Not to be confused with the title of Ernest Hemingway’s 1940 classic novel, “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” the Mt. Hope High School Athletic Dept. is on the verge of having its own bell-ringing story come to life this coming fall.

According to Huskies’ Athletic Director, Christy Belisle, a “Victory Bell” is on order in memory of the late Madisyn (Maddie) Pacheco, Mt. Hope’s highly-respected soccer player who passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 18, 2023, at the age of 22. She was the daughter of Louis and Erica (Soares) Pacheco. This time around, the bell will toll in Maddie’s memory.

As described in her obituary, “Maddie loved being with her family and having a great time with friends. She was an outstanding soccer player, a fierce competitor, and traveled the country.”

Taking it one step further, the high school athletic department and Belisle said having a handmade brass Victory Bell would help remember Maddie in a very special way.

A 2019 Mt. Hope High School graduate, Maddie was an outstanding soccer center-back for the Huskies throughout her high school career.

“She was super dedicated, and loved her teammates,” Belisle said. “She’d leave her heart on the field, and always gave 150 percent all the time.”

Throughout her career, Maddie played hard and tough, even during times when she had injuries.

“She was just a natural team leader,” noted Belisle (herself a former standout soccer star), “and captain her senior year. Maddie was really kind to younger players, and her teammates respected her.”

Adding to her illustrious resume was the fact that Maddie always played by the book. She wore her number 25 proudly, and it showed.

With that in mind, a Victory Bell Soccer Tournament was held at the high school a few weeks ago, which helped raise approximately $6,000 for the aforementioned brass bell.

The tournament consisted of players from the middle school, high school, and included a men’s and women’s Open Division. The money raised will also help start the Maddie Pacheco Scholarship Fund.

“The tournament was an opportunity for the girls who played with Maddie to come back and celebrate like the kind of player Maddie was herself,” Belisle said.

Maddie’s mom was naturally pleased to hear that something was being done in her daughter’s memory.

“I love it,” said Erica. “It’s amazing. It’s keeping her spirit alive. Maddie ate, slept, and breathed soccer. I’m very excited about this. Maddie was always something special. She was just amazing. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her spirit alive and I can’t thank the school department enough for making this all happen.”

It is believed that having a Victory Bell will be a first in the history of high school athletics in both Warren and Bristol. The official dedication will take place in the fall, and according to Belisle. The bell will be moved from the outside of the school during football and soccer games, to an area near the inside of the gym during the winter months when basketball, wrestling, etc. are in vogue.

In the overall scheme of things, this new Victory Bell tribute to Maddie will be a fitting way to celebrate the life of a very energetic young sports star who gave it her all for the glory and prestige of the high school she so loved and admired.