By Jessica Easthope
You can feel their bond right off the bat, and catch a glimpse of their communication skills. The players on Archbishop Molloy High School’s varsity softball team say that’s what makes them a true team.
“A lot of teams struggle with communication because the girls don’t get along but our girls love each other, we always have someone to pick each other up,” said captain senior, Jackie Piazza.
Jackie’s positivity has been developed right along with her talent, head coach Maureen Rosenbaum is the voice in her head.
“I’ve heard girls who didn’t play softball in college because of their high school coach but she’s so pushing and motivates us that’s why a lot of our girls want to play,” said Jackie.
“My goals as a coach is getting the kids to talk on the field I think it’s really important they develop social skills as well as their athletic skills and that softball is a gateway to making lifelong friends,” said Rosenbaum.
Rosenbaum started Molloy’s softball program when the school went co-ed in 2000, 23 years later her methods on and off the field still work.
“I always tell them I want you to play softball for yourself that you have a heart and a passion for the game and not to be here for anybody else but yourself because that’s when you truly play your best,” she said.
When Jackie’s not crouched down behind home plate, she’s lifting up her teammates, one of whom is her sister, Marylou. Both girls have committed to playing softball in college, in the fall Jackie will play Division II at New Haven and a year later, Marylou plans to play for Iona College.
Senior Jordyn Ferrandino is also playing in college, Division I at Prairie View A&M University in Texas.
“It’s always been my dream since I was very young to go D1 and play softball in college so going to Texas has been a dream for me,” Jordyn said.
As Jordyn and the other seniors round the bases on their high school careers they say their love for the game and their faith have grown –
“Faith bonds us, knowing we all have faith and we’re all connected to it and by softball,” she said.
Maureen says years from now, they won’t remember batting averages but they’ll never forget how it felt to make magic on the field.