By Arjit Nair
As NHP transitions into warmer weather, the spring season is underway and sports are back in full swing. Student-athletes participate in baseball, softball, boys lacrosse, girls lacrosse, boys track, girls track, boys tennis and unified basketball.
Coach Rotondaro and Coach McCormack lead the boys varsity baseball team and hope to make a return to the playoffs, improving on last year's season in which they fell just shy of the playoffs. The team opened up their league schedule last week with a 2-1 series win over Roslyn.
Source by Linda Cheung
“The [varsity girls lacrosse] season is off to a great start. The team chemistry is really strong and all the girls get along really well,” junior Grace Leonard said. “We have a lot of great seniors that are strong leaders for everyone on the team..."
“We are in an extremely competitive division as we only play playoff teams from the previous year,” boys varsity baseball captain Jayden Patel said. “Winning the series against Roslyn was a great start to the season. We have to stay focused throughout the game, make routine plays, and use the wins we compile as fuel for making our playoff push.”
The varsity softball team is led by Coach Romanello and Coach Rizzuti. Players anticipate enhancing their skills through collaborative teamwork and guidance from captains.
“The 2024 softball season is off to a great start with great leadership from the senior captains, Kaitlyn Bell and Kaitlyn Pergola,” Coach Rizzuti said. “The team has been working hard everyday and has shown growth in skills. I am grateful to be the assistant coach alongside coach Romanello.”
Coached by Mr. Milio, the boys varsity lacrosse team is six games into league play and have compiled a record of 4-2. The team has shown extreme dedication, showcasing both their skills and strong tenacity as they attack each opponent with their passion for the game.
“New Hyde Park lacrosse is defined by dedication,” junior Jacob Keiper said. “Our results come from the love we have for the game and the energy we bring to practice. Coach Milio has been fantastic with consistently pushing us to become better at the sport and recognizing the players who showed out with their heart during games. He recognizes these players through the ‘Hard Hat Player of the Game Award’ and the ‘Heart & Hustle Award’.”
As the new head coach, Ms. Dolan has made her mark with the girls varsity lacrosse team as they coordinate seamlessly, achieving a record of 4-3.
“The season is off to a great start. The team chemistry is really strong and all the girls get along really well,” junior Grace Leonard said. “We have a lot of great seniors that are strong leaders for everyone on the team, especially the younger girls who have joined this year. Our new head coach Ms. Dolan has kept us super motivated and keeps positive energy throughout every practice and game. I can’t wait to see where the rest of the season takes us.”
Boys and girls track are led by Coach Leydon, who stepped in for Coach Buith, and Coach Del Santo, respectively. Athletes are thrilled to conquer every race, running with passion and precision for every stride taken.
“Track has been great for me every season and I hope to continue my success this year,” junior Ethan Wilson said. “Both coaches have been really helpful in developing my game throughout the year.”
Coach Basil and the varsity tennis team are five games into league play and have compiled a record of one win and four losses. They look forward to dedicating themselves to improving their game through motivating one another during intense singles and doubles matches in practices.
“The season has been pretty tough so far as most of our core players left,” junior Vishnu Suresh said. “Although, I’m sure that we will find our groove as our team is full of hard-working and dedicated players. Mr. Basil has done a great job of encouraging and cheering for everyone as well as paying attention to our play and giving advice for what we need to fix.”
Coach Salcedo and Coach Philip co-direct Unified Basketball and hope to extend their playoff push from last year along with enjoying the companionship of the team.
“Unified Basketball is truly a family,” Coach Salcedo said. “Unified Basketball brings out the great teamwork NHP student-athletes have. They really feel they can trust one another which gives importance to each player's importance and role on the team. I also can’t wait to take a game from Plainedge as they took the championship away from us last year.”