The 2024-2025 Spring Sports Season has officially started with our teams working to be the best on the island.
Senior, Jimena Gonzalez, plays both girls tennis and girls badminton, which has elevated her badminton skills. She’s dedicated her time to the sport for the past three years.
“Badminton has become one of those sports that have allowed me to bond closer with other teammates, as well as develop my ability to support newer players. Unfortunately, it is my senior year, so I will be saying goodbye to all the memories I’ve made. However, I wouldn’t have asked for any more or any less time with the people I’ve met, the skills I’ve learned, and the memories I’ve created,” says Gonzalez.
Senior, Kevin Zheng, has played badminton for the past four years and has previously played boys volleyball for two years, which has helped him perform better in badminton. He has held the #1 singles position for two years and the #1 doubles position for one year.
“After four years of playing badminton, I can confidently say it’s definitely worth a try. Along the way, I’ve made many friends, even from other schools, through games, practices, and competing in counties twice. Badminton has taught me invaluable skills that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. As this is my senior year, my goal is to bring the county’s title back to Pat-Med while also inspiring and mentoring the newer players who have just joined. I will forever be grateful for the memories I’ve made as I compete in my final season,” says Zheng.
The girls badminton team currently holds a score of 5-3 in games and the boys hold a score of 6-2 in games, bringing both teams 11-5 in games.
Out on the turf, the boys lacrosse team looks slightly different this year as they do not have a JV team. Junior, Jack Dipalma, has been on the team for the past three years and states, “our team is a strong young team with a lot of love for the game. The group has a drive to win. The coaches are the perfect fit for this group and want nothing but the best and to get us to where we need to be.” This year, the boys had managed to keep the Mayor’s Cup against their game with Bellport for another year. Congratulations boys!
The girls lacrosse team has been winning games left and right with their goalkeeper, Hailey Stratton, attaining her 400th save against East Hampton. Junior, Addison Ruland has also managed to reach 100 career points against East Islip, with the team winning 17-12. Senior, Gianna Bevacqua, says that heading into her last season with the team is bittersweet, but she is excited to make the most out of every moment with her teammates.
Bevacqua shared, “We’ve put in a lot of work during the offseason and are ready to push each other to be our best. I’m so proud to say I’m a part of this program and I’m able to call these girls my family.”
The girls softball team has been working hard to be the best in the county with their score being 8-0. Senior, Hannah Eve was featured on Newsday’s Top 100 list for Varsity Softball and senior captains, Giuliana Atocsta and Ariana Shellman, have been working hard to keep the team together.
Senior, Katie Wenke, says “this season really means a lot to me especially because last season I was out the whole season due to an injury. Softball has always been a big part of my life and I’m just happy to be playing again and doing what a love to do. I always play like it’s my last time on the field because that’s what happened to me a year ago, and you never know what’s going to happen. We also have a lot of seniors this season so we really want to go far this year. I think as a team we are very cohesive and play well together, and I believe that we can go far this year, if everyone is all in and goes 100% all the time.”
The boys track team has had a history of breaking record after record and never disappointing our sports department.
“Throughout my past years of high school track and field the entirety of the team has consistently grown stronger and races harder. Thanks to Coach Cole, Coach Hicks, and Coach Chiarello we have all started to break our personal record at our past meets because of their dedication to the team and hard work they put in for us to improve. We are very excited to see where this season takes us!” says senior Liam Halpin.
The girls track team has also had a record of breaking their own personal records and bringing victory to the track. Sophomore, Sophia Yondola, says that her coaches always motivate her and the team at meets and practices to do their very best. The coaches provide a positive environment for the girls and always looking toward the rest of the season.
Our newest addition to Pat-Med spring sports is girls flag football. Ever since the team was formed in 2023, they have been bringing home win after win. The team has been hoping to make it to Suffolk County Championships for the third season in a row. Coach Weinman and Coach DeSilva have motivated the girls to do their best and make practice a positive and fun environment for these hardworking girls.
“The connections and trust we built with each other over the years is only helping us strengthen our team even more as the time goes on.” says senior, Angelina McGrath. “As for me being a senior, I’m very proud to say I’ve been apart of this team and I will miss it so much when I’m gone, however I have the confidence in those younger than me and believe our team will continue to thrive in the following years.”
