Lowell committee spotlights Robinson boys, Sullivan girls after city championships

The Lowell School Committee opened its March committee meeting by recognizing two middle-school championship teams from the district. Robinson Middle School’s boys and the Sullivan School’s girls received spotlights and brief remarks from coaches, students and committee members.

Coach Sotany Lopez, addressing the chamber, said he challenged his players "about changing the narrative" and praised their classroom work as well as on-court effort: "I always preach to them that I want them to leave it better than when they first got there," he said. Coach B, who also addressed the committee, said the championship "took a special group" and emphasized accountability as a value coaches tried to reinforce on and off the court.

Robinson team captain Anthony told the committee he began at McAuliffe Elementary and is now in eighth grade at Robinson: "I really just wanna give my thanks to all my teammates and my coaches for being able to be a part of this team and win," he said. Robinson players then posed for a group photo with the mayor and the committee.

The committee also honored the Sullivan girls, who won their second consecutive championship. Coach Stewart described a season of "adversity" — injuries and illness — and credited veteran leaders and the growth of new players. Captains Abby Botto and Morgan McDonough thanked coaches, parents and teammates for a team-first season.

The committee’s recognition celebrated both teams’ on-court achievements and highlighted coaches’ emphasis on discipline, academics and community pride. After the spotlights the meeting proceeded to business matters.