The Gryphons’ softball and track and field teams headline what appears to be a promising batch of spring programs.
Track and Field
Declan Foley, head coach of cross-country, indoor and outdoor track and field for five years, has his biggest team to date, with 33 athletes on the roster. They’ll be hard put to equal the 2010 season, when school records were broken in every individual event from 100 meters to 800 meters, as well as the shot put and numerous relays.
Jenna Overzat graduated from School of the Holy Child seven years ago. Now she’s back to lead the Gryphons’ tennis team in a positive direction as head coach.
“It’s unbelievable being with the girls and seeing them experience what I did,” said Overzat. “I’ve heard from many parents that the kids are so excited to have a young, female coach who has been in their shoes. Even for non-tennis things like ring day or prom, I can relate.”
The first-time head coach couldn’t be happier with her 12-girl roster. Headlining the cast are senior captains Kelly Mehr, the No. 1 singles player and four-year star, Kirsten Hantho and Meg Collins. Collins and Hantho are the Gryphons’ top doubles tandem, followed closely by the team of Allie Considine and Stephanie Taylor. In Holy Child’s first action of the season – a scrimmage versus King – the doubles teams swept their matches in a 4-3 loss.
Judging by the recent weather, one would assume spring sports are already underway. In fact, the season doesn’t begin until early April, when Holy Child rolls out a handful of programs with the potential to make school history.
Softball
The Gryphons seemed destined for the State championship in 2009, even with no seniors on the roster. When their season ended shockingly in the semifinals, the team adopted a take-no-prisoners mission for 2010.
“These girls have unfinished business to take care of,” said Jen Cirillo, Holy Child’s third head coach in three years. “We are all excited about this upcoming season. It’s ours if we work together.”
Chloe Giordano
Cirillo, who spent eight years as coach at New York City’s Nightingale Bamford, wants to pick up where the Gryphons left off. To reach the NYSAIS State final, she’ll look to senior captains Molly Schauber, GeriAnn Capasso and Alaina Cipollone. Cipollone is the team’s starting pitcher, and has been a devastating ace since her freshman year. She’ll be joined in the rotation by sophomore Kathleen Samuelson.
