The Alicia Babiak Memorial Scholarship

Hi! I’m Kristyn King, but in the halls of Garnet Valley School District, I was better known as “Babs”. My younger sister Alicia was also called “Babs” and so was our brother Evan!

In 2017, shortly after Alicia unexpectedly passed onto her heavenly life, we were blessed by an Angel on earth in the form of her Garnet Valley High School Women’s Soccer coach, Paul Costa.

Coach Costa, affectionately called “Sarge” by his players, is instrumental in helping the Babs Family keep Alicia’s memory alive. Every season, Sarge allows the team to nominate and vote on who should be bestowed with the honor of wearing #16, as Alicia did during her days on the GV soccer field. Every season, he ensures the team plays a night game in Alicia’s honor, while all of the GV Lady Jags don neon yellow headbands, like Alicia used to. The extended Babs Family, friends and loved ones cherish coming together for the coin toss and moment of silence in this annual tradition. Last year, Sarge competed in the inaugural Happy Valley IRONMAN 70.3, back at Penn State, in his father’s and in Alicia’s memory to help raise funds and awareness for their scholarships. Lastly, one of the things the Babs family is most grateful for: Sarge helped to create The Alicia Babiak Memorial Scholarship.

The Alicia Babiak Memorial Scholarship will be given to a graduating student-athlete who participated in the GVHS Women's Soccer Program, for their post-high school education. Alicia Babiak, an All-Delco athlete, was a member of one of Garnet Valley Women's Soccer greatest teams, achieving "Best Ever" wall status in 2006 as a team captain.

During Alicia's time at Garnet Valley, she was the epitome of a team player, and a true leader, both on and off the field. Through the time that she spent with her peers from soccer, basketball & track, her AP & Honors classes, the musicals, French Club, GV sports camps, Homecoming Court, and other diverse groups, Alicia bonded with so many individuals from different backgrounds and learned what it meant to bring people together.

We appreciate your generosity in helping to fund Alicia’s scholarship, continue to keep her legacy alive in the halls of Garnet Valley, and to help other Lady Jags (see past recipients below) follow their dreams in pursuit of post-graduation endeavors. Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts!

with love,

The Babs Fam