Fall 2024 was another successful season for the Harrison Huskies!
Every team advanced to the postseason, and the Field Hockey team won the League Championship title for the first time in more than 20 years! Five senior athletes signed letters of commitment to compete at the NCAA Division 1 Level, and all ten of our varsity teams earned scholar-athlete recognition.
We are all incredibly proud of our student-athletes because these accomplishments are evidence of their commitment, resilience, athleticism, and competitiveness. When all 10 teams achieve scholar-athlete status, it is clear that the commitment to academic excellence is as important as athletic excellence.
However, at this time of year, I am constantly reminded of the quality of their character and commitment to creating a caring culture. Each season, our varsity teams work with children in the LMK Modified and town recreation programs, mentoring and supporting their interests in becoming Husky athletes. They coach special needs athletes, collect books for underprivileged youth, and raise awareness and funds for cancer and autism. Their accomplishments and generosity of spirit represent the best of Harrison High School.
Join me in recognizing our Fall student athletes, teams, and coaches in this edition of Husky Athletics.
Sincerely,
Louis N. Wool, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Fall 2024 Season Highlights
All 10 Varsity teams earned Scholar Athlete recognition from the NYSPHSAA
Varsity Field Hockey won the League Championship for the first time since 2001
20 student athletes named All Section
2 student athletes named All Conference
52 student athletes named All League
Parker Yates was named to the Elite 12 team for girls soccer
Ingrid Murphy was named 3rd Team All State and to the LoHud Elite 11 Team for girls soccer
Artin Balidemaj was named to the LoHud Super 11 football team and earned Class A - South League Defensive Lineman of the Year
Adriana Marraccini was named a Lohud Player of the Week for Field Hockey
Dante Lanza was named Class A - South League Receiver of the Year
Sophia Bondikov was a NY State Finalist in swimming for the fifth consecutive year
Five seniors signed commitment letters to compete at the NCAA Division 1 level: Sophia Bondikov, Chelsea Porto, Harper Lapin, Lila Berkery, and Barbara Jo Coppola
Serving a Cause Beyond Themselves: Husky Athletes Give Back
In addition to focusing on training and studying, our Husky athletes are committed to giving back to their community. Each season, varsity teams work with young athletes in the LMK modified and town recreation programs, leading drills and teaching skills to future Harrison Huskies. Several teams also spent off-field time together participating in additional service projects. The Varsity Football Team mentored special needs athletes at Backyard Sports to help them navigate a ropes adventure course, the Girls Cross Country team collected more than 100 books for Altruism Westchester, a non profit organization that supports underprivileged youth, the Cheer team lent their support at Wall Street Rides Far to raise funds for the Autism Science Foundation, the Field Hockey team hosted an Able Athletics event to promote inclusivity and understanding for individuals with needs. and the Girls Soccer Team multiple community service projects including the Making Strides walk to promote breast cancer awareness. Coach Ciraco’s reflection on the team’s experience captures the spirit of Husky athletics, “The day of connection, teamwork, and triumph proved to be one of the greatest wins of the season, highlighting the power of sports to unite and uplift.”
Team Highlights
Field Hockey
Record: 13-4-1
League: 7-1
Co-League Champions
Scholar Athlete Team
This was one of the most successful seasons that Harrison Field Hockey has seen since clinching its first League Championship in more than 20 years. Ranked 4th in the Class B playoffs, the girls advanced to the Quarter Finals before falling to section champions Horace Greely. Dedicated seniors lead the team before the start of the season, with off season training and team building. Goalie Adrianna Marraccini finished her career with 423 career saves, most in school history.
Awards and Recognitions
All Section: Adriana Marraccini; Honorable Mention: Lila Berkery, Chelsea Porto
All League: Adrianna Marraccini, Lila Berkey, Chelsea Porto, Stephanie Reed, Emma Mazzella, Julianna Waisburg
Football
Record: 5-4
Scholar Athlete Team
The Harrison Varsity Football Team had another stellar season, advancing to the Class A Semifinal game for the third year in a row. The foundation of the Husky squad was perhaps the strongest defense in the section. The boys were led by senior captain standouts Artin Balidemaj, Drew Haines, Dante Lanza and Joe Crupi. Their leadership, dedication and character have forever changed the program for the better and they will be missed.
Awards and Recognitions
League Defensive Lineman of the Year: Artin Balidemaj
All-League: Artin Balidemaj, Drew Haines, Dante Lanza, Marco Marisi, Damian Nikollaj, Joe Crupi, Aldo Buonocore, Mike Olsey, Shawn Kumbullaj, Jason Crupi, Ben Ptashnik
Girls Swimming
Overall: 7-5
League: 6-2
Scholar Athlete Team
The swim season was one filled with progress for all of our swimmers. The team came together and finished strong, taking third at League Championships with some strong sectional qualifiers. Sophia Bondikov continued to excel and be recognized for her seven school records on the board, an accomplishment that will last decades. Sophia qualified for six events at states (but can only swim two), setting yet another record for the team with the most qualifications at the state level, and most consecutive state appearances with five.
The Girls Varsity Soccer team had a successful season on and off the field. Goalkeeper Kaya Ito recorded 448 career saves, and together with center back Parker Yates held off the opposition. In spite of a highly competitive schedule, the team improved with each match and learned from their mistakes as the season progressed, finishing 2nd in the League and earning the 7th seed in the Class AA Sectional Playoffs.
Awards and Recognitions
Elite 12: Parker Yates
All Section: Ingrid Murphy, Parker Yates; Honorable Mention: Cara Acocella
All League: Ingrid Murphy, Parker Yates, Cara Acocella, Kaya Ito, Catherine Berzellino, Christina Zumbo; Honorable Mention: Brynn Ensign, Patrice Kierans, Madison Mazella, Sophie Olsey, Briana Stilo, Anabel Zihenni
Boys Soccer
Record: 9-6-2
League Record: 4-3-1
Scholar Athlete Team
The Boys Soccer team played one of the most competitive schedules in the section. The team improved throughout the season and defeated Rye for the first time in many years. The strong senior class, Zachary Foster, Ohtara Tanaka, Lucas Montoya and Yitzah Castro, provided leadership on and off the field beginning with off season training. They leave a legacy of determined, gritty underclassmen to bring the program to the next level.
The Huskies Game Day Cheer team faced aggressive competition this year during the Game Day season, coming up just short of another Section 1 title. However, this season was not defined by wins but rather the growth, togetherness and culture the athletes built. The young team is optimistic about the future and prepared to build on their success.
Awards and Recognitions
All Section: Aika Watanabe, Alex Paternoster, Avery Borman, Chloe Rooney, Leia Pansarella, Rebecca Roca All League: Aika Watanabe, Alex Paternoster, Ally Booth, Avery Borman, Chloe Rooney, Leia Pansarella, Lexi Budde, Rebecca Roca
Volleyball
Record: 8-8
League Record: 4-4
Scholar Athlete Team
The Girls Volleyball team, led by our three senior captains, Cydney Clarke, Alexia Cozzali and Olivia Naporano, played one of the most difficult schedules in Section 1. The team persisted throughout the season and posted an impressive win in the first round of the playoffs, eventually losing to the section champion. The future is bright for the many young players on the team, eager to build on this year’s growth.
Awards and Recognitions
All League: Cydney Clarke, Alexia Cozzali
Boys Cross Country
Record: 2-2
Scholar Athlete Team
The Boys Cross Country team made huge improvements throughout the season. Seniors James Newman and Colin Dempsey continued to exemplify how hard work and dedication lead to success and improvement. A mid-season win at the Fred Gressler Invitational sparked enthusiasm and excitement among the team. Every runner saw significant gains throughout the season.
Awards and Recognitions
All-League: Chris Eskrett, James Newman; Honorable Mention: Colin Dempsey, Joey Portocorrero, Simon Modica
Girls Cross Country
Record: 1-3
Scholar Athlete Team
This very young team worked hard all season, supporting each other’s growth and bonding to become a cohesive running pack both on and off the course. We look forward to seeing all this young group will accomplish over the next few years.
Awards and Recognitions
All League Honorable Mention: Lori Chin, Fujiko Yamada, Isani Mitra
Girls Tennis
Record: 1-11
Scholar Athlete Team
The Girls Tennis team was placed in the Section 1 Power League, which includes the top teams in the section based on prior years’ performance. The team competed at the highest level, and the record does not reflect the effort and hard work the team brought to the court for each practice and match. Barbara Jo Coppola and Bella Smyth competed at the Section 1 Doubles Tournament and earned All Section recognition.
Awards and Recognitions
All Section: Barbara Jo Coppola, Bella Smyth
All League: Ruby Liebowitz, Sophia Badurina, Barbara Jo Coppola, Bella Smyth
Seniors Sign to Compete in NCAA Division 1
Five student athletes signed commitment letters to compete at the NCAA Division 1 level. At the signing ceremonies coaches reflected on the common factors in their success – determination, commitment, and character. Congratulations to our Huskies!
Sophia Bondikov - Binghamton University - Swimming
Chelsea Porto - Marist College - Lacrosse
Harper Lapin - Lehigh University - Lacrosse
Lila Berkery - Fairfield University- Lacrosse
Barbara Jo Coppola - Bucknell University - Softball
LMK Student Athletes Represent with Husky Pride!
Modified Sports: The fall season modified program at LMK saw a significant increase in the number of students participating in Soccer, Football, Field Hockey, Volleyball, Cheer and Cross Country. Focusing on skill development, inclusive participation, team building and sportsmanship, and creating a safe and supportive environment for athletes, the program promotes physical activity, builds teamwork, and fosters a lifelong love of sports. Our young athletes exemplified the values of our program and approached each practice and competition with character, determination, and grit, representing their team, school and community with Husky Pride!
Intramural Sports: In its second year, the LMK intramural program offered a Basketball experience to 6th grade students. Our student athletes embraced the opportunity to compete and develop a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition, while learning new skills. The program’s success is a result of the dedicated coaching staff, and the enthusiasm of our students.
