On a day that celebrated the careers of its seniors, the Huntington High School varsity girls’ soccer team put on an awesome offensive display, turning back visiting Copiague, 8-0.
The Blue Devils honored seniors Bella Algieri, Alexa Amorison, Johanna Campos, Gigi DeVoe, Jordan Forte, Julia Gorecki, Kemberlin Hernandez-Veliz, Timmeree Koepele, Ainsley Lumpe, Charlotte Maggio and Julia Steinberg.
“Playing soccer at Huntington has been an experience that I will hold close to my heart forever,” said DeVoe, who plans to study in college for a career as a teacher. “I’ve learned so much from being on this team and I’ve developed a great group of friends and made so many strong relationships.”
Underclassmen made commemorative decorative posters for each of the seniors, affixing photos and humorous quips to each of them. The posters were displayed during the game.
“Playing soccer at Huntington has been very special to me, having many memories with the rest of the girls and the coaches,” Hernandez-Veliz said. “It has truly been an amazing time playing in Huntington girls’ soccer.” The teenager plans to attend either Hofstra University or City University of New York’s elite Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education program, which awards BA and MD degrees over its seven year curriculum. She wants to be a medical doctor.
Huntington jumped out to a 7-0 first half lead against Copiague and never looked back. Hernandez-Veliz had two goals and an assist. Algieri, DeVoe, Gianna Forte, Caroline O’Rourke, Teddi Carnesi and Emily Plachta also scored in the game. Katie Browne had two assists. Edelyn Garcia and Carnesi also added assists. Maggio stopped three shots in goal to notch the shutout.
“Playing on the girls’ soccer team has shaped my high school experience,” Algieri said. “I have learned so much from the coaches and my teammates. I truly learned what it means to work together with other people. And these girls are like family to me.”
Head coach John Walsh, accompanied by longtime assistant coach Vincent Tannazzo spoke about each of the seniors during a post-game ceremony.
“I’ve been with the Huntington girls’ varsity soccer team since freshman year and it’s meant so much to me,” Maggio said. “I’ve been able to play with some of my best friends and have had the time of my life playing during every season. I’m really going to miss it so much next year.”
Walsh told those gathered how much each of the seniors has meant to the Blue Devils through the years and he thanked them for their selfless efforts and dedication to the program and to the team.
“Playing for the Blue Devils has been the best experience I could’ve asked for,” said Koepele, who is still unsure of which college she will be attending, but who knows she wants to pursue a career in medicine. “Especially this year, being able to have our last season together has meant everything and been so much fun.”
COVID-19 related restrictions restrained the typical Blue Devil Senior Day atmosphere, but coaches, teammates and family members still made the day memorable.
“Playing for the Blue Devils has meant that I got to grow as a person,” said Campos, who plans to study fashion designing in college. “It gave me a safe place to be myself and create bonds with beautiful people. It taught me to be confident in myself and have better communication skills. These are things I will take into consideration in the future.”
Jordan Forte, who has played a key role on the team for many years was among those that Walsh singled out for special praise, telling the crowd that the teenager always gave the Blue Devils 100 percent on and off the field.
The teenager has been recruited to play lacrosse at Stony Brook University, where she intends to study physical therapy. But on this day, all of her attention and emotions were devoted to the Blue Devil soccer program.
“Playing soccer at Huntington has been so much fun,” Forte said. “The memories that I have made since freshman year on this team have all been amazing. All of my teammates and coaches have meant so much to me.”
