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Girls Vermont Varsity Insider Athlete of the Week winner powered by Delta Dental

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 18:14 GMT by The Burlington Free Press
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Delta Dental Award Honors St. Albans High’s Rising Soccer Star

A standout performance on the soccer field, an eye‑popping set of statistics, and a shout‑out from a national dental sponsor have put St. Albans High School’s senior forward, Jasmine “Jaz” Patel, at the center of a Vermont high‑school sports spotlight. The Burlington Free Press, in partnership with the Vermont Varsity Insider, announced that Patel has been named the Delta Dental Athlete of the Week—an honor that celebrates exceptional athletic achievement and community service in the state’s high‑school sports arena.

A Game‑Changing Goal

Patel’s award comes on the heels of an explosive 4‑10 victory over the rival Rutland High Bears in the Vermont High School Soccer Association (VHSSA) 2025 spring tournament. In that match, Patel netted two goals and delivered a critical assist, leading her team to its first conference championship in four seasons. According to the match report posted on the VHSSA website, she logged 70 minutes of playtime, made five key passes, and maintained a 90‑percent completion rate on her passes. Coach Lena Martinez praised Patel’s “intensity, work ethic, and the ability to stay calm under pressure,” noting that her performance was a turning point in the game.

A Multi‑Sport Star

While Patel’s soccer exploits are front and center, she is also a key player on the school’s varsity track team. She ran a 4:30 mile at the Vermont State Track Championships and finished in the top five in the 800‑meter relay. The Burlington Free Press highlighted that Patel’s cross‑disciplinary training underscores her versatility and work ethic—a narrative that Delta Dental’s award seeks to recognize.

Delta Dental’s Role

Delta Dental of Vermont, a prominent provider of dental care across the state, sponsors the Delta Dental Athlete of the Week award as part of its community outreach initiative. According to the sponsor’s official page, the award is intended to “encourage student‑athletes to pursue healthy lifestyles and academic excellence.” The award comes with a $500 scholarship to the recipient’s chosen community college, a donation of dental care packages to Patel’s family, and a feature story on the Vermont Varsity Insider platform. Patel’s parents expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting that the award would help support her college ambitions.

A Commitment to Community

Patel’s nomination was made possible through a community service project that she spearheaded earlier in the year. She organized a “Smile & Play” event, where high‑school athletes teamed up with local dental hygienists to provide free oral health screenings and educational workshops for elementary‑school students in the St. Albans area. The Burlington Free Press quoted Patel as saying, “Being an athlete means you’re a role model—whether it’s on the field or in the community. I want to make sure kids know that taking care of their bodies, inside and out, is key.”

The Award Ceremony

The award was presented at the Vermont Varsity Insider’s “Athlete Spotlight” ceremony held at the St. Albans Community Center on Friday, November 1. Patel accepted the scholarship in front of a packed audience of family, coaches, teachers, and peers. The event also featured a keynote address by former Vermont Olympic swimmer Marina Goffman, who spoke about the importance of balancing sports, academics, and community service.

Future Prospects

Patel’s senior year is shaping up to be a pivotal one. She has already committed to playing for University of Vermont’s women’s soccer team, citing the opportunity to continue her development in a competitive collegiate environment while staying close to her hometown. College recruiters are reportedly impressed by her “consistent scoring, leadership qualities, and balanced academic record.” She is also planning to major in Kinesiology, hoping to one day work in sports medicine and help athletes maintain both physical and oral health.

Why the Spotlight Matters

The Burlington Free Press and Vermont Varsity Insider routinely highlight local athletes who exemplify dedication and character. In the case of Patel, the Delta Dental award brings national attention to a community that consistently fosters talented athletes. The sponsorship and scholarship not only provide tangible benefits but also signal to other student‑athletes that their efforts both on the field and off can be recognized and rewarded.

By celebrating Patel’s achievements, the Vermont Varsity Insider reinforces the idea that high‑school sports are about more than just games—they’re about building community, encouraging healthy habits, and preparing young people for life beyond the schoolyard. The Delta Dental Athlete of the Week honor will be remembered for years to come as a milestone in Patel’s journey and as a testament to the power of local recognition combined with national sponsorship.