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CONTENT 06 COACH’S LETTER 08 #25 ABIGAIL BUELL 12 #05 MADDY CHUPICK 16 #20 AMELIA CUSACK 22 #21 ERIN FERRO 28 #04 LAUREN GORDON 32 #11 ALEX KAROPOULOS 36 #14 NICOLE LASCALA 40 #15 NIKKI MORALES 44 #09 NATALIE O’HARA 48 #13 DANIELLE PETRUNTI 52 #18 GIANNA RANIERI 56 #06 ARIANNA RIVERA 60 #17 HALEY SCHMEISER 64 #22 ALLY VOSKINARIAN 68 #10 GABRIELLA LONGO 72 #12 MARIA TOTO 76 TEAM PHOTO 78 #24 SOPHIA DEFALCO
COACH’S LETTER 6
Dear Team, Somewhere behind the athlete you’ve become and the hours of practice and the coaches who have pushed you is a little girl who fell in love with the game and never looked back... play for her! Love the game. You participated in sports for a variety of reasons. You may have loved the challenge. It could be you liked the camaraderie of being on a team. Perhaps you were highly skilled and received a lot of recognition for your efforts. Maybe being on a team was just something to do to keep your interest in school, but whatever the case, you participated . You may not all have the same gifts, but you have GIFTS nonetheless – and my hope for each of you is that you remain constantly aware of how amazing you are and will carry your gifts forward to the big world in front. You are special. And capable. And strong. And talented. And never let anyone tell you otherwise. You may not realize right now, but this season you have all grown up so much. Each of you has worked hard, and have fought your own battles to become not just a better softball player, but a better young lady. You have also created memories for yourself, for each other and for your families that I sincerely hope will sincerely leave a lasting lifelong impression. My hope is that years from now, you will look back on these days spent on the softball field – and despite the struggles and frustrations and trying moments that you may have had, be filled with joy. While right now – you are tired and a little worn out and it may not seem like we had the perfect season – I hope that when you reach back in your childhood file, you see just how much FUN we had. Sure, sometimes, I lost my temper. Sometimes you lost your focus. Sometimes we got annoyed with one another. Sometimes things didn’t seem fair. We lost a lot of games and we won a few games. But all in all, I have to say that we had a great season; because of each one of YOU! Each one of you amazing, talented, gifted girls who stuck it out, left it all on the field, and never gave up on each other or yourselves. My last piece of coaching advice for you is to keep playing for as long as you can, for as long as you LOVE the game.
I am cheering for you. Coach Marill
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To The 2017 NMS Varsity Softball Team, Everything I have learned about life, I have learned from the game of softball. From the time I was ten years old, I always felt drawn to it and it was a place of many of my fondest memories. At the end of this season, I look back and reflect on the past months we have spent together and I want to say “Thank You” to each one of you. Each of you has made a lasting impression on me and drives me to be a better coach. You may not all have the same gifts/talents, but you do have gifts/talents. My hope is that each of you will always remember how amazing you are and you will use your gifts/talents to foster the passion for this sport in others. During the season you have made me laugh, made me smile, and even frustrated me at times. But most of all, you have made me proud. Proud to be your coach and proud to be part of this sport. Each of you has worked hard and fought your own battles to become not just a better softball player, but also a better person. You have created memories for yourself, your families, and each other that I hope leave lasting impressions. My hope is that you will look back on these days on the softball field and despite struggles and frustrations be filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Softball is not always fun. At times you can lose your temper, your focus, and even get annoyed at yourself and your teammates. What matters most is that each of you never gave up on each other or yourselves. You finished the season and regardless of the scores you have accomplished some amazing things. If I can leave you with one piece of advice it would be to keep playing for as long as you can, as long as you love the game. Never quit! As long as you feel softball in your heart, keep playing and never ever forget the unique, special gifts that you and you alone have to offer not only this game but the world ahead of you. Wishing you always the best…. Coach Rizza
ABIGAIL BUELL
NORTHPORT
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Going into my last year and season as a Northport Tiger, there are a few things I hope to achieve. One thing I hope to do is create a family-like bond with next year’s team that can’t be matched. Another is to push myself harder than before over this summer and fall to get myself to a place where I want to be, committed to a college I love playing the sport I love. A final thing I hope to achieve is to make the most of my final year. To live in the moment and to not take anything I have now for granted. With all of these things in mind, I can’t wait to see what this next year has in store for me. A huge part of what has made me the player I am today is my family. My Mom, Dad and brother Jacob have pushed me to be the best I can be. They have been there with me through the start whether it was driving me to batting lessons or practices multiple times a week or driving me to different states for months on end for showcases and camps. Without them, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today and I have them to thank for shaping me to become the athlete and person I am.
– Abigail Buell
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y name is Abi Buell and playing on Northport Varsity Softball since my freshman year has taught me a lot about myself. Being a part of a team means doing things for the greater good and not doing things just for yourself. You look out for the others on your team and learn life skills that you can carry with you. Obviously, we have our ups and downs like every team does but working through it brings a great sense of community and makes it easier for us to read each other on the field and to pick each other up.
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ABIGAIL BUELL
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NORTHPORT
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VARSITY SOFTBALL
MADDY CHUPICK
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maddy chupick
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NORTHPORT
AMELIA CUSACK
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AMELIA CUSACK
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ERIN FERRO
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ERIN FERRO
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SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
LAUREN GORDON
NORTHPORT
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– Lauren Gordon
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y name is Lauren Gordon. Even though our record may not show it, I think we came a long way as a team from the beginning of our season to the end. Each and every player contributed something to the team that made the season worthwhile, whether it be a laugh on the bench or a clutch play in the game; and I hope that everyone has a great memory to carry forward with them. Although we didn’t always click together, I believe everyone is talented in their own way and everyone should be proud of their personal achievements this season. Most of us seniors are not continuing softball at a competitive level next year but I hope that it’s a sport that everyone continues to cherish and love. I’ve been playing with some of these girls from the first day I picked up a softball and I am forever grateful for the impact this sport and my teammates have had on me these past 8 years.
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LAUREN GORDON
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will be attending The University of Alabama in the fall of 2017. I will be studying criminal justice and I will also be joining the ROTC program. I have been a part of many team sports. I have been playing softball since I was six years old. I started playing with Larkfield Little League and I was enrolled in their program until I was 13. That’s where my passion for softball began to grow. I then moved on to play softball in middle school where I was on the team for 2 years. I continued to play in high school where I was on JV for 2 years and Varsity for 2 years as well. Being on a team is more than just playing in the games and going to practice. Being a part of a team is like being a part of a family. I will cherish the friendships I have made and will remember them for a lifetime. I have created so many memories because of the teams I was on and they will be remembered in my mind forever. Although I will not continue to play softball in college, this sport has influenced me to be a better version of myself. I thank softball for helping me to manage my time and be the responsible young lady that I am today. This sport has helped me get through life. It was something that I looked forward to playing every year and I will miss not playing this sport because of all of the memories I have created from playing.
– Alexandra Karopoulos
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VARSITY SOFTBALL
ALEX KAROPOULOS
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ALEX KAROPOULOS
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NORTHPORT
NICOLE LASCALA
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NICOLE LASCALA
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y name is Nicolette Morales and I go to Northport High School. I have been playing softball for as long as I can remember. I play it because this sport is something I truly love doing and I appreciate every second I get when I am on that field. Softball is a game of failure, but to me that is what makes it great. I have so many memories from UCLA, playing catch with my cousins, and hitting balls until it got dark out. Softball has always been a big part of my life and always will be. I always try my best and strive to be the best player I can be. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without softball. It has taught me so many life lessons and goals. I always live by this quote, “Softball is 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical.” This quote pertains to everyday life. You have to keep a strong mind and be mentally tough and prepared for whatever might come your way. Softball has taught me that once you get past the obstacles, the road ahead is so much better and you flourish as a person. For as long as I have been playing this sport, I am learning something new each time I step on the field. There are so many different situations that could happen during a single game, and you have to be ready every single pitch. Softball is also such a learning game. You make a mistake, you fix it...if it happens again, you fix it again. You can’t let your mistakes affect your attitude of the game or let it affect the next pitch. You realize what you did wrong, but you don’t dwell on it. The word ‘team’ means family and because of being on such a great team, I have so many lifelong friendships I will never forget. My family motivates me to be the best ME I can be on and off the field. They always support me through everything I do. My desire for this game continues to grow each and every day. I do it for myself, and everyone around me. I do it because I want to be better. I will be attending Suffolk County Community College this fall and I hope to be playing softball for them. Wish me luck!
– Nikki Morales
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To my dear daughter, Nicolette
I’m so proud of you, for all you have accomplished. Even though it’s been a rough two years... I’m glad you got your head on straight and are achieving all your goals. Keep up the good work... I’m behind you 100%. Love ya Nikki Mo, Mom
VARSITY SOFTBALL
NIKKI MORALES
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NIKKI MORALES
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NATALIE O’HARA
NORTHPORT
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– Natalie O’Hara
VARSITY SOFTBALL
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y name is Natalie O’Hara and my future goal is to become a Physician Assistant. My definition of a team is when people come together to accomplish a common goal. This team has taught me that working together can be challenging. We had a lot of ups and downs but a team can help you overcome any obstacle. My family has had a huge influence on who I am today. My parents have always taught me what it means to be respectful and kind. Also, that you can accomplish any goal if you work hard. I will not be playing softball in college, but I will always remember softball as an amazing and influential part of my life.
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NATALIE O'HARA
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y name is Danielle Petrunti. My future goals are to continue to pursue my career in softball and excel in college pursuing an accounting degree. I also look forward to having good time management and work sufficiently. The definition of the word team to me is being committed and to play as one with everyone and not play as an individual. This team has influenced me as a person in a good way because it made me learn right from wrong and also to have a good time. They helped me become the person that I am because they helped me become an individual and to always enjoy what I do. I do plan on pursuing softball in college because I have been playing for a long time and I enjoy playing. When I play, I use it as my time to zone out, relax, step away from the work, and just enjoy myself. I can make the community a better place by helping others succeed and to help others be better and positive for themselves and everyone around them.
– Danielle Petrunti
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VARSITY SOFTBALL
DANIELLE PETRUNTI
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DANIELLE PETRUNTI
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NORTHPORT
GIANNA RANIERI
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GIANNA RANIERI
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NORTHPORT
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ARIANNA RIVERA
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ARIANNA RIVERA
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NORTHPORT
HALEY SCHMEISER
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VARSITY SOFTBALL
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HALEY SCHmEISER
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y goal is to be able to encourage those to do what they want no matter how hard it is or who’s telling them no. Always challenge yourself and do what you want. The people who truly love you will be there through the entire process to support you.
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The word team is the same as family to me. You fight together, you support each other, you win together, and you lose together. My team has influenced me to be able to pick myself up and to help pick others up after there has been a mistake, or we haven’t done the best that we could do. It’s taught me how to stay positive no matter what is happening. My family helps me on a daily basis. They support me through everything, and not just softball. They are with me every step whether it was a special day in elementary school or a little league game. They help guide me in making good choices and decisions based on what I want to do. Especially my parents, who have helped with school work, practice and to stay motivated anytime I’m frustrated. I plan on playing softball in college and have dreamed about it for as long as I can remember. I always found joy watching the sport and once I started playing, it’s what always put me in a good mood. I hope I help contribute to making the community a better place by volunteering with both the National Junior Honor Society and community service with my church. I hope my volunteering with St. Baldrick’s has helped a child that is battling cancer and that I was able to at least help feed someone in the community by working on food drives and by making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that are made and distributed by our church.
– Ally Voskinarian
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Ally, we are so proud of what you do and can accomplish!! Love, Mom & Dad.
VARSITY SOFTBALL
ALLY VOSKINARIAN
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ALLY VOSKINARIAN
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NORTHPORT
GABRIELLA LONGO
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VARSITY SOFTBALL
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GABRIELLA LONGO
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MARIA TOTO
VARSITY SOFTBALL
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MARIA TOTO
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SOPHIA DEFALCO
NORTHPORT
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The word “team” to me means to have the ability to work together. To be able to cooperate and mix together an array of personalities and talents. While at the same time, supporting each other and maintaining a positive attitude no matter the circumstance. The team has influenced me to become a more confident person. This team has also provided me with a more focused mindset. The constant reminders to “keep working” and “work hard” have improved my work ethic during the course of the season. My family has been extremely supportive in helping me to be the person I’ve become. I can always count on them to be there when I need and they help me in tough situations. I plan on pursuing softball in college. I believe it will provide a good opportunity to meet new people, keep me busy and keep me in shape. Most importantly, it will greatly improve leadership and time management skills. By making the community a better place, I think that giving back is extremely important. Giving younger kids the opportunity to pursue this amazing sport and giving them the chance to develop a passion for the sport that will teach them essential skills that they will use for the rest of their lives is very beneficial for the community.
– Sophia DeFalco
VARSITY SOFTBALL
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y name is Sophia DeFalco and I’m a pitcher and 1st base player on the Northport Varsity Softball. I’m currently in 11th grade. In the future, I would like to become a Physicians Assistant.
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SOPHIA DEFALCO
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NORTHPORT VARSITY SOFTBALL 2017
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