By Ron P. Coderre

THOMPSON — Since arriving on the Marianapolis campus two years ago, Rachel Aho has been a big force off the backboards for the Lady Golden Knights.  Aho, who is a rugged power forward, has been relied upon to carry the Marianapolis inside game, a chore she’s readily accepted.  Last season she averaged 12 points and nine rebounds per game.

Aho, who hails from Holden, Mass., was recently rewarded for all the hard work she’s put in on the basketball court.  The Providence College-bound senior was informed she was nominated for the McDonald’s All-American Games.  She is among 823 high school and prep school seniors and only one of two Connecticut female players from across the country vying for a spot on the final teams.

“I had no idea I would receive this honor and I feel extremely grateful.  I give so much credit to my experiences at Marianapolis and my family as well.  I am very fortunate for the opportunities that I’ve had,” said Aho in a release from Marianapolis.

Earlier this year, Aho committed to NCAA Division I Providence College, where she will join the Lady Friars basketball team in September 2015. 

The daughter of Wayne and Pam Aho, she will be notified if she’s selected on Jan. 28 when the finalists are announced on ESPNU.  The McDonald’s All American Games are scheduled for April 1 in Chicago.