Stan Naccarato spent his boyhood years on and around Spanaway Lake. Sports became his passion and there was no one more committed to what the TAC would later adopt as a sign of its creation in 1942, one of dedication to “sports and civic betterment.” Naccarato became a heralded major-league pitching prospect in high school, but a torn rotator cuff ended his career and he wasted no time in coming home. He deserved the name the local media gave him, “Mister Tacoma.” From saving Pacific Coast baseball when it looked to move, to financing the campaign for “a Dome of Our Own,” Naccarato was “the Man.” It is fitting, perhaps, that the first recipient of the Stan Naccarato scholarship award would be a youngster who grew-up near and attended Spanaway Lake—the high school. She is Raquel Gray and her love of sports is demonstrated by her senior season when she was a state wrestling champion with a record of 41–0.
After an 80–1 record in her sophomore and juniors seasons, Gray was a team captain for the third straight year. And she was a cinch All Academic Team member with her 3.92 GPA. She also was the captain of her Soccer team for three straight years, and she was voted the most inspirational athlete. Three years of Track & Field and a letter in Lacrosse gave further testimony to her athletic abilities. Playing sports wasn’t her only contribution at her games either. She has sung the National Anthem at numerous football, basketball, wrestling and boys and girls soccer games. She also was a Homecoming committee organizer, worked the concession stand at home football games and was a Daffodil Princess stage assistant. She sings in her church choir and volunteers at her church food bank. Volunteering is indeed a strong point with her. The Nisqually Camp Site clean-up crew welcomes her. So does the Mom and Pop Shop (Christmas Toy Drive and Dinner).The “Young Woman’s” Medallion also has been awarded to her and that is equal to the Boy Scout’s “Eagle Scout” badge. Her Athletic Director says that she is a true leader in our school and “will be a success at whatever she puts her mind to…the type of person that, as a teacher and a coach, reminds you every day of why you are an educator.” Sounds like a person dedicated to sports and community involvement. Stan would be so proud to have her name on the very first $2,500 Stan Naccarato scholarship.
After an 80–1 record in her sophomore and juniors seasons, Gray was a team captain for the third straight year. And she was a cinch All Academic Team member with her 3.92 GPA. She also was the captain of her Soccer team for three straight years, and she was voted the most inspirational athlete. Three years of Track & Field and a letter in Lacrosse gave further testimony to her athletic abilities. Playing sports wasn’t her only contribution at her games either. She has sung the National Anthem at numerous football, basketball, wrestling and boys and girls soccer games. She also was a Homecoming committee organizer, worked the concession stand at home football games and was a Daffodil Princess stage assistant. She sings in her church choir and volunteers at her church food bank. Volunteering is indeed a strong point with her. The Nisqually Camp Site clean-up crew welcomes her. So does the Mom and Pop Shop (Christmas Toy Drive and Dinner).The “Young Woman’s” Medallion also has been awarded to her and that is equal to the Boy Scout’s “Eagle Scout” badge. Her Athletic Director says that she is a true leader in our school and “will be a success at whatever she puts her mind to…the type of person that, as a teacher and a coach, reminds you every day of why you are an educator.” Sounds like a person dedicated to sports and community involvement. Stan would be so proud to have her name on the very first $2,500 Stan Naccarato scholarship.