Photo credit – Cait Crudden
The Town of Islip Town Board recently held a special ceremony to honor the West Islip Girls Softball Team for their outstanding championship-winning season in Suffolk County’s AA League. This victory marks the first Suffolk County title for West Islip High School in 20 years, making it a historic achievement for the team and the community.
The West Islip Girls Softball Team’s journey to the championship was marked by determination, teamwork, and resilience. Under the leadership of coaches Colleen Reilly, JT Denninger, and Steve Fasciani, the team demonstrated exceptional skill and sportsmanship throughout the season, culminating in a thrilling victory that brought the Suffolk County AA title back to West Islip for the first time since 2004.
The Town of Islip Town Board ceremony was attended by community members, school officials, and proud families who gathered to celebrate the team’s success. During the event, the players and coaches were recognized and presented with a proclamation by the Town Board members. The atmosphere was filled with pride and excitement as the community came together to honor their young athletes.
Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip) praised the team for their remarkable achievement in her speech. She was very proud of the hard work the girls put into such an accomplishment and commended those who helped them get to their championship season. Carpenter was joined by Islip Town Councilmen Jim O’Connor (R-Great River), John Lorenzo (R-West Sayville), Jorge Guadrón (D-Central Islip), and Mike McElwee (R-West Islip), as well as Town Clerk Linda Vavricka (R-West Islip).
Key players made significant contributions throughout the season. Their leadership as well as their coaches on and off the field was instrumental in guiding the team to victory. The girls were very supportive of each other throughout the celebration and showed what true teamwork is all about.
The championship victory is not just a significant milestone for the current team but also a source of inspiration for future generations of West Islip athletes. The achievement has reignited a sense of pride and ambition within the school’s athletic programs, encouraging younger students to strive for excellence in their respective sports.
With a historic season behind them, the West Islip Girls Softball Team is already looking ahead to the future. The returning players are eager to build on their success and continue their winning tradition, while the community remains steadfast in their support.
As the ceremony concluded, the coaches and the girls appeared hopeful for another exciting season next year. The Town of Islip’s recognition of the team’s accomplishment not only celebrates a remarkable season but also strengthens the bonds of community pride and support, ensuring that the spirit of West Islip athletics continues to thrive. Congratulations, girls, on this amazing accomplishment!
