Senior Stavell LeBrecht is making Lyons Central School history as the first student-athlete from the district to be recognized by Section V’s Caught in the Act of Kindness campaign. Stavell earned this honor for a unique act of sportsmanship at a recent varsity boys basketball away game.
Early in the game, a player from the opposing team rolled his ankle. While many players would have continued, Stavell immediately checked on him, helped him to the ground safely, and when it became clear he couldn’t walk, carried him to the sideline so the trainer could help. The opposing team’s Athletic Director, who nominated Stavell for the Section V recognition, called it “a tremendous example of kindness and sportsmanship that we all strive to instill in our players.”
Lyons Athletic Director and Varsity Boys Basketball Coach Zac Young said, "Stavell plays hard, respects others, and leads by example. What he did isn’t something you see every day. He deserves all the accolades."
Stavell is more than a basketball player. He’s a team captain, high honor roll student, member of the Lyons Leadership Class, community volunteer, and works with both the Steady Works program and the L.Y.O.N.S. Afterschool and Summer Program, supporting local youth. He also recently received the WARE MLK Jr. Student Service Award, which recognized him for bringing people together in fair, respectful, and compassionate ways, on the court and beyond.
His teammates praise him for his leadership:
"Stavell brings us up and helps us. He never puts us down. He’s always building us up and giving constructive feedback." – Jah’zyree Smith
"Stavell is a good teammate and a leader. He sees the best in everyone and is always lifting us up." – Contrell Parker
"He’s very helpful and always encouraging. He taught me to keep my composure, keep my head up, and keep pushing." – Kaywon Butler
Stavell’s sportsmanship is part of a larger culture on the Lyons basketball team. The team has been recognized several times this season by reporters for its sportsmanship, and a majority of the players were on the football team that recently earned the Jerry Robinson Coaches Award from the Finger Lakes Football Association in the fall, which honors programs that demonstrate sportsmanship, leadership, and integrity.
Whether helping an opposing player or supporting teammates and the community, Stavell LeBrecht and the Lyons teams show that high school sports are about more than winning; they’re about respect, kindness, and leading by example.
