This prestigious award recognizes a player who embodies the exceptional attitude, character, and sportsmanship associated with Adam Keenan’s legacy.
Jackson Haker (Courtesy of the Westfield Starfires)
Named in memory of Adam Keenan, a Lowell native and former Seacoast Mavericks player, the award honors his commitment to sportsmanship. Keenan passed away on June 6, 2011, from Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy, a rare heart condition. In his memory, the Keenan family established the Adam Keenan Foundation, which focuses on ensuring athletic facilities have automatic external defibrillators available to prevent similar tragedies.
Haker, now in his third year with the Starfires, has become a key player for the team, appearing in 88 regular season and playoff games— the second-highest in franchise history. In 2024, he earned his first FCBL All-Star selection, following his successful junior season at American International College. Haker’s achievements extend beyond the field; he has also been recognized with his second consecutive Northeast-10 Conference Academic All-Conference selection.
A dedicated athlete, Haker is the only player in the franchise’s history to have participated in all six of the team’s postseason games. His commitment to the sport and his team exemplifies the qualities celebrated by the Adam Keenan Award.
As Haker transitions to Central Connecticut State University for the 2024-25 academic year, his legacy with the Starfires and his contribution to the FCBL community continues to grow.
The FCBL, in partnership with the Keenan Family, has awarded one player from each franchise with the Adam Keenan Award annually since 2020. Haker joins a distinguished group of Westfield Starfires awardees, including Danny Crossen, Hunter Pasqualini, Shayne Audet, and Josh Frometa. Notably, Crossen, Audet, and Frometa each played multiple seasons with the Starfires, with Audet also achieving the milestone of being a three-year member of the team alongside Haker.
Haker’s award underscores his significant role both on and off the field, representing the ideals of sportsmanship and dedication that are the essence of the Adam Keenan Award.
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