Huntington Field Hockey Honors its Six Seniors

The Huntington High School varsity field hockey threw a party for six special players on Senior Day. The careers of Alexandra Centrone, Charlotte Curtin, Ella Granito, Rafaella Gregorio, Aine Rimkunas and Sophia Weiss were celebrated with touching posters affixed to the bleacher façade, anecdotes and warm words from coaches and teammates.

Coach Kathy Wright waxed poetic when speaking about the talented seniors who have meant so much to the Blue Devils. They have all played key roles for the Blue Devils over the years.

As the players and the parents were introduced to the crowd, they were given flowers and gift bags before strolling out to midfield between rows of underclassmen players.

“It has been an honor to be able to play field hockey for Huntington and to wear a Blue Devils uniform over the years,” Weiss said. “The team truly feels like a family and I have made the best memories with the best people.”

Coach Wright was emotional while discussing each of the seniors. She worked with them for many years and watched them grow into splendid players and fine young woman.

“Playing for Huntington High School these past four years has really shaped who I am as a person,” Gregorio said. “All of my closest friends have come from playing the game of field hockey. I would not be who I am without my team and this sport that I love so much. I am so grateful and blessed to have experienced all the highs and lows of Huntington field hockey and I cannot wait for the upcoming players to experience the same.”

The seniors can’t believe that their time suiting up for Huntington is about to end. Coach Wright got choked up talking about them. “This is an amazing group of seniors that have been a joy to coach,” she said. “They are Huntington’s best.”

“Wearing a Blue Devil field hockey uniform for the past four years has been an experience like no other,” Rimkunas said. “I have developed such a strong love toward this game, my teammates, and coaches. For the past four years being able to wake up every day and have the opportunity to play on the field has made me so grateful for each shared experience of winning, losing and everything in between. Although I am sad it has come to an end, I wouldn’t have wanted this experience to happen any other way.”

Each of the seniors had a designated job to do on the team and they all did it well. “Playing for the Blue Devils’ field hockey team has meant so much to me over the past years, with the friendships I have made and with my love for the sport,” Granito said. “Playing for Huntington has been such a honor and made me the person I am today. Blue Devil field hockey will always have a special place in my heart.”

Huntington topped North Babylon in the Senior Day game, 5-0 with Curtin scoring twice and adding an assist and Granito also notching two goals. Giana Anfolisi also scored in the game. Sophie Hoffman and Caroline Mitek tallied assists. Katie Cocoman made two saves in goal. North Babylon goalies Xiomara Aristide and Ciara Hunte combined to make 18 saves.

“For the past four years it’s been such an honor to wear a Blue Devil field hockey uniform,” Curtin said. “Playing field hockey has been the highlight of my time in high school. From being the youngest on the team to the oldest, I’ve learned so much about being a part of a team. Coach [Allison] Conlon, Coach Wright and Coach [Ellyn] Byrnes have really helped shape me into the player  I am today. Field hockey has taught me patience, leadership and how to work as a team. I’ve had the best experience playing for the past four years on varsity and I’m excited to see what’s coming next.”

An impressive celebration followed the game and ceremony in the high school gym lobby. Players, parents and coaches enjoyed a wide array of delicious hot and cold catered food items.