In an era when young athletes are increasingly told that specializing in a single sport is the only path to a Division I scholarship, New Milford (Conn.) High School rising senior Cienna McNamara has proven there is another way.

While many athletes narrow their focus, train year-round in one sport, and devote themselves solely to recruiting, Cienna—a 2026 Line Drive Media High School Softball All-American at shortstop—embraced a different philosophy.

She chose to compete in three varsity sports—field hockey, basketball, and softball—throughout her high school career, believing that each season offered unique opportunities for growth.

“Cienna has always been someone who sets high goals for herself,” her mother, Michelle McNamara says.

“Before she even entered high school, she created a vision board that reflected the person and athlete she wanted to become. What has always impressed me is that she didn’t just set those goals—she was willing to put in the work and make the sacrifices needed to pursue them.”

Cienna’s decision to fully dedicate herself to the three sports necessitating a wide range of athletic skills not only shaped her into one of Connecticut’s most accomplished multi-sport athletes but also earned her a commitment to continue her softball career at the University of North Carolina, a Division I softball program that went 32-19 in 2026 and was led by All-American infielder Emily LeGette, who smacked 26 home runs for the Tarheels.

For Cienna, however, until she steps foot on the campus of the Power 4 university in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, there are a lot more games to be played in her 2026-27 senior season across the trio of sports she loves.

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Three Sports, 12 Letters & Numerous Accolades in Each

Entering her final year of high school, Cienna is preparing for her fourth varsity season in all three sports and is on pace to graduate with 12 varsity letters.

Along the way, she has built an extraordinary athletic résumé:

• a two-time All-State selection in field hockey with nearly 50 career goals,
• a two-time All-South-West Conference basketball player closing in on the 1,000-point milestone, and
• one of Connecticut’s premier softball players, earning multiple statewide honors while helping transform New Milford into one of the state’s elite programs.

Yet despite the accolades, Cienna believes her greatest growth has come not from specializing, but from embracing every opportunity to compete.

“When I entered high school, I set goals for myself and wanted to challenge myself in every way possible,” the infielder says.

“I knew playing three sports would require a lot of commitment, but I also knew I would regret giving up something I loved. I wanted to see how far I could push myself while still being a great teammate and enjoying every experience.”

The athlete’s mother believes a key to her daughter’s success has been Cienna’s positive attitude and love for the benefits that each sport brings to her life.

“Cienna’s path has been different,” Michelle McNamara recalls, “and balancing three sports, academics, community service, and the commitments that came with each team was not always easy… but she never viewed those things as sacrifices.”

“She saw them as opportunities to do what she loved—be part of teams and continue growing.”

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Year-Round Complementary Variety… Season by Season

Each sport has played a distinct role in her development.

Field Hockey in the Fall…

During the fall, field hockey sharpened her anticipation, footwork, toughness, and communication skills while helping her become one of the state’s top offensive players.

The confidence and trust developed on the field helped prepare her for leadership roles that extended well beyond that season.

Basketball in the Winter…

Basketball presented a different challenge.

The fast-paced nature of the game strengthened her court vision, agility, decision-making, and ability to elevate those around her.

As a three-year captain and two-time All-South-West Conference selection, Cienna has become one of New Milford’s top players and enters her senior season just 262 points shy of joining the program’s exclusive 1,000-point club.

More importantly, she credits basketball with teaching her the value of communication and teamwork.

“Basketball has taught me so much about being a teammate,” she said. “You have to communicate, trust the people around you, and understand that everyone has a role. Those lessons have helped me in every sport and have shaped the way I approach being a leader.”

Softball in the Spring…

When spring arrived, softball became the sport that ultimately opened the door to Chapel Hill for the Line Drive Media High School All-American.

Already regarded as one of Connecticut’s elite players, McNamara has earned the following:

• three All-South-West Conference selections,
• two Class L All-State honors,
• two GameTimeCT All-State recognition,
• Connecticut Sports Blog Player of the Year honors, and
• recognition as one of the state’s Top 25 Players to Watch.

And her junior season was among the finest ever produced by a Connecticut high school player.

Cienna batted .617 with a .690 on-base percentage and a remarkable 1.370 slugging percentage while collecting 50 hits, blasting 15 home runs, driving in 36 runs, scoring 50 times, stealing 23 bases, and striking out only once in 101 plate appearances.

Her dominance helped lead New Milford to the greatest softball season in school history, highlighted by a South-West Conference Colonial Division championship, the best record in program history (23-3), and the program’s first appearance in the CIAC Class L State Championship game.

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How Each Sport Builds on the Others

Despite softball ultimately becoming her collegiate destination, Cienna insists the lessons learned in field hockey and basketball played an equally important role in her success.

“I think every sport has given me something different,” she believes.

“Field hockey has helped me become quicker and more aware of what’s happening around me. Basketball has helped me think and react faster and while softball is the sport I have always worked toward, I truly believe the other sports have helped me become the player and person I am today.”

Behind the statistics lies a level of discipline few student-athletes can match.

In addition to balancing three varsity sports, the East Coast athlete trains year-round with the Empire State Huskies 16U National Porcelli/Roberts team, works with a personal trainer, maintains an exceptional academic record, and dedicates significant time to community service.

Success, she says, has never been about shortcuts but about careful planning, preparation, and consistency.

“Time management has probably been one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned,” Cienna explains.  “You have to be intentional with your time and understand what your priorities are. There are days when the schedule is busy, but every commitment has taught me something and helped me grow.”

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Growing as a Leader in Sports, the Classroom and the Community

That same discipline has extended into the classroom and in other areas of her life.

The Class of 2027 grad is a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society, an NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete, an All-Academic South-West Conference selection, and a Highest Honors with Distinction student.

She also serves on the New Milford High School Athletic Council and as a Wingman Leader, reflecting the same leadership qualities that have made her a captain across three different varsity programs.

“Academics have always been important to me because I know being a student-athlete means having responsibilities beyond sports,” she continues.  “The same habits that help you become a better athlete—being prepared, staying focused, and holding yourself accountable—also help you succeed in school.”

Leadership has become one of the defining characteristics of Cienna’s career as well.

Entering her senior year, she will serve as softball captain for the fourth consecutive season while also beginning her third year as captain of both the field hockey and basketball teams.

Those honors reflect something statistics cannot measure—the trust and respect she has earned from teammates and coaches.

“Being a captain has never been about a title for me,” Cienna says. “It is about being someone my teammates can count on. Leadership is showing up every day, setting an example, and helping the people around you become better.”

Her influence reaches well beyond athletics, too.

McNamara volunteers with youth basketball and field hockey programs, participates in holiday food and clothing drives, supports Operation Thanksgiving, and helps local families through the New Milford Social Services Santa Fund.

She takes particular pride in mentoring younger athletes and encouraging them to experience the same joy she found by participating in multiple sports.

“I love showing up to Little Hoopsters on Saturdays and then seeing familiar faces at youth field hockey on Sundays. It makes me happy to see the youth playing more than one sport and enjoying the same experiences that have meant so much to me.”

That desire to support others also inspired McNamara to begin developing The Teammate Promise (“TP”), an initiative created in honor of a close friend and teammate named Kelsey following her brain tumor diagnosis.

Although still in its early stages, the project—which involves Cienna working with the Connecticut brain tumor alliance and is expected to be launched in four to six weeks—aims to raise awareness, support families affected by brain tumors, and encourage young athletes to use teamwork and leadership to make a positive impact beyond sports.

“Kelsey means so much to me and watching everything she has gone through has been incredibly difficult,” Cienna explains. “I wanted her to know how much she meant to all of us, not just through words, but through our actions.”

“What she has had to endure, and what she will continue to endure, puts things into a whole new perspective. It reminds me that being a teammate is about so much more than what happens on the field. It is about showing up for people, supporting them, and making sure they never feel alone.”

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The Benefits of Multi-Sport Play

As the three-sport athlete prepares for her final year at New Milford High before continuing her softball career at North Carolina, her legacy is already secure.

She helped elevate Green Wave softball to unprecedented heights while excelling in three varsity sports, achieving academic excellence, serving her community, and demonstrating that authentic leadership is measured by actions rather than attention.

For young athletes wondering whether they must specialize early or chase every recruiting trend, Cienna’s story offers a powerful reminder that success can still be achieved by embracing every opportunity, committing fully to teammates, and allowing years of dedication to speak louder than self-promotion.

“I think the biggest thing I have learned is that success is not just about the end result,” the athlete concludes. “It is about the people you meet, the relationships you build, and the person you become along the way.”

And you know her family is incredibly proud of all that the high school athlete has been able to accomplish, on and off the court and fields.

“I’m most proud that she embraced every season and every experience,” her mom adds. “Cienna knows she cannot get these years back, and she wanted to make sure she walked away with no regrets.”

“The field hockey stick and basketball will eventually be put away as she focuses on softball at North Carolina, but those experiences will always be a part of who she is.”

“Watching her stay true to herself, work toward the goals she set, and make the most of every opportunity has made me incredibly proud—not just of what she has accomplished, but of the person she has become.”

Sometimes, a journey takes a different path and, sometimes, that path leads all the way to playing college softball in the ACC.

— Brentt Eads/Line Drive Media