March 28, 2024

Meet Brynne Costa: EPHS Scholar, Athlete, Townie Personified

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Hockey - Cross-Country - Track - Lacrosse. Ranked 3rd in Class and More:

The game of hockey has always been and still remains a rough sport primarily dominated by males. There are plenty of all-girl hockey teams in high school and college but few women have ever opted to skate with the men. One exception is East Providence High School's Brynne Costa. Costa,17, will graduate this June with high honors. Costa is a team Captain for the EPHS boys hockey team and a unanimous choice by the Rhode Island Hockey Coaches Association to the First Team All Division Hockey Team. A four year starter for the Townies, Brynne Costa finished her high school career with 17 goals and 66 assists for 83 points. Costa also received the Hobey Baker High School Character Award (Baker is considered the first American star in ice hockey by the Hockey Hall of Fame). The award is given annually to a senior who displays the characteristics exemplified by leadership, integrity, honor and sportsmanship. Oh and if that's not enough, Costa is ranked 3rd academically in her senior class and also serves as President of the National Honor Society.

"Brynne exemplifies all that is good about young people today," said East Providence High School Principal, Shani Wallace. "She is very bright, humble and unassuming. She is such an asset to our student-body. However, I don't know if she is that humble on the ice," chuckled the Principal. "She is a tough player!"

The Reporter recently sat down with Costa and her hockey coach, Kevin Croke. Costa did not hesitate to answer why she plays hockey over more traditional sports for women. "My Dad played and loved hockey his entire life," she said. "I asked him if I could try to play and he taught me the game when I was about 4 years old. I think he worried at first but I asked him to give me a chance," recalled Costa. The rest is history as the Townie Captain has been playing hockey ever since. "We had 5 girls and 1 boy in the family and I thought I'd try hockey for Dad. I learned the game and how to skate and fell in love with the sport. I really enjoyed playing at the Mount St. Charles ice arena when I was playing Pee-wee hockey in an all-girls league and my Dad was there all along the way," Costa said.

By the time Brynne Costa reached the 8th grade she knew that she wanted to play at higher level of hockey. "I realized that I wanted to play beyond a beginner's level." Costa played hockey in area leagues and set her sights on the high school team. "During our off season I had become aware that this young girl may want to play hockey for our boys team," said head coach Croke. "I thought that she could play here and was hoping Brynne would come. I know the family had choices and there were all-girl teams at Bay View and other places. I assured her parents that she could do well at EP and she joined our team as a 9th grader," recalled Croke.

"Coach and all the coaches were great. I was a little nervous as the only girl at the team tryouts but everyone was unbelievably fair with me. I didn't feel like I got any special treatment and my Dad told me to give it my all," Costa said. "She made an immediate impact on our team," added Croke. "Brynne played on our top line as a freshman and saw lots of pucks. I think, at first, the boys on the team were a little protective of her. They would quickly go after any opponent who may challenge her, but the team quickly treated her as just one of the players and she did the same." For Costa's part, she admits to a preference for 'tough hockey.' "I personally like the fast hard action of boys hockey," she stoically said. "Brynne is tougher than nails," added Croke. "She would go to the corners hard and not be afraid of anything. She is a natural, very smooth and plays a grinding type of game. In fact, Brynne is the best skater, the best pure skater, in Rhode Island," added Croke without hesitation. Joining Brynne Costa on the team is her brother. Richard Costa is a sophomore and the team's rookie goalie. Richard is also keeping up with family tradition as their Dad was a Townie goalie. "Richard will continue the Costa tradition and will help us tremendously as we go forward," predicted the coach.

The past hockey season was a difficult one for Brynne and her teammates. Hockey continues to struggle at EPHS as many of the best young skaters in the city opt to attend a school with its own rink or better access to a local rink. Since the old Dudley Richards rink closed and became a roller-skating rink in the mid to late 70's, the hockey team has been without a home. The team rented space in Pawtucket's Lynch arena but since that privatized in 2009, it has hurt EP's ice time. The Townies had a resurgence under coach Croke, actually winning two Division State Championships a couple years back but the team had an 0-18 record this year. Not one win.

But the biggest hardship of all was the untimely and unexpected death of Brynne and Richard's Dad in September. Keith D. Costa, 56, was still an avid hockey fan. Costa played for the Townies and was a goalie on the 1975 EP State and New England Championship team. They were the glory days of Townie hockey with names like Wilson and Army and others. But none have meant more to Townie hockey than Keith Costa. Part of that Townie hockey history is high school teacher and District 65 State Representative, Gregg Amore. Amore also played hockey at EP and went on to coach the team. "Keith Costa was the epitome of Townie Pride. When I coached the hockey team, Keith would volunteer time and money for ice time, etc. to help the team," said Amore. "Keith donated much to our program and it was kept anonymous by him. We lost maybe the best guy hockey in EP has known," said Amore. Amore's undefeated Townies won a state championship in 1995.

This senior year was going to be difficult for Brynne Costa. Her entire reason for playing hockey, her biggest fan, was not going to see her graduate. The Costa's are a big loving family and were caught without notice when their father and husband died unexpectedly. Ironically, Keith Costa died where he loved to spend much of his life. He was stricken on the ice while playing hockey. "Despite our team record, my Dad stuck with me," said Brynne. "It was hard for my family. As I faced the upcoming hockey season I relied on the advice my Dad had always given me. I spent so much time with him I knew just what he would say. He would tell me to keep a level head, step back and stay positive for the team and yourself," said Costa. "It was tough but good advice that I'll never forget. He taught me how to win but it wasn't just about that, there was effort and determination."

It was a team that scored fewer goals this year against opponents, but scored heavily in the hearts of so many. "I've been coaching hockey for 25 years, the past 5 at EPHS. The character, tenacity and spirit exhibited by these 11 boys and 1 girl was on display every single night. Following virtually every one of our games the opposing coaches, referees and office officials commented on the resilience of the shorthanded Townies," said Kevin Croke. After a particularly close game an official scorekeeper told Croke that he 'wouldn't trade the heart that the Townies exhibited for any team in Rhode Island.' "My response was, neither would I. The heart of a Townie is measured by more than wins and losses, but by the character of these outstanding young people."

Hockey isn't the only sport for this talented Townie. Brynne Costa is a 3-year Captain of the Cross-Country team, a 2-year member of the track team and a 2-year Lacrosse player. "Unbelievable," said Croke. "I can't remember too many 4-sport athletes at EP who also excelled academically," he added. She was also selected 3rd team all division track as a sophomore. As Principal Wallace said, Brynne Costa is very humble. In fact, she never mentioned what we heard as we were leaving the high school interview. Costa was also voted Homecoming Queen by her fellow classmates. A truly well-rounded student-athlete!

In addition to her sports and classroom schedule, Costa found time to work after school. During her Sophomore and Junior years she worked at McDonald's and she is currently a waitress at Newport Creamery.

Brynne Costa answered without hesitation that she had no regrets playing hockey at EPHS. "I don't get all of this public-private school stuff," she said. "It's not about the record for me. We did win the State Championship here my sophomore year but struggled lately. It's about pride and hard work. I think pride is here to stay at East Providence." When asked to give advice to those about to enter EPHS, this academic and athletically talented student said, "come to EP, success is here if you want it, and build a hockey rink! she smiled."

Costa and her Mom are weighing college options. Her hard work in the classroom will certainly pay dividends as she now gets to choose where to attend. "I don't know for sure, I'd like to stay fairly close to home." Is collegiate hockey in her future? "The academics are important and if they have a hockey team I'll play, but my priority is a good academic program first." Costa is planning to study either pharmacy or biology in college.

With high school hockey over, Costa is now playing for the Massachusetts Spitfires U19 Girls Team. They are the Massachusetts State Champions. She will be travelling with them to Burlington, VT. to play in the USA Hockey National Championships March 31-April 4.

As one of the top three academically ranked seniors, Brynne Costa will address her classmates this June during Graduation exercises. As she gazes out at the Class of 2016 and gathered friends and relatives, this writer is sure that Keith Costa's presence will be felt. Probably leaning on a hockey stick, smiling with pride at his daughter.

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