name called by the Cleveland Guardians late in the second round of the Major League Baseball draft. “Hearing your name called is something that you can only dream of, and obviously that dream came true tonight for me.”
More: His phone rang — now this RI high school student will be heading to professional baseball.
Thanksgiving football games still matter
Ten years ago, Rhode Island high school football on Thanksgiving still counted in the standings — as the teams played for both bragging rights and playoff seeds. But scheduling and realignment changed things, and now those games are more about continuing a tradition and giving seniors one last run on the gridiron. But some of those traditional games are as strong as ever, and this year's Westerly vs. Stonington game is a perfect example.
It's not all about wins and losses
∎Everybody loves a winner, so the saying goes. But not everyone is a winner in every instance. The Highlander Charter School's boys basketball team in Providence remembers what life was like on the wrong end of the scoreboard for all those games. But last winter, things were different for the Hawks, who finally saw all of those practices and strenuous games pay off. But that doesn't mean they've forgotten what it was like before.
"Our first season, we averaged losing by 45 points. We know how it feels and we don’t want to project the same thing and make those guys feel the same way," Miftah Ibiyemi recalled after a win last season. “I know it didn’t feel good.”
∎At Woonsocket last season, the cheers weren't because a crucial shot was made or a last-second block preserved a victory. The cheers were for the players who made it a priority to stick together and compete. The Villa Novans started the season with a full girls basketball squad that, thanks to a variety of circumstances, dwindled down to just enough players to actually play games. Their games were not competitive, but that didn't matter. What mattered was playing basketball.
“We don’t want to give up,” Jelysa Moise said. “We like playing with each other. We’re trying to stay here as a team.”
More: Woonsocket's girls basketball team doesn't care about wins; there are more important goals
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Here are 8 feel-good Providence Journal Sports stories from 2023
