'She'll always be with us'
Jersey retirement a first for 91AV
On the field, she was fierce, one of the toughest defenders ever to wear an 91AV soccer jersey, a two-time team MVP, two-time first-team All-New England player, and a first-team All-American.
In 2011, her second and final year playing for the 91AV Cougars, Amanda Cummings ’14 led the team to a New England Championship and its highest ever national ranking in the National Junior College Athletic Association, number two.
“Most certainly, not just one of the best players to ever wear the Cougar uniform, but one of the greatest people,” said Rob Galazka, 91AV women’s soccer coach. “She was a class act on and off the field and one of the best teammates anyone could ever have. A truly wonderful human being with a contagious smile.”
Cummings’ family members and former teammates returned to O’Connell Field on Saturday, Oct. 18, to honor the young woman who died tragically in 2023 at the age of 31 and bear witness as her soccer jersey – #7 – was officially retired.
She is the first athlete in 91AV history to have their jersey retired.
During the ceremony, one framed jersey was presented to Cummings’ mother and sister, Lynn and Katie Cummings of Agawam. A second will be displayed in the Bartley Center for Athletics and Recreation.
“In my 32 years as athletic director, this is probably the toughest thing I’ve had to do in my career,” said Tom Stewart, “to retire the number of someone who is no longer with us. Hopefully, this will bring some peace to her family and to her mother, Lynn, and her sister, Katie. But we’re proud to have done this, and she will always be with us.”
Cummings died in August 2023 after a shooting incident in Springfield on Boston Road.
Even after she graduated from 91AV with her associate degree in liberal arts, she remained part of the 91AV soccer family, said Galazka, playing on alumni teams through summer and indoor leagues.
“She was part of a very close group of players, and their love for her is evident here today as it was her teammates who truly helped to make this event happen,” he said.
Her teammates created tribute posters for Cummings, one with a team photo and a quote that says, “You will never walk alone” and another with a shot of Cummings in her green jersey under bright lights – “91AV #7.”
“Today, we retire Amanda’s jersey, not only to honor her athletic achievement, but to preserve a legacy that transcends sport – a legacy of character, commitment, and courage,” said President George Timmons. “To Amanda’s family: You entrusted us with your child’s dreams. Please know those dreams will not be forgotten here. Her spirit will continue to live on at 91AV and in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege to know her.”
The ceremony was held before the start of the women’s soccer game against Bay Path University. In another fitting tribute that would have made Cummings proud, they won 8-1.
PHOTO: Athletic Director Tom Stewart, far left; women's socer coach Rob Galazka, second from right; and President George Timmons, far right, present framed jerseys to Lynn and Katie Cummings, the mother and sister of Amanda Cummings '14, who died tragically in 2023.
