Five former athletes, two coaches and one team were inducted into the New Bedford Voke/GNB Voc-Tech Hall of Fame recently.
WESTPORT — The New Bedford Voke/Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech Hall of Fame and Alumni Association held its bi-annual induction ceremony on Aug. 9 at White's of Westport.
The night included Career Achievement Award inductions for William “Bill” Comeau, David A. Freitas, Stephen Telo, Kevin S. Silva, Master Sgt. Scott W. Roy, Heidi E. (Goldrick) Driscoll and Stephen J. Cassidy Jr. as well as Hall of Fame inductions.
Here’s a look at the Voke/Voc-Tech Hall of Fame sports inductees (listed alphabetically):
Ryan Boswell
Boswell was a dedicated and versatile three-sport athlete at Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech during the late 2000s and early 2010s, earning varsity letters in football, winter track and field, and baseball.
On the football field, he excelled as both a safety and wide receiver, playing a crucial role during the Bears’ remarkable three-year reign as Vocational State Champions. He became a favorite target for his longtime friend and quarterback Drew Fernette, contributing big plays in an era when Frenette was rewriting the school’s record books. Bowell’s high school football career fittingly concluded with yet another Vocational State Championship, reflecting his consistency, leadership and competitive spirit.
After playing basketball his freshman and sophomore years, Boswell transitioned to indoor track and field, where his natural athleticism and relentless work ethic shone immediately. He was named team captain, earned South Coast Conference All-Star honors and emerged as a dominant sprinter. During both his junior and senior years, he was crowned SCC champion in the 50 meters and 300 meters. As a senior, he capped his track career by qualifying for the MIAA All-State Meet in the 300.
Even with his achievements on the football field and track, Boswell’s greatest impact at GNB Voc-Tech came on the baseball diamond. A key part of the Bears’ lineup starting in his sophomore year, he finished his high school career with an extraordinary .509 batting average and a school-record 59 stolen bases. His offensive skills and speed earned him two South Coast Conference All-Star selections, two Standard-Times Super Team honors, and All-Scholastic recognition from both the Boston Herald and Boston Globe as a senior.
Veteran Standard-Times sportswriter Buddy Thomas ultimately named Ryan the 8th greatest baseball player in GNB Voc-Tech history. His crowning achievement was being named the 2011 Aldo Balestracci Award winner, the school’s highest individual athletic honor.
Ty Breton
Breton was a dedicated and talented three-year varsity letterman in both basketball and baseball during the late 2000s and early 2010s at Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech.
On the basketball court, he played center for the Bears, providing steady, reliable interior play throughout his three-year varsity career. His toughness and consistency were instrumental in leading the team to two MIAA State Tournament appearances, showcasing his competitive spirit and commitment to the program each winter season.
It was on the baseball diamond, however, where Breton truly made his mark in Voc-Tech athletics history. As a sophomore, he earned the role of the Bears’ ace pitcher and never gave it up, earning his first South Coast Conference All-Star selection that year. His junior season brought even more recognition as his dominance on the mound began to attract statewide attention in Div. 2 baseball. One of the highlights of that year was leading Voc-Tech to a thrilling 5-4 victory over cross-town rival New Bedford High, a win that cemented the Bears’ status as kings of the city. That year’s performance earned Breton his second SCC All-Star nod and a place on the Standard-Times Super Team. Breton started his senior year in commanding fashion, helping the Bears open with a 13-0 record and finishing with an 8-2 record and the area’s best ERA at 1.64. His outstanding season earned him South Coast Conference MVP honors and a second selection to the Standard-Times Super Team. That historic year also saw Voc-Tech win 20 games, capture the school’s first-ever State Vocational Championship, and make its deepest run in the MIAA tournament at the time, reaching the South Sectional Semifinals.
Breton’s leadership and character were equally important to the team’s success, earning him the school’s nomination for the Standard-Times Leadership Award. Longtime Standard-Times reporter Buddy Thomas ultimately named Breton the ninth greatest baseball player in Voc-Tech history.
Vanesa Conceicao
A talented and determined multi-sport athlete, Conceicao competed in two years of varsity volleyball and four years of varsity basketball, becoming one of the standout leaders of her class. Her athletic journey represents the wave of skilled female athletes who helped elevate Voc-Tech’s programs to statewide prominence, setting a new standard for Bears athletics.
On the basketball court, Conceicao’s impact was undeniable. As a junior, she played a crucial role in the team’s deep postseason run that culminated in a trip to the MIAA South Sectional finals. Her senior year was even more historic as the Bears captured the MIAA South Sectional championship and earned a berth in the MIAA State final at the TD Bank Garden. Conceicao’s leadership, skill and relentless work ethic helped power her team to these incredible achievements, and her excellence was recognized through multiple South Coast Conference All-Star honors.
For Conceicao, one of the most cherished memories of her athletic career was the school-wide send-off as the team traveled to the State Final her senior year. That moment of unity and celebration spoke to the pride she and her teammates brought to the GNBVT community. Her success was not only measured in wins, but also in the lasting spirit of teamwork, commitment, and school pride she helped foster during a golden era of Bears athletics. Conceicao would like to express her heartfelt gratitude to all those who supported her along the way.
Frank Gracia
For 30 years, Gracia served as a dedicated teacher, mentor and coach, shaping the lives of countless students both in the classroom and on the field. Known for his selflessness and unwavering commitment, he was the coach who always stepped up to lead our girls’ athletic teams when no one else would, ensuring opportunities for student-athletes to compete, learn and grow.
Coach Gracia’s impact helped build the foundation that Voc-Tech’s softball program stands on to this day. He guided the Bears to their first-ever MVADA State Vocational Championship and led the team to qualify for the MIAA tournament for the first time. In 2006, his leadership was recognized statewide when he was named the Boston Globe Div. 3 Coach of the Year after steering his team on an improbable run to the MIAA South Sectional Finals. Among his favorite memories is the unforgettable 1-0 victory over heavily favored Nantucket in the MIAA State Tournament, followed by the celebratory plane ride home with his team — a moment that perfectly captured the joy and spirit of his coaching career.
Beyond the wins and championships, Gracia cherished the personal connections and family bonds that coaching brought him. Among his most enjoyable experiences was the opportunity to coach his daughter, Marcy, in basketball and his daughter, Angel, in softball, creating lifelong memories built on trust, teamwork, and love. Coach Gracia’s approach went far beyond strategy and drills; he taught his players resilience, accountability, the value of believing in themselves and most importantly pride in being a Voc-Tech athlete.
Gracia extends his heartfelt gratitude to all of the volunteer coaches who stood beside him over the years, with special thanks to Norman “Boss” Almeida for his unwavering support and partnership. He also wishes to acknowledge John Quintal and Michael Shea for their leadership and the trust they placed in him. Above all, Gracia honors the memory of his late wife, Amy, whose encouragement, patience and steadfast support were the foundation of his long and meaningful coaching career.
Jennifer (Pires) Hayes
A dedicated and dynamic three-sport athlete, Hayes’ legacy at GNB Voc-Tech is one of excellence, leadership and championship success. Over her high school career, she competed in two years of varsity soccer, three years of varsity basketball, and four years of varsity softball — excelling in each and leaving an indelible mark on every program she touched.
On the basketball court, Hayes was a vital piece of two South Sectional Championship teams that made deep playoff runs, culminating in appearances in two MIAA State championship games. Her toughness, leadership and court awareness set her apart, earning her South Coast Conference All-Star honors and helping to elevate her teams to new heights that female athletics at Voc-Tech have never been. Her ability to perform under pressure made her a consistent and dependable presence in big moments.
On the softball diamond, Hayes’ talent and leadership came together in a historic 2014 season, when she helped guide the Bears to both a Vocational Championship and the coveted MIAA State Championship. As a four-year varsity athlete, she was a model of consistency and competitive spirit. She was again recognized as a South Coast Conference All-Star, underscoring her impact and talent across multiple seasons.
Hayes was named Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech’s Standard-Times Leadership Award nominee and was the recipient of the 2014 Balestracci Award, which honors outstanding character and leadership in student-athletes. Hayes career was full of memories, however, playing her final softball season with her sister, Marissa, is her most memorable experience.
Brad Ollivierre
An intimidating presence on the gridiron, Ollivierre anchored the Bears’ offensive and defensive lines in the early 1980s, standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 265 pounds. His combination of size, strength and tenacity made him a nightmare for opposing teams. But beyond his physical tools, Ollivierre brought a relentless toughness and fierce competitiveness that made him one of the most respected two-way linemen in the area. He was the cornerstone of a defensive front that consistently shut down opposing rushing attacks — even while drawing double-teams nearly every play. His dominance was central to the Bears posting their first back-to-back winning seasons in 1982 and 1983 since the mid-1970s. His efforts helped reestablish Voc-Tech football as a tough, competitive program that other teams knew not to underestimate.
For his outstanding play, Ollivierre earned Standard-Times All-Star and South Coast Conference All-Star honors in both his junior and senior seasons, cementing his reputation as one of the top linemen of his era. He credits much of his development to the demanding environment set by his coaches, who pushed him every day, even when he didn’t always want them to.
Mark Thornhill
Widely regarded as one of the winningest high school track and field coaches in Massachusetts history, coach Thornhill has amassed more than 600 wins, 50 team championships and coached countless individual state champions during his remarkable career.
Now entering his 39th year of coaching at Voc-Tech, he remains a constant source of leadership, discipline, and inspiration for generations of Bears athletes. Coach Thornhill’s own track career laid the foundation for his coaching philosophy. As an accomplished competitor himself, he earned State and New England titles and represented the U.S. on the National Tour Team. These formative experiences shaped his old-school, fundamentals-driven coaching style, which has delivered success season after season.
In 1995, his exceptional leadership and results earned him national recognition when USA Track & Field named him one of the Top 15 Coaches in the country, a testament to his relentless commitment and expertise. His impact at Voc-Tech is measured not just in victories, but in the lives he’s touched. He is proud to have coached 42 Aldo Balestracci Award winners, honoring the school’s top student-athletes for their excellence, leadership and character. Even more telling of his enduring influence, 15 of his former athletes have themselves been inducted into the GNBVT Athletic Hall of Fame, including fellow 2025 inductee Ryan Boswell.
Just last year, Thornhill was recognized as the Standard-Times Coach of the Year for 2024-25, underscoring both his sustained excellence and his continuing ability to motivate and develop new generations of athletes.
2018 Softball Team
This special group delivered one of the most inspiring and meaningful seasons in school history, culminating in the MIAA Div. 2 State Championship. Their journey was one of true redemption: just a few years earlier, the program had its state title vacated under painful circumstances. Senior captains Averi Soares and Sarah Duarte carried that memory and used it as fuel, vowing to bring the championship back not just for themselves but for every Bear who had felt that heartbreak.
Led by head coach Mark Collins and assistant coaches Craig Soares, Paul Estrella, Jocelyn Abaray and Casey Lopes, the Bears finished with a 22-4 record (16-4 in the regular season). As the No. 5 seed in Div. 2 South, they tore through the playoffs with memorable wins over Dennis-Yarmouth (4-0), rival Fairhaven (1-0) after losing the first 3 games against Fairhaven during the regular season, top-seeded Norton (3-0 in 11 innings) and Middleboro (6-4 in 8 innings) to capture the program’s first official South Sectional championship.
Their run was defined by grit, teamwork and clutch performances, like Alexus Neno’s game-winning run against Fairhaven and the extra-inning triumphs over powerhouse opponents.
The state tournament showcased even more resilience and depth. In the State Semifinal against North Reading, freshman Madison Camara stepped in when ace Jenna Sylvia was scratched during warmups, delivering a 6-4 complete-game win under immense pressure. In the state final against Leicester, Camara was brilliant once more, allowing just four hits and one run. The big game experience of seniors Averi Soares, Sarah Duarte and Alexus Neno came up big in a 5-1 victory that sealed the state championship and fulfilled the team's mission of redemption. Coach Collins summed it up perfectly: “Nobody knew us. Nobody cared to know us. They know us now.”
The 2018 championship roster featured Shaylen Amaral, Jenna Sylvia, Skylar Dubois, Sarah Carvalho, Paige DeMelo, Amanda Ferreira, Piper Crooks, Alexus Neno, Averi Soares, Paige Coutinho, Janicemar Rullan, Madison Camara, Skyla Berube, Katelyn Medeiros, Payton Conceicao, Sarah Duarte, and Kailyn McKenna.
Their depth, talent and unique personalities shone all season with Soares named Standard-Times Player of the Year and Duarte (the 2017 Standard-Times Player of the Year), Sylvia and Berube earning Super Team honors. Payton Conceicao and Neno were also recognized as All-Stars. Coach Collins was named Boston Globe Coach of the Year.
Together, these dedicated coaches and athletes delivered not just a championship but a lasting legacy of perseverance, unity, and Bear pride that has inspired and will continue to cement GNBVT’s place as one of the most successful and consistent softball programs in the state.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New Bedford Voke; GNB Voc-Tech inducts 2025 class into Hall of Fame
Category: General Sports
