The Huntington High School girls’ soccer team will celebrate Senior Day today (Tuesday) at Blue Devil Stadium. The squad will battle league foe Central Islip in the centerpiece game. The action starts at 4 p.m.
Coaches John Walsh and Vincent Tannazzo and the team’s underclassmen will pay tribute to seniors Sana Amin, Hope Bilkey, Gianna Forte, Gabriella Miller, Soraya Ortega-Salgado, Jillian Panos, Neha Rathore and Brenda Salvador.
Huntington senior Hope Bilkey. (Darin Reed photo)
While the team has struggled this fall, partially due to playing in one of the toughest leagues in New York State, the commitment of the eight seniors and their underclassmen teammates has never faltered. The Blue Devils have worn their uniforms with pride and represented Huntington with nothing but class and grace.
“Wearing a Blue Devil soccer uniform has been one of the most special things,” said Forte, who has captained the team this year with Bilkey. “Ever since I stepped onto the field for tryouts in eighth grade I knew I had gained another family! Over the past few years we have went through some ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade any of the memories for anything. The coaches and all of my teammates who have become sisters to me have made the experience even more enjoyable. The season coming to an end is definitely a bittersweet feeling and I am going to definitely miss stepping onto the field with my best friends.”
Walsh will speak about each of the seniors during a ceremony on Tuesday. The teenagers will be given small gifts recognizing their dedication to the Blue Devil program. Underclassmen are expected to create posters for each of the seniors, celebrating the careers of members of the group. The banners will be hung from the stadium’s bleacher facade.
“Being able to wear a Blue Devil soccer uniform gives me comfort,” Bilkey said. “Soccer is my home away from home. I’m my best when my uniform is on. Any worries or problems I have go away and my main focus is the game. I wouldn’t trade being a Blue Devil for anything. I love everything about it; the family atmosphere, coaches and the support that comes with it. I will truly miss it, but will never forget it.”