Seven sensational seniors were celebrated by the Huntington High School varsity field hockey team, which owes much of its success over the years to the talented teenagers.
Andrea Delcid, Bella DiBenedetto, Lisa Martin, Gianna Prosseda, Julie Rogel, Tess Stanley and Riley Zink were all recognized for their contributions to the program.
Blue Devil coaches Kathy Wright and Allison Conlon along with the underclassmen on the team all said they will miss the graduating seniors next fall when the squad retakes the field for its traditional season.
“Playing for the Huntington varsity field hockey team as a goalkeeper for the past four years has truly been an incredible experience and it was an honor to be a captain this year,” Rogel said. “Our team is so dedicated and hardworking and we have extremely supportive coaches who motivate us to do our best every single day. While I could not be more excited to continue my field hockey career at the University of Scranton, the Blue Devils will always have a special place in my heart.”
The seniors are fiercely loyal to their teammates, coaches and the sport in general. They have all given Huntington everything they could and hope to remain in contact with each other despite heading off in different directions to a variety of colleges.
“I was pulled up to varsity during my sophomore year and it was so exciting for me,” DiBenedetto said. “It has been one of the best experiences of my high school career. The team and coaches have become a family for me and I already miss it so much. I’ll never forget my time playing field hockey for Huntington. It was an honor to be able to lead the team as a captain for my senior year.”
Underclassmen made individual posters for each of the graduating seniors, which were filled with photos that commemorate their time on the team and at the high school.
“I absolutely love the team, the coaches and the game overall,” Delcid said. “Everyone on the team has worked so hard and they’re all amazing players. Games and practices were always fun with them. Coach Wright and Coach Conlon were the most supportive coaches and they helped us grow a lot as a team. Even during hard times, we managed to play for the entire season and I thank my coaches for that. I’ve been playing since seventh grade and made so many new friends along the way who have all become really strong players.”
The players were given bouquets of flowers and gift bags during the Senior Day ceremony on the field.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time on the team,” Stanley said. “Being on the field hockey team for many years taught me how to be competitive while respecting sportsmanship and how to have fun playing the best sport ever. I also loved my time with our very supportive coaches who always pushed us to try our hardest.”
Banners featuring the names and uniform numbers of each of the seniors were hung from the bleacher fencing facing the playing field.
“I have had the pleasure of being on such an amazing team all four years with an incredible coach and inspiring friends,” Zink said. “I loved and enjoyed every minute of playing with my team, which felt more like a family.”
Regardless of where life takes them, the seven seniors will undoubtedly all be able to look back on their years in a Blue Devil uniform with a sense of pride and happiness.
“Playing varsity field hockey for Huntington these past two years has brought me so much joy,” Prosseda said. “Being a part of a team that is so hardworking and dedicated has been an honor for me. I loved playing with the support of our coaches and the rest of my teammates. I could not ask for a better time playing field hockey for the Blue Devils.”
Huntington will never forget any of the seven seniors.
