Maya DelGiudice and Morgan Minicozzi gave the Huntington High School softball program everything they have over the past five years. The exceptional duo was honored by their Blue Devil teammates and coaches on Senior Day earlier this week.
The two teenagers have been starters on the team for many years. While Huntington has struggled mightily in recent seasons, Ms. DelGiudice and Ms. Minicozzi both soldiered on, mustering every ounce of energy they could on any given day.
“Maya and Morgan have been great players for us and outstanding teammates, too,” head coach John Walsh said. “They have been with us for so long that it is very hard to say goodbye to them. They are fine young women who are really a credit to their parents and to Huntington High School. We will miss them so much.”
Ms. DelGiudice pitched the last home game of the season on Tuesday and was masterful. She caught the final batter looking at a wicked change-up that floated across the inside corner of the plate and then ran off the field with a big smile on her face.
“I wouldn’t want to go to high school anywhere else,” Ms. DelGiudice said. “I’ll always remember the amazing friends I’ve made and the teachers that have inspired me. Huntington is one big community that I’m grateful to be a part of.”
Ms. DelGiudice will be attending SUNY New Paltz. She is currently undecided on an academic major, but she is politically astute and has excelled in a long list of social studies and English courses. Named a Distinguished Senior this spring, the teenager has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, been inducted into various honor societies and even sparkled as a musician.
The two senior stars were feted inside the building after an early evening rainstorm chased players, coaches and family members off the field and into the gym lobby. Coach Walsh spoke about each of the seniors and assistant coach Jim Byrnes presented both with bouquets of flowers. Parents then threw a pizza party for the team and also provided cake for dessert.
“I’m definitely going to cherish all the friends I’ve made and experiences that happened,” Ms. Minicozzi said. “I’ll never forget my teachers, friends and coaches that continued to push me to achieve my goals even when I was in doubt about my future. Sports were where I was allowed to compete at a higher level and still be with the people I loved most. Huntington offers great programs for every sport and the coaches are so supportive of everyone and want to see you succeed.”
The teenager is headed to Adelphi University to study nursing. She intends to play on Adelphi’s field hockey team. Honored as a Distinguished Senior earlier this spring, Ms. Minicozzi is a member of numerous academic honor societies.
“I have to say my experience was exceptional in high school,” Ms. Minicozzi said. “Although there were very stressful days along the way, it really prepared me for college and my future. High school was very fun, but it went by so quick. But everything that happened I am thankful for and will forever cherish for the rest of my life.”
Underclassmen on the softball team made posters that celebrated the careers of Ms. DelGiudice and Ms. Minicozzi and affixed them to the dugout fence. Both players choked up as Coach Walsh waxed poetic about them.
“This was a day to honor two very special people,” Walsh said.
