Ponaganset High School Athletic Hall of Fame
Induction Class of 2014
Stephen Alexander
Athlete
Class of 1996
Soccer, Tennis, Basketball, Volleyball, & Soccer
"A supportive environment allowed for opportunities filled with hard work, great experiences, and multiple championships.” A 1996 Ponaganset High School graduate, Stephen excelled in sports not because of individual talents but because of a great support system and strong bonds with teammates. Voted most athletic by peers, Stephen earned 12 Varsity letters, playing 5 different team sports, while being part of 6 state championships, 8 division titles and 2 state runner-up finishes. He was part of a total of 3 undefeated seasons in soccer, basketball and tennis. Stephen believes these achievements are secondary to playing with talented players and coaches. In four seasons of basketball, he contributed to the school’s first team to record a 150 game winning streak and win four Class A State Championships. During the final championship game, he scored 25 points and went 9 for 9 from the free throw line (16 of those points were scored in the last quarter). This performance resulted in MVP honors. Stephen scored over 1,000 points and became a member of the 1,000-pt. club with teammate Julie Stockwell in ‘96, a feat that has not been repeated. On 2/15/95, Stephen set a single game record for 3 pointers (male or female, by going 6 for 7). He was a back to back 1st Team All-State Selection and was voted to the All Tournament Team 3 consecutive years for the playoff performances. He was also named a Woonsocket Call All-Star for 3 straight seasons. The 1996 team was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003.
As a freshman, Stephen received the MVP award at the Division II State Soccer Tournament after Ponaganset clinched the championship in a shootout. In tennis, teammate Jane Ragno and Stephen became 1st Team All-Division/All-Class members after capturing the state title. In volleyball, he received 2nd Team All-Division/All-Class/All-State following back to back Northern Division titles. Stephen continues to represent the Chieftains as a teacher and has coached soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and baseball. He believes playing for Ponaganset helped him understand how to critically think, reflectively learn and, above all, respect others. As a speaker, writer, and entrepreneur Stephen enjoys spending time with loved ones. Part of Stephen’s mission is to make sports a welcoming place. He encourages everyone to remember “We can all play, get in the game”.