Massapequa Softball 2017 by Reflection Magazine

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 6. COACH’S LETTERS 10. #38 ADDIE JACKSON 14. #13 ALEXA KANCELER 18. #5 JENNA DEFINA 22. #44 JENNAROSE COLUCCI 26. #8 GIANNA CONETTA 30. #21 FRANCESCA CUTTITTA 34. #20 ELLIE EGHER 38. #1 JULIA GIBBONS 42. #9 JESSICA GRILLO 54. #7 OLIVIA HOWES 58. #15 ALISON KEANE 62. #33 JENNA MORALES 66. #24 MIRREN O’MAHONY 70. #10 JULIA RUOCCHIO 74. #12 ASHLEY ALLICINO 78. #2 KAITLYN SCOGNAMIGLIO

Coach Bret Malone

want to congratulate all of you on a tremendous season both on and off the field. This game provides us all with such wonderful opportunities to grow in so many ways. One of our team phrases this year was to each day, be a better person, player, and teammate. My hope is when you all look back and reflect upon the 2017 season, that each of you were able to attain that goal. As a team we had a jam packed 61 (another team phrase for this season). Everything from "watch your mouth" team bonding, our Albany trip (what a game vs Shen), our sweaty bus ride to the Yankee game (comeback of the decade) ("that's my baby" -JROCK), our annual dress up competition day (decided by 1 point!), to the drama filled 24 hours that followed competition day. Teams are not made over night and things certainly don't always go as planned, but as we turned our 61 into 74, I truly feel we became a TEAM. As a group we pushed, fought, and united to create an opportunity for "one more" day and "no more almost." As a coach watching you all truly give yourselves to each other in game 2 vs Long Beach is something I will never forget...THANK YOU! I would like to give a special congratulations and thank you to our one senior this season - Delaware bound - Alison Keane!

- Coach Bret Malone 7

COACH CHRISTINA CASTELLANI

ixty one (61) is the number we started with this season. This number was significant in many ways. To mention a few, 61 was a reminder to make the days count, not count the days, cherish the time you had together as a team, and continue to learn as much as possible about the sport you are passionate for and love so much. You built relationships with your teammates and you all learned how to respect and support each other both on and off the field. Through everything that we experienced this season, for those 61 days and beyond, we were and still are, a family. I love this sport. It has taught me so many life lessons that I apply to both my professional and personal life; camaraderie, sportsmanship, respect, overcoming adversity, perseverance, and patience, just to name a few. The first day of practice in my collegiate career, my coach told the team that we were in competition for our starting spots every single day. It is a privilege not a right to be a part of something this special. Hearing this forced me to realize that no matter how good I was at this sport, I had to continuously work and push myself to become a better and stronger athlete both mentally and physically. I knew there was always the threat of someone earning my spot over me just as I had done to them. I learned practice was really where I showed what I was capable of to keep myself in the lineup game after game. I appreciated my teammates and coaches for pushing me and making me the player that I came to be. Without the success of my team, I would not have been recognized for my individual accomplishments. Coaching has allowed me to keep my passion for this sport alive through the young women that I coach year after year. The game is constantly evolving which makes it even more exciting. As players and coaches we get to reinvent ourselves every day and do whatever it takes to become a better person, a better athlete, and a better teammate. I have enjoyed every one of our 61 days together and loved the â&#x20AC;&#x153;one moreâ&#x20AC;? days that followed.

- Coach Christina Castellani

ADDIE JACKSON

#38

i, my name is Addie Jackson and I am a currently a junior at Massapequa High School. I try my best and work my hardest to excel in my academic studies: more specifically, my studies in two languages and my studies in the scientific field. My future goal is to be accepted into a college to further my studies of science and chemistry. I would love to one day become a chemical engineer to make a mark within the world of science. My future pertaining softball would be to continue my knowledge, skill, and success of my pitching. Softball is a very large part of my life now and there is not a second that I do not think about my next lesson, next pitch, hit, or game. Being on a team with other crazy teenage girls can always be interesting. But there is not a moment that goes by where there isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a laugh or a smile. This team has influenced me to speak by my actions and to be an amazing teammate but to also lead from the front and set an example. I am truly always dedicated no matter what I am doing. Whether it is just a simple hitting practice inside or a game against East Meadow, I am focused on what needs to be done. I always give my best effort and I want to improve no matter what. I was not born with the skills I have obtained and I am only determined to improve them. I have faced a lot of obstacles throughout softball and my family has definitely supported me greatly; from my dad always catching me in the backyard to my mom driving me out of state every weekend. My family plays a huge role in my softball career and I am grateful to say that everyone in my family is fully supportive. Softball is always a conversation in my household and the support of my family is what drives me to become successful. The support and positive attitude of others motivates me greatly and words can not describe how appreciated it is. Softball is a game of learning more and more with each pitch and it is important to extend that. I enjoy teaching others during the winter. Not only do I volunteer to teach others the skills of softball, but I also do a great amount of volunteer work outside of softball world. Leaders lead from the front and nothing will get in my way from being a better play, teammate, and person. I learned this year that people will try to shut you down and when the time comes and you prove yourself, they will realize that they were wrong. The thrill of a softball game is better than any other thrill in life.

-Addie Jackson

ADDIE JACKSON

y name is Alexa Kanceler and after graduating from high school I plan on attending college to become something in the medical field, more specifically a nurse or a kinesiologist. I’d like to go away for college, as my dream schools are University of Miami and San Diego State University. Although the odds are slim to none, I like to dream big and hope to marry Justin Bieber and have multiple homes in various exotic places. To me, the word “team” describes a group of individuals who are completely different, yet when together, they mesh like a family. Every person has their own special role, but every different job is essential for the success of the team as a whole. No one person is more important than another, and all members of the team are there for each other especially when someone’s feeling down.

ALEXA KANCELER #13 This team has influenced the person I am today, because this group of girls boost my confidence tremendously. I look forward to coming to practice each and every day to spend time with these girls, not only because they are my teammates but some of my best friends. I know that if I was having a rough day or needed some help or advice, I could count on them to cheer me up and make me smile. Because of their kindness, I believe I’ve been taught how to be there for someone all the time. This team has taught me just how important it is to be yourself, have fun, and most importantly, never stop laughing. They may think I’m crazy at times, but at least I know that I can constantly mess around with them and have a good time. My family has helped me become the person that I am today through their endless love and support. Thanks to my two younger sisters, Nikki and Jolie, I have definitely gained a sense of competitiveness, which transcribes onto the field. Those two are my little “team” at home and I know I can trust them with anything or even just go to them for a good laugh, only to be followed up by a dance party. Thanks to my parents for raising me the way they did, teaching me honesty, loyalty, and kindness. Thank you for coming to my games, bringing me my favorite Gatorades, and putting up with my craziness all the time. Even though sometimes I get frustrated when Dad constantly nags me to fix something in my swing or critiques me, it’s pretty safe to say that he’s my #1 fan, as he RARELY misses a game. A big thank you to my family for helping me grow and succeed as both a player and a person. I’m not sure whether or not I’ll play in college, as it would be very upsetting for me to have worked so hard and come all this way only to give up the sport I love. However, academics do come first, so in order to pursue my dream of becoming a medical professional, I may not follow through in college. I believe I can make the community a better place by doing simple, little things. Volunteering and spending my time giving back to the people is majorly beneficial for the community, as well as all the people in it. In addition, making people smile and laugh are some things that would most definitely make not only the community, but the world, a better place.

-Alexa Kanceler

ALEXA KANCELER

JENNA DEFINA

y name is Jenna DeFina. After my time at Massapequa High School,my future goals include attending a college to pursue a career in nursing. After college, I am hoping to raise a family in a house near the beach with two kids, a golden retriever puppy and to drive a white Range Rover. When I hear the word “team”, I think of a group of people who work together and who are working towards the same goal. Also, when I hear this word I also think of a group of people who love each other more than anything, who will always be there to pick each other up when someone is down, and to be there for each other through the highs and the lows. This team has influenced me to be the person I am because they have further shown me that you can never let your highs get too high and you can’t let your lows get too low. Also, if something doesn’t go the way you plan you have to be able to let it go because the longer you hold a grudge or the longer you are down on yourself the situation won’t get any better. From this team I learned that you need to have a short term memory because you don’t want to carry the previous play into the next or your previous at bat into the next at bat. My family has influenced me to be the person I am today because they are always so supportive in everything I do. They always make sure that I give 100% in everything I do and at the end of the day they are always there for me. My family has always influenced me to be the best person that I can be! As far as pursuing this sport in college, I am hoping to play at the Division 2 level. I am hoping to play this sport at Adelphi University. I hope to pursue this sport in college because I love playing and I don’t want my softball career to end in high school. I believe that I could make the community a better place by giving back and doing community service. A great thing that we do in this program are our clinics for the little league. WIth our clinics, not only are we giving back to the community but we are also giving back to the program and further extending our successful softball program here in Massapequa.

-Jenna DeFina 19

JENNA DEFINA

JENNAROSE COLUCCI

#44

y name is Jenna Colucci. I have a lot of goals for the future. I hope to graduate next year and go to a good college that will help me pursue a career in education or in the health field. My main goal is to live a happy and healthy life surrounded by the people that mean a lot to me. And dogs. Lots of dogs. To me, the word “team” means that you are part of a group that works together to accomplish a common goal. But that’s not all- a team is a group of people that will pick you up when you are down and will always have your back. A team is a support system that will stick by you even when the season is done. A team is a family. This team has taught me to never give up and that good things come to those who wait. It’s not about how good you are - it’s how bad you want it. This team gives 110% all the time and it shows during our games. A lot of times we come up a bit short in the beginning of the game and answer back full force in the later games. This shows resilience and perseverance, which are important qualities to have as an individual and team. The team has influenced the way I live because they remind me to work hard but still have fun. My family is my biggest support system. They have shaped me into the person I am today and I couldn’t be more grateful to be raised by two people that are the best parents anyone could ask for. They have shown me how to be a good person and to treat others the way I want to be treated.

I have acquired so many great qualities from them and I have to thank my brother for turning me into the extremely patient person I am after having to deal with him! Also how could I not acknowledge Cody. He may be a dog but he is an important part of my family. He has shown me how to love unconditionally and give people a second chance. My family has positively influenced my life in so many ways and I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to have it any other way. This sport has been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember, but all good things must come to an end. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t plan on playing in college but I do want to play on a club or intramural team because I love being on a team. I can make the community a better place with something as simple as a smile. Walking around with a smile on my face or being friendly towards the people I come in contact with can make the community a better, brighter, happier place. I can also make the community better by being a good, well mannered, respectful person. The kinder the people, the better the community. The team can also make the community a better place by volunteering time to teach the younger kids how to play the sport we love so that they can continue in our footsteps. Also, we can better the community by being successful and giving the community a team to cheer for!

-Jennarose Colucci

JENNAROSE COLUCCI

GIANNA CONETTA

FRANCESCA CUTTITTA

#21

y name is Francesca Cuttitta. Softball has been an important component of my life for almost 10 years. I love playing softball and it’s always been so much more than a game for me. My mom coached my first softball team with parents of my best childhood friends and we had so much fun. I didn’t know how to hold a bat or what a bunt was but I knew I liked being part of a group of girls who got together on weekends to hit a big, yellow ball and run around bases. What I didn’t realize then was that this group of girls, their parents, our coaches and the league were an interconnected team who wanted the best for every girl in the softball program. I define team as all those around you, on and off-field, whose support says you can do this and we are with you all the way. TEAM - Encouragement, friendship, family, success, competition, coping, celebrating, learning and striving for more. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that every successful team has awesome leaders. Thank you, Coach Malone and Coach Castellani. I am thankful for growing up in the Massapequa community (although my mom and dad say I’ll really appreciate it when I am a grownup searching for a place to call home for my own family). Here in Pequa, opportunities to participate in the world around me are abundant. I will continue to volunteer at Chiefs Challenger baseball games so I can help others have fun and develop a love for the game as well. My goal is to continue playing softball at the collegiate level; my family’s support for my on-the-field activities has never wavered. I’m guessing the car odometer would be at around 200,000 if we added up all the softball road trips including our varsity team’s 2015 trip to Myrtle Beach where the team and I flew to Myrtle Beach and my parents drove down with the team’s equipment. What can I say except thank you Mom and Dad and thanks to my brother John who reminds me about the athletic gifts I received and to always make the most of them.

-Francesca Cuttitta

FRANCESCA CUTTITTA

ELLIE EGHER

#2O

y name is Ellie Egher. In the future, I plan to play softball throughout my high school career. I plan to graduate from Massapequa High School and get into a good college. I hope to play softball in college, and if I’m lucky, I hope to get a scholarship.I want to study medicine and hopefully be a successful palliative caretaker so I can help people and give back. One day, I would like to get married and live local, since my whole family is on Long Island. The dictionary definition of a team: noun - a group of players forming one side in a competitive game or sport. A team is so much more than this. A team is a group of people who always have your back. They pick you up when you’re down and are with you through every second of the game. Teammates have a common goal, to be successful, and to give their all. Your teammates are like built in friends. They’re there for you on and off the field. They look out for you, give you advice, cheer you up when you’re down. The feeling of being on a team and having teammates is irreplaceable.

My team has made me an overall happier person. After a bad day, I look forward to the bus rides to away games, or to home games at Berner, or even to practices. My teammates have made me more confident in my abilities. Whenever I make a mistake, they tell me to shake it off, and not to apologize. They have helped me realize how important it is to forget mistakes because you have to be ready for the next play, and in the end, it’s just a game that should be fun. My family has impacted me to be a better student in school, a better player, and a better person all around. My mom is my inspiration, because she was a catcher when she played softball in high school. She along with my dad, brothers, grandmas, etc, are my biggest fans. They support me in everything I do, whether it’s softball related or not. There’s at least one person from that list at each of my games and is always cheering for me, I don’t know where I would be without them. I can make the community a better place by treating people how I want to be treated. If I want to be treated with respect, and if I treat others with respect, the world would be a much happier place.

-Ellie Egher

ELLIE EGHER

JULIA GIBBONS

y name is Julia Gibbons and in the future, I would like to graduate from a good college with a 4.0 GPA. I want to have a husband, two boys, two big dogs, and to become a nurse anesthetist. A “team” is a group of people that come together to achieve a common goal. Sometimes the people you never thought you could be friends with become your best friends because you’re on the same team. Everyone on the team brings something different to the table, so when we come together the outcome is incredible. A team will always be there to pick you up when you’re feeling down. This team has taught me many aspects of the game and life. Everyone on the team gets along, and we all love being around each other. We cheer each other on and feed off of each other’s energy. I’m always happy when I’m with my team because someone is always telling a funny story or doing something stupid. My family has had a tremendous impact on me. My dad taught me to be the athlete I have become today. Ever since I was little, we were always playing sports in the backyard. Whenever I was not playing well, he would never yell at me. Instead, we will go practice, so those mistakes don’t happen again. He makes it his mission to come all of my games. My mom is very supportive and always cheers me on. She teaches me to be grateful for everything I have by taking me to her school every year and seeing how poorly some people live. My brother is older than me, so when I was younger, I would go to every single one of his baseball games. By watching and learning from his games, I learned how to mentally play the game. He is also my personal chauffeur, and is always glad to take me for a ride. I’m not sure if I want to play softball in college yet because I want to focus on my education and feel as though it would be difficult to do both. However, I also cannot imagine my life without softball, so that’s a problem for another day. I believe I can make the community a better place by volunteering. Every Saturday during the summer, I teach the little girls in MILL how to play softball. Also, by being nice to one another, this community would be a much better place to live. Little things matter to people, so by smiling at someone, you could make their day.

-Julia Gibbons

JULIA GIBBONS

JESSICA GRILLO

y name is Jessica Grillo and I’m a strong believer in the power of a team. The most significant lesson that I can take from Massapequa Softball is the importance of a team; “I am who we are.” A good teammate is always there to pick another player up the second they fall, whether that’s on or off the field. My teammates mean the world to me, and it’s a goal of mine to make each of them feel just as important as the player standing next to them. As for my family, I truly am blessed to have five older mentors to look up to. I thank my brother Frankie for making me laugh in the most stressful moments. I thank my brother Steven for being there the second I need him, even though he lives about 128 miles away. My sister, my best friend, has taught me to never lose faith and to always aspire to be the best version of myself that I can be. My brother Tommy once told me, “Fake it until you make it. Whether you’re good or not, or whether you know or not, act like the best out there, find your comfort, and believe in yourself.” He taught me to never lose confidence. My brother James taught me to keep working hard to prove my critics wrong. My father always stresses to have good work ethic, to excel in the classroom, and to use the talent that God gave me. He is one of my biggest motivators for my academic success. Lastly, my biggest fan; my mother. I truly don’t know the kind of player I’d be today without her in the stands. I’m more than thankful for the gifts that this life has given me, and without my mother, I’d be blind to them. An ambition of mine is to take softball to the collegiate level and hopefully receive a remarkable education while playing for a scholarly institution. To help the community become a better place, everyone should always do good deeds. Don’t be selfish and only help the next one in line to receive recognition; but, help that person because it’s the right and kind thing to do. Just be a good person. When I finally get where I’m going, achieving my highest goals, I won’t forget to turn back around and thank the team who helped mold me into the person I have become.

-Jessica Grillo

JESSICA GRILLO

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OLIVIA HOWES

y name is Olivia Howes. I intend to play softball throughout high school and hopefully receive a softball scholarship for college. I am interested in the medical field and hope to one day become an orthodontist or a nurse. I also hope to have a happy and healthy family one day and I would like to live either in Massapequa or somewhere close to my family. To be part of a team is a privilege and one of the best things in life. Everyone has a place and shares a common purpose. As I have always been taught by my coaches, a great team has no individual bigger than the team. Everyone is aware that success depends on each of us working together as a unit. Most importantly, a team means family. When you spend time with your teammates away from family, you build a relationship like that of siblings. Everyone is interconnected through the love for the game and each other. Being part of a team has made me realize the key aspects to friendship and commitment. A team binds everyone together through thick and thin. The team has influenced me to be the person I am by pushing me to do my very best and giving maximum effort. My team has accepted me onto the field like a sister and we have worked our hearts out together ever since. My team has made me a stronger person by helping me to reflect and raising my confidence as a player. My family has helped me become the person I am today by always supporting me no matter what. Way back during little league softball, I would cry every time I had a game because I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like it at all. If my dad did not push me to go because of what he saw in me I may not have been the player I am today. My dad is the most influential person in my life because of his courage and always seeing the best in people. My parents have pushed and helped me work hard to become a great player with a good heart. They have always been there for me through long tournaments and drives to practice. Even though I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always say it, I am so thankful to have them as my parents because of the unconditional love and support they give me. I plan to play softball in college. I hope to get noticed by a college scout one day and be able to continue to play the sport I love. I would like and plan to volunteer more to help the less fortunate; by contributing to soup kitchens and donating clothes and other goods to people who are in need.

-Olivia Howes

OLIVIA HOWES

ALISON KEANE

#15

y name is Ali Keane. This is my last season playing Massapequa softball. Next year, I plan on attending the University of Delaware where I know that I will always continue to play softball in some shape or form. Softball, to me, is something that I know will always be with me and I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just give it up after this year. The friends that I have made on this team really is what makes the game so much fun. I know that I might not remember all the sick plays we all made in the field and what all the scores were. But, I know that I will remember all the people that made this year so special for me. That is what being on a team is all about. We are always there for each other no matter what. And if we win a game, lose a game, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the same wacky group of friends that just love to play softball. I have made so many friends on the team this year and all of them influence me to be the best person I can be by cheering on each and everyone of them. And no matter what my or our jobs are on the team, I know that each role is just as important as the next and we all deserve the love and cheering from our teammates. My family has always helped me get better physically at softball, but more importantly, better mentally at softball. My parents always encourage me to keep doing my best no matter what and always be positive. In softball, it is important to always believe in yourself, that you are good enough to make the next awesome play and an awesome hit. My parents help me believe in myself and to never get down on myself after a mistake or a not so good play. As part of the community we can always volunteer, especially with younger softball kids. I used to volunteer, teaching younger kids to pitch and play softball. This spring season, I help coach a MILL team of 12 year-olds. I love seeing younger girls love to play and I hope I can influence them to always love the game, and be great players one day.

-Alison Keane

ALISON KEANE

y name is Jenna Morales. My future goals are to do well in college and become a psychologist. I want to do as much as I can while in college to make finding a job easier once I graduate. I want to focus on my academics to make sure I take advantage of my education and utilize the knowledge I have gained to pursue my goals. I want to continue playing softball because I enjoy the friendships and bonds I create with my teammates and I love being able to experience the competitive nature of this sport. The word â&#x20AC;&#x153;teamâ&#x20AC;? to me means a group of people who know how to get along. A group who loves each other and will do anything for each other. Being a teammate is more than just playing together. Being a teammate means you are able to commit to your players and support them no matter what. It means that you can pick your teammates up when they are down and get them hyped even in the dullest moments. A team is a unit that sticks together when you win, when you lose, play the weakest team, or play the strongest team.

JENNA MORALES

#33

Being part of a team is one of the most sacred commitments because you give yourself to your teammates and promise to be the best partner you can be on and off the field. The friends you make from being part of this unit are friends you will never forget and friends that last for years to come. My team has influenced me to be the person I am by supporting me through every bump in my road. My teammates have lifted my spirits and were there to remind me of all my accomplishments and positive thoughts when I needed them the most. My teammates have been amazing friends and have kept me up and in the game if I was having a rough day. My team has also made me a very supportive and caring person by allowing me to join their lives and be a part of their issues so I can help them as well. When one of us is down, the rest of us do everything we can to pick her up and as a team and none of us lets one girl to be upset or be too hard on themselves. Each and every person on my team is special and I will be forever grateful for the memories and bonds Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made this season. My family has helped me be the person I am by supporting me and making sure I know when I do something right and when I do something wrong. My mom, dad, and brother are all my biggest fans and constantly supporting me. Whether it be softball, school, or my social life I can always count on my family for being there and telling me what to do. My parents always help me make tough decisions and correct my mistakes. I am so thankful to be able to have such a wonderful supporting family. I can gladly say that my family has made me into a very independent and confident person by allowing me to believe in myself and those around me. I plan on focusing on my academics in college then deciding whether or not to continue playing softball. I want to make sure I get into a college where I can make sure I get the education I need to be set for my future career then I can decide if I want to include softball in my college experience. To make the community a better place, people can volunteer more and try your best to be a role model to your peers. People can be more respectful to everybody around them and be the kindest person they can be.

-Jenna Morales

JENNA MORALES

MIRREN O’MAHONY

#24

y name is Mirren O’Mahony. Softball has been a very big part in my life since I was little. It has created many memories and friendships that will stay with me the rest of my life. If I get the chance to play in college, I would love to, but if I don’t I know I put out everything I could and will keep those memories forever. Being a team means you’re a family, no one gets left behind or forgotten. These girls have become some of my closest friends since we see each other so much. This team is filled with good hearted, strong and loving people that I wouldn’t trade for the world. Each and every one of us cares about each other and would stand by them no matter what happens. Everyone on this team has affected my life in a positive way and I appreciate them and love them all for who they are. I will never ever forget them and will keep these crazy girls as friends for hopefully as long as I live. These girls are my second family and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. My actual family has pushed me to become the young woman I am and without them I wouldn’t be who I am today. My family has put so much time and effort into making me the player and person who I have become and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. Mom, Dad, Chase and Luke - I love you all so much and thank you for sticking with me even when I have my meltdowns about a game or practice or just a bad day and helping me become the person I am today, I wouldn’t know what to do without any of you caring and loving me. To make the community a better place I could help out at any place who needs volunteers and help around my community by helping with food pantries and so on. I am so lucky to play the sport I love and be able to get the chance every day to excel in it. Without Massapequa softball I wouldn’t have some of my closest friends and memories. Thank you to everyone that has made an impact of my softball career and my life. I love you all.

-Mirren O’Mahony

MIRREN Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;MAHONY

JULIA RUOCCHIO

#10

ello, my name is Julia Ruocchio. It has been a great experience playing on the varsity team this year. My future goal is to go to college and play softball. Team to me means when I’m pitching and I don’t have my good stuff, the team picks me up by playing good defense. Also if I make a big out in a big spot, my teammate behind me gets the big hit. My team has influenced me by making me practice and play harder because I don’t want to let my coaches or teammates down. My family has always encouraged me to do my best in anything I do and if things don’t go my way they always have my back. My family also teaches me to stay positive in tough situations. Once in college I plan on pursuing softball. I wish to help make the community a better place by going to the challenger events and helping kids have fun who aren’t as lucky as I have been.

-Julia Ruocchio

JULIA RUOCCHIO

ASHLEY ALLICINO

#12

y name is Ashley Allicino and I have many goals for my future. After I graduate high school, I want to go to a good college and do the things I love to do. I want to be a math teacher because I love math and kids and I was always taught to do the things that make me the happiest. Helping people improve makes me really proud and happy, so becoming a teacher is a big goal for me. The word “team” to me means a group of people that work together to achieve something and are always there to help each other succeed. The team has been a great influence on my personality. I’ve learned that everyone makes mistakes but we are always here to keep each other from feeling down. We are all family and would do anything for each other. Every day, we make sacrifices to make sure we are all there for each other and get excited for any challenge that comes our way. My family has helped me become the person I am today too. Ever since I was little, my parents would always tell me the right way to treat people and treat them the way you want to be treated. I am very thankful to have them because they’ve influenced me to become a very considerate person and always put the people I care about before myself. Most importantly, they’ve showed me how to love and be happy at all times. My whole family helps me a lot whether it’s driving me to practice or showing me how to have fun and stay happy even during stressful times. I love my family with all my heart and they would do anything for me and I would do anything for them. Although I won’t play softball in college, I will always love it. I know that I will miss it very much so I will try to join a small league. But I will definitely take the time to watch all of my friends at their games. To make the community better, I could remind all of my friends and family that people are always there to keep everyone happy and safe. Also, I could spread my kindness by always thanking people and smiling at people I don’t even know. I know that when people are happy, I am and smiling at someone could make them happier too. Additionally, I could join different groups that raise awareness for different things like diseases or even fighting against common core in New York. Making a difference makes me happy and I will do what I can to help change someone’s life for the better.

-Ashley Allicino

ASHLEY ALLICINO

KAITLYN SCOGNAMIGLIO

y name is Kaitlyn Scognamiglio. Some of my future goals in life are to go to college to further my education. I would like to pursue a career in the medical field. I have always had a great interest in becoming a physical therapist, or something related to physical therapy. Another goal that I have is to one day raise a family of my own and to watch them play a team sport like softball, that I have enjoyed playing for many years. The word “team” to me means working as a group to reach a certain goal. It means not worrying about individual statistics, but instead being concerned with the overall success of the group. “Team” also means caring about each other like a family. We win as a team and lose as a team. The team has influenced me to become the person that I am in many ways. It has taught me to build and keep strong relationships. It has also taught me to pick people up when they are down and to be a good teammate and team player. It has also taught me to be confident in my ability and to work hard everyday to become a better player. My family has played a major role in helping me become the person I am today. My parents have always inspired me to work hard to achieve my goals. They have helped me to be confident in my abilities and believe in myself, no matter what the situation. They have taught me to never give up and to be a positive role model to my younger brother and sister. My family has taught me the importance of responsibility and to respect my elders and peers. They are my number one fans and have shown me the importance of family. I would like to pursue playing softball in college. Playing in college has been a dream that I have had since I entered high school. I definitely plan on trying out for the college I will attend and I will work hard to achieve this goal. The sport is a tremendous part of my life and I plan on playing for many years after I graduate from high school. I believe that I can help the community become a better place by respecting my neighbors and volunteering to help out within the community. I believe that being a positive role model can help influence others to make good decisions and make our community a better place to live.

-Kaitlyn Scognamiglio

KAITLYN SCOGNAMIGLIO

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Orlin & Cohen’s Team of Subspecialists Helps You Get Back on the Field Fast. Orlin & Cohen is Long Island’s leading orthopedic practice. Our subspecialty focus means that athletes – and all patients – get the very best care from nationally renowned orthopedists who specialize exclusively in your area of concern: shoulder, neck and back, elbow, knee, foot and ankle, and more. Our boardcertified, fellowship-trained team features some of the country’s top sports medicine subspecialists for expert care of all softball and other sports-related injuries. Available by appointment six days a week, we offer the most advanced orthopedic treatment with comprehensive diagnostic services, including the latest in digital X-ray and MRI technology, and our physical therapy and rehabilitation programs will help relieve your pain fast.

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