Hennessey’s play in net kept North Penn on course

It was basically a new lineup with a lot of new varsity players, but all year long, the Knights knew that Gavin Hennessey had their back.

Chosen as The Reporter’s Athlete of the Year for boys water polo, Hennessey was a stabilizing force in net, driving North Penn to the Eastern Conference championship and all the way to the state final.

“Honestly, I could not be more proud of the way we played and the guys that I got to play with,” the senior said. “It really was one heck of a season.

“With so many new guys in the varsity line, there is a big learning curve that comes with being comfortable against varsity players and to adapt so quickly as a team is really motivating.”

Goals against North Penn were tough to come by. Eight times throughout the year, Hennessey limited opponents to three goals or less, and his clutch play was instrumental in Eastern Conference wins over rivals La Salle and Souderton Area.

And he was just getting started.

“Gavin was one of our few returning starters and varsity players. After graduating 15 seniors last year, he was relied on heavily until some of the newer players developed,” Knights coach Jason Grubb said.

“His play at the state tournament was the biggest reason we were able to make it to the championship game. The three games against Souderton, Wilson, and Cumberland Valley was the best water polo he has played in his career.”

With every save crucial, Hennessey powered the Knights to a 9-8 win over Souderton and a 7-6 overtime thriller over Wilson. The Knights would earn state runner-up honors, amassing 23 victories in 2015.

“Last year,” Hennessey said, “I was able to play with my brother (Shane) and undoubtedly that was someone I was willing to work hard for, but coming into this season, I definitely was a little unnerved with all those starters leaving.

“This certainly did not last long and the amount the team functioned as a unit in everything we did helped so much, I can’t stress it enough.”

Hennessey leaves behind quite a legacy, and takes with him many memories from a spectacular senior season at NP.

“From every Wawa run to pregame stretch, everything was as a team,” he said, “and the other captains and I were so proud of how we did in the end despite the final outcome. I certainly found a group of guys worth working hard for and that I’m proud to call my teammates and friends.”