Welcome to... Mahwah High School

Location...... 50 Ridge Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430 Telephone...... (201) 762-2300 Colors...... Columbia Blue and Grey Nickname...... Thunderbirds Athletic Affiliation...... Big North Patriot Division Director of Athletics...... Roger Pelletier Athletics Secretary...... Monica Lederer Athletic Trainer...... Rich Raiani Field Maintenance...... Rick Kunz Head Coach...... Craig Nielsen Assistant Coaches...... Paul Saporito, ...... Jason Calhoun, Kyle Cook, Shannon DeMaio, Rob Doyle Statistician...... Garine Kaushagjian Softball Media Assistant...... Emily York Returning Lettermen...... Alexandra Adamski, ...... Emily August, Alexis Corra, Isabella Devine, ...... Julia Devine, Brenna Forgette, Stephani Kantanas, ...... Madison Kolich, Morgan Morris, Isabella Orlandoni, ...... Emily Pryor, Lexi Varrato, Hannah Wichard Graduated Lettermen...... Danielle Altamuro, ...... Danielle Fisher 2016 Season Record...... 19 Wins – 10 Losses Press Guide Staff...... David Jankowski, William Strauch BOARD OF EDUCATION Kim Barron, Board President Richard A. DeSilva, Jr., First Vice President John Dinice, Second Vice President Prema Moorthy, Trustee Michael Galow, Trustee Peter Wendrychowicz, Trustee Linda Mavretish, Trustee Benjamin Kezmarsky, Trustee Leslie Konikow, Trustee

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION C. Lauren Schoen, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools Dennis Fare, Assistant Superintendent Kyle J. Bleeker, Business Administrator Lisa E. Rizzo, Director of Special Services Christine Zimmermann, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Joan Schettino, Director of Transportation Carlos O. Rosa, Director of Technology Scot Van Demark, Buildings & Grounds Supervisor

HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM John P. Pascale, Principal Linda A. Bohny, Assistant Principal Dominick J. Gliatta, Director of Guidance Robert H. Mac Farran, School Security Officer Roger Pelletier, Director of Athletics Danielle Poleway, Supervisor of Mathematics 6-12 Roger Pelletier, Supervisor of Physical Education 9-12 Maureen Lynch, Supervisor of English Language Arts 6-12 Joseph Cozine, Supervisor of Special Education 6-12 Dennis Jarvis, Supervisor of Science 6-12, Practical Arts 9-12 Nikki Van Ess, Supervisor of Social Studies 6-12, Business 9-12 Miriam Lezanski, Supervisor of World Language 6-12, ESL K-12, Visual and Performing Arts 9-12 the thunderbird outlook

The 2016 edition of Mahwah High School softball was a successful one by almost anyone’s standards. The team won 19 games for the second year in a row. Those wins included a victory in the County Tournament, a deep run in the North 1 Group II State Tournament; in which they lost an extra inning affair in the Sectional Finals to eventual state champion Demarest, and a #15 ranking in the final Bergen Record Softball Poll. Senior second baseman Dan- ielle Altamuro and junior pitcher Emily August even earned First and Second Team All-Bergen County honors respectively. Sounds pretty good. To “almost” anyone. The almost includes the 2017 version of the Thunderbirds. “We have the capability of being one of the elite teams in Bergen County” says sixth year Mahwah mentor Craig Nielsen. “We just need to push a little bit harder.” Leading that push is the aforementioned August. The senior right hander burst onto the county scene a year ago by compiling a stellar 16-6 won-loss record with a microscopic 0.91 earned run average. Also looking to contribute in the circle is junior Julia Devine who was 8-1 with the Junior Varsity last season as well as sophomore, Christina Altomara, 3-1 with the JV in 2016. Junior, Mandy Morgan, sophomore Val Bognar and freshman Juliet Corless all have shown great potential and give the T-Birds depth in the pitching department. The backstop for Emily August will once again be Lexi Corra. The strong armed junior batted .375 while being named to the Patriot Division All-League team. She enters the season with 54 career hits. Adding security behind the plate is a pair of sophomores, Allie Adamski and Riya Moorthy. Both possess above average speed and agility as well as accurate throwing arms. The infield will be led by two returning Second Team All-League regu- lars in shortstop Brenna Forgette and first baseman Stephani Kantanas. The sure handed Forgette can make all the plays and has displayed a steady bat with surprising power while Kantanas will be a vital cog in the middle of the lineup. The smooth fielder will be counted as one of the team’s key run producers. Depth will be provided by sophomore first sacker Izzy Durso and a host of talented freshmen which includes Abby Cohen, Brianna Mendez, Jahnel Villalba and Juliet Corless. The powerful Durso batted .408 on the JV level and the frosh all posses quickness and a keen knowledge of the game. Making up for the loss of the graduated All-County second baseman Danielle Altamuro won’t be easy but junior Julia Devine and sophomore Christina Altomara will do their best. Devine hit .556 for the JV and hits the ball very hard while quick footed Altomara hit at a .435 clip for the fledgling T-Birds. Last season the third base position was capably manned by Dani- elle Fisher who graduated. Two juniors will combine to man the hot corner. Emily Pryor, who played left field for the bulk of the varsity campaign as an outfielder last year while belting 20 hits including five doubles and Bella -Or landoni, who caught on the JV level for the past two seasons while leading that team in batting at .571 a year ago and also collecting three hits in nine varsity at bats. They are both defensively talented and have displayed strong accurate arms. Patrolling the outfield in 2017 will be a host of experienced players. Second Team All-League senior centerfielder Morgan Morris is one of the speediest players in the area and has a plus throwing arm as well. Juniors Bella Devine and Maddie Kolich will vie for regular varsity at bats. Kolich has a powerful swing and an exceptional arm while Devine’s speed and quick- ness allows her to cover tremendous ground. Senior Lexi Varrato, is a veteran presence and leader who gets a good jump on the ball and swings a nice stick. Sophomore Hannah Wichard looks to come back from knee surgery which cost her most of her freshman season. The powerful lefty was impressive a year ago, batting .275 with a .425 slugging %. She will be counted on to add some pop in the middle of the order. Also seeking to crack the varsity lineup are sophomores Aidan Morris and Val Bognar. Morris is a hard worker who hit .286 for the JV while the speedy Bognar hit .451 and swiped seven bases in as many attempts as a frosh on the junior varsity level. Freshmen Lexi Wall and Brenna Peterson have both impressed with their gloves and arms. Wall has extra base capability while Peterson’s speed makes her a potential game changer. So, can the 2017 Mahwah Thunderbirds push a little harder to go from being one of the county’s good softball teams to one of the elite? No matter what, it should be an interesting journey to find out.

2017 Lady Thunderbirds 2017 Lady Thunderbirds Softball Roster

Number Name Grade Position Height B/T

1 Alexandra Adamski So. C/IF 4’11’’ R/R 44 Christina Altomara So. P/IF 5’3’’ R/R 12 Emily August Sr. P/OF 5’4’’ R/R 27 Valery Bognar So. P/OF 5’2’’ R/R 6 Abigail Cohen Fr. IF 5’0” L/R 36 Juliet Corless Fr. P/IF 5’7” R/R 13 Alexis Corra Jr. C 5’7’’ R/R 8 Isabella Devine Jr. OF 5’4’’ R/R 10 Julia Devine Jr. P/IF 5’9’’ R/R 7 Isabelle Durso So. 1B 5’8’’ R/R 14 Brenna Forgette Jr. IF 5’2’’ R/R 26 Stephani Kantanas Jr. 1B 5’7’’ R/R 24 Madison Kolich Jr. OF 5’4’’ R/L 17 Brianna Mendez Fr. IF 5’0” R/R 19 Riya Moorthy So. C/IF 5’2’’ R/L 5 Amanda Morgan Jr. P 5’8’’ L/L 11 Aidan Morris So. OF 5’7’’ R/R 3 Morgan Morris Sr. OF 5’3’’ R/R 21 Bella Orlandoni Jr. C/IF 5’4’’ R/R 2 Brenna Peterson Fr. OF 5’5’’ R/R 42 Emily Pryor Jr. OF 5’4’’ R/R 15 Lexi Varrato Sr. OF 5’2’’ R/R 29 Jahnel Villalba Fr. IF 5’3” L/L 16 Alexandria Wall Fr. OF 5’6” R/R 4 Hannah Wichard So. OF 5’5’’ L/L 2016 offensive leaders

Category First Second Third Hits Altamuro (42) Corra (33) Hattem (26) Doubles Forgette (9) Fisher/Kantanas/Pryor (5) Runs Altamuro (21) Forgette (17) Hattem (13) Average Altamuro (.442) Corra (.375) Hattem (.306) RBI Kantanas (16) Corra (15) August/Fisher (13) OBP Altamuro (.485) Corra (.423) Kantanas (.398) Homeruns Kolich/Wichard (1) Slugging % Altamuro (.547) Wichard (.425) Corra (.420)

2016 Pitching stats

Category August Fisher Innings 154 46 ERA 0.91 1.67 Wins 16 3 Strikeouts 178 34

All-County Recognition 1st Team Danielle Altamuro At Large Senior 2nd Team Emily August Pitcher Junior Honorable Lexi Corra Catcher Sophomore Mention The Administration Dr. C. Lauren Schoen Superintendent Of Schools Dr. Lauren Schoen attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the Academy, Dr. Schoen went on to earn an undergraduate degree in Education from William Paterson University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Political Science. After graduation, Dr. Schoen taught at the Wandell School in Saddle River, NJ. During that time, she earned her Master’s Degree in Administration and Su- pervision at Saint Peters College in Jersey City. Shortly after receiving her Master’s Degree, Schoen accepted a position as Vice Principal at Jefferson Township Middle School in Oak Ridge, NJ. She was hired as Principal of Lincoln School in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ and went on to serve as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum. In 2002, Dr. Schoen was appointed Superintendent in Rochelle Park, NJ. In January 2006, Schoen earned her Doctoral Degree from Seton Hall University in the field of K-12 Administration and Supervi- sion. From 2009 - 2013, Dr. Schoen held the position of Superintendent of Schools for the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District. Dr. Schoen assumed the position of Superintendent of Schools for the Mahwah School District on July 1, 2013.

John P. Pascale Mahwah High School Principal Principal John P. Pascale is currently in his 27th year at Mahwah High School. After teaching three years at Don Bosco Prep High School in Ramsey, Mr. Pascale joined the high school community in 1990 as a Teacher of Science where he taught Physical Science, Integrated Science, Biology, Chemistry, Chemistry, and Physics until June 1999. That September, he assumed the role of Assistant Principal and Supervisor of Physical, Health and Driver Education for three years. In September 2002, Mr. Pascale was appointed Princi- pal of Mahwah High School by the Mahwah Board of Educa- tion. Mr. Pascale earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ in Secondary Science Education, and a Master of Arts degree in Educa- tional Administration and Supervision from Saint Peter’s University, Jersey City, NJ. A past NJ Teacher of the Year and President of the Mahwah Administrators Association, Principal Pascale utilizes his leadership and technology skills to make a positive difference in the academic, athletic, and co-curricular activity experiences offered to all students. A passionate cook, this proud Eagle Scout resides in Wayne with his wife, Andrea and their two daughters, Valerie and Annie. Roger Pelletier Director of Athletics Currently in his 21st year at Mahwah High School. Mr. Pel- letier served as the Athletic Trainer as well as Physical Edu- cation and Health instructor for 11 years before being ap- pointed to his current position. In July of 2007 he became the Director of Athletics as well as the Supervisor of the Health, Physical & Driver Education Department. Mr. Pel- letier earned his bachelor’s degree at The University of Rhode Island, majoring in Physical Education and Athletic Training. His Master’s Degree is in Sports Medicine from California University of Pennsylva- nia. An avid golfer, Mr. Pelletier lives with his wife Jennifer and their children, Ryan and Alexandra.

The Staff

Craig Nielsen Head Coach Craig Nielsen enters his sixth season as Head Softball Coach at Mahwah. The Bergenfield NJ High School Hall of Famer had previous head coaching stops at Fair Lawn, Tenafly and Pascack Valley high schools. It was at the lat- ter that he turned the Indians into a county and state power for a decade. In that span, Valley played in the Sectional State Finals on 5 occasions while winning 3 championships. They reached the State Finals in Toms River twice. In 2013, the former Physical Education instructor at PV led Mahwah to its first softball Sectional State title in fifteen years. For his efforts, Coach Nielsen was named Bergen County Woman’s Coaches Association as well as All- Suburban Softball Coach of the Year. He previously was selected as Bergen County Coach of the Year in 2009 and All-Suburban COY in 2002 and 2009. Coach Nielsen has amassed 436 career softball victories. A heralded football coach as well, the former Rutgers running back, had 176 career gridiron wins and led Pascack Valley to the North I Group 4 State Championship as well as being named North Jersey Coach of the Year in 2013 as well as being chosen as the State Football Coach of the Year by the NJFCA. Recently retired, he is presently an assistant football coach at Clifton High School. Coach Nielsen and his wife Donna reside in Mahwah with their children Alex and Anna Marie. Paul Saporito Assistant Coach In his 30th year as a Social Studies teacher at Mah- wah High School, Coach Saporito previously spent nine years at Paramus Catholic. An alumnus of St. Thomas Aquinas College where he played baseball, Coach Saporito will serve as varsity Assistant. His prior head coaching experience includes: Boys Soccer at Paramus Catholic (1978-1981), Boys Basketball at Wood Ridge (1981-82) and PC (1983-87) and Girls Basketball at Mahwah (1988-1994). The Jersey City na- tive’s Mahwah teams captured 3 league and 2 Sectional titles as well as the 1993 NJ State Group 2 championship. He was selected as the 1992 Bergen County Woman’s Coaches Association Girls Basketball Coach of the Year. Coach Saporito has two children, Paul Joe and Kristi. He resides in New Milford with wife Kathy.

Jason Calhoun Assistant Coach Coach Calhoun enters his 9th season as a softball coach in Mahwah. He will coordinate and coach the Junior Varsity squad. He has been a Physical Education teach- er at George Washington, Joyce Kilmer and Lenape Meadows schools for the past ten years. Mr. Cal- houn coached Boys Soccer at Saddle Brook High School (2007-2010) including a 2 year stint as Head Coach and also was the Assistant Varsity Boys Soccer coach at Ridgewood High School for three seasons (2013-2015). A soccer and base- ball standout while a student at , coach pitched for Joe Cervino on the league and state cham- pion baseball team in his senior year of 2003. A 2007 graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington, Coach Calhoun and his wife Maria live in Paramus with their two year old son Cole Robert, new- born son Chase Hunter and their two dogs, Jersey and Tiki. Shannon demaio assistant coach Coach DeMaio enters her 5th year with the Mahwah Softball program. She is a 2013 graduate of Kean Uni- versity with a Health and Physical Education K-12 teaching certificate. She is in her 1st year as a PreK- 2nd grade Phys Ed teacher in Edgewater. The standout played Varsity Soccer for three seasons and Varsity Softball for four, earning First Team All-League and 3rd Team All-County honors in both. Coach went on to play softball at Kean University for a year and a half, during which time the Cougars captured the programs first NJAC (New Jersey Athletic Conference) championship title. She then chose to embark on her coaching career by volunteering for the Thunderbirds. Be- sides her Mahwah duties, Coach was a volunteer Assistant Varsity Soccer coach at Glen Rock High School, and a volunteer Assistant Varsity Basket- ball coach at Pascack Valley High School. She is currently in her 2nd year coaching Girl’s Freshman Soccer at Indian Hills High School. In Coach’s spare time she loves to travel, go to trivia night with friends and family, and attend any sporting events locally or professionally that are around.

kyle cook Volunteer assistant Kyle Cook starts his second season with Mahwah softball. Coach Cook began coaching softball in 2006 for the Ramsey Recreation program and was also the coach for the fall, spring & summer Ramsey Travel Programs. His 12U team won the coveted Midland Park Summer Travel Season in 2009. In fall of 2009, he started coaching club ball with the NJ Pride and then again with the Ramapo Rage from 2011-2013. While with the Rage, he was VP of the organization & coached both 16U & 18U teams at college showcases and national tournaments. In 2013, the 18U team won the National WFP Tournament in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. From 2013-2014 Coach Cook enjoyed watching his daughter play for the NJ Intensity in 13 states and would fill in as coach whenever needed. Mr. Cook graduated from Rutgers Univer- sity with a BA in Classical Voice. He also attended Manhattan College of Music. He is currently employed as the Northeast Sales Director for Win- ery Exchange. Kyle resides in Ramsey with his wife, Terri & his daughter Holly. Rob Doyle Volunteer assistant Rob Doyle enters his third season as a softball as- sistant coach. The 2011 graduate of Mahwah High School played four years of baseball and has spent the past several years coaching club baseball as well as Mahwah youth wrestling. Coach Doyle is a 2016 graduate of Ramapo College earning a Bachelor of History degree and is currently student teaching at Ramapo Ridge Middle School. The Mahwah native coordinated and coached both the summer and fall teams for Head Coach Craig Nielsen. A devoted sports fan, Rob is the brother of former T-Bird stand out Caitlyn Doyle. Mr. Doyle resides in Mahwah.

Rich Raiani Athletic Trainer This is Mr. Raiani’s second year as Mahwah High School’s Athletic Trainer. Mr. Raiani earned his bach- elor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Scranton, where he was a four year baseball athlete. He went on to earn his master’s de- gree in Athletic Training from Seton Hall Uni- versity. During the 2012-2013 season, Mr. Raiani served as a seasonal intern for the New York Jets. He then continued with the organi- zation during the 2013-14 and 2014-15 sea- sons as an Athletic Trainer and Fascial Stretch Therapist. Mr. Raiani is a sports enthusiast, still playing baseball, softball, golf and ice hockey.

Garine Koushagjian statistician Garine will coordinate softball statistics while having the responsibility of being the official scorer for the Thunderbirds. The talented junior is a valued mem- ber of the volleyball team, a contributor to the school newspaper, the Tom-Tom, a member of Interact, and a Junior Class Officer. An avid photographer and volunteer at Valley Hospi- tal, “G Money” hopes to one day attend medi- cal school. The players

emily august #12 Pitcher/Outfield Senior 5’4 Will be a vital cog in the Thunderbird attack…First Team All-League and Second Team All-County a year ago…Amazing 16-1 record in the circle with a very impressive 0.91 ERA…25 hits, 13 RBIs, and 11 runs scored last season…Honor Roll student…Fa- vorite Athlete is Kilani Ricketts…Favorite Movie is The Blind Side…Luke Bryan admirer…Fan of the Jets and Mets…Born in Ridgewood, NJ… Daughter of Donna and Chuck August…Has three siblings: Kevin, Danielle (2001) and Jack- ie (2005). Morgan morris #3 outfield Senior 5’3 Terrific speed…Second Team All-League…Can really track them down in the outfield…Solid arm…Stole 100% of bases attempted…0.412 on base percentage…doubled against Paramus on May 10…Honor student…Fan of Yankees, Giants, and Knicks…Softball is in the “family” sister Kirsten starred for the T-Birds in the 2012 sea- son…Younger sister Aidan is a current member of the program…Enjoys travel…Favorite movie is Forrest Gump…Born in Westwood, NJ…Daughter of Ann Marie and Gregory Morris…Has three sisters: Kara (MHS ’01), Kirsten (MHS ’12) and Aidan (MHS ’19).

lexi varrato #15 outfield Senior 5’2 Had solid season for JV…Thunderbird Scholar and Minds in Motion Award recipient…Always positive and supportive to her teammates…Honor student… Member of MHS Orchestra…Favorite Movie is A League of Their Own…New York Rangers fan… Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox disciple…Born in Hackensack, NJ…Daughter of Christy and Tom Varrato. Alexis Corra #13 Catcher Junior 5’7 “AC”…Selected First Team All-League and Honorable Mention All County…Strong throwing arm…Quick behind the plate… …Above average power potential… Slugged 54 varsity hits…batted .375 last year, leads all returning players…Knocked in 16 runs and scored 11…Yankees and Derek Jeter advocate… football fan…Fan of Rascal Flatts…Born in Westwood, NJ…Daughter of Karen and Joe Corra.

isabella Devine #8 outfield Junior 5’4 “Bella”… …Swings a good bat…Provides quickness in the out- field…Split time between JV and Varsity…posted an impres- sive .472 JV batting average with a .513 on base percent- age…First varsity hit was a double against Westwood on May 2…Honor roll student…Minds in Motion Award Re- cipient…Member of MHS Wildlife Conservation Effort… Yankees and football Giants fan…Favorite movie is The Parent Trap…Lists Rhianna and Thomas Rhett as her favorite entertainers… Cousin of teammate, Julia Devine…Born in Hackensack, NJ…Daughter of Kathy and Mike Devine…Has two siblings: Adrianna and Gabriella.

Julia Devine #10 Pitcher/Infield Junior 5’9 “JD”…Excellent pitcher and hitter…8-1 won-loss record in the circle…Led the JV offense with an impressive .556 batting av- erage with 30 hits, 11 for extra bases…Drove in 22 runs and scored 15…Twirled a 4-hit shutout in JV Bergen County Championship game…Honor student…Member of MHS Wildlife Conservation Effort…Eli Manning fan…NY Mets advocate…Favorite movie is The Last Song… Cousin of teammate, Isabella Devine…Born in Hack- ensack, NJ…Daughter of Rachel and John Devine… Has two siblings: Kayla (MHS ’17) and Jordan. Brenna Forgette #14 Infield junior 5’2 “B”…Second Team All League in 2016…steady bat with pop…led team in extra base hits, 10 out of 25 hits… knocked in 6 runs while scoring 17…Solid fielder… Member of the Varsity basketball team…Honor Roll Student…Minds in Motion Recipient…Thunder- bird Scholastic Award Recipient…Yankees fan… Favorite athlete is former North Carolina point guard Marcus Paige…Florida Georgia Line en- thusiast…Born in Ridgewood, NJ…Daughter of Kathleen Hallissey and Brian Forgette…Has two sisters: Ariel and Brooke. Stephani Kantanas #26 First base junior 5’7 “Steph”…Above average power at the plate…expected to be a run producer this season…Slick fielder…Led squad in RBIs and free passes (15)…batted .287 with 25 hits…Honor student…Member of MHS Habitat for Humanity…Mets, Jets, Devils enthusiast…Fa- vorite Movie is Forrest Gump…David Wright booster…Born in Ridgewood, NJ…Daughter of Nicole and Bill Kantanas…Has one brother, Liam (MHS ’13).

Madison Kolich #24 Outfield junior 5’4 Potential to be key part of the program…Patrols the outfield well…Gets good jump on the ball…Strong accurate arm…Good power at the plate…”Maddie”… Had a breakout game against Pascack Hills with 3 hits, including her first Varsity HR…Favorite ath- lete is Robinson Cano…Luke Bryan fancier… Principal’s Award Recipient…Born in Teaneck, NJ…Daughter of Dianne and Gene Kolich… Has two siblings, Connor and Haley. Amanda Morgan #5 Pitcher junior 5’8 “Mandy”…Excellent command of the strike zone… Possesses above average off speed pitches…Can swing the bat as well…Impressed with her perfor- mances during the fall…Honor Student…Thunder- bird Scholastic Award Recipient…NY Mets fan… Ezekiel Elliot aficionado…Fan of Demi Lovato… Dallas Cowboys devotee… Born in Ridgewood, NJ…Daughter of Debbie and Joe Morgan…Has one brother, Kyle (MHS ’12). Bella Orlandoni #21 Catcher junior 5’4 “Bo”…Had a terrific year manning the catching chores for the Junior Varsity…saw some Varsity action…Quick be- hind the plate with a strong accurate arm…Batted an impressive .571, highest JV average…Second on team with 28 hits… Had a .632 on base % and slugged at an outstanding .816 clip…Had a stellar day for the Varsity against Westwood on May 2, Racked up 2 runs and 2 hits…Honor student…Minds in Motion award winner…Member of MHS HOPE Club and Inter- national Empowerment Club…NY Yankee, Derek Jeter buff…NY Jets fan…Born in Ridgewood, NJ…Daughter of Christine and Paul Orlandoni… Has one sister, Taylor (MHS ’14). Emily pryor #42 infield junior 5’4 Fierce competitor…Good speed…Solid arm…Patrolled the outfield last season, will move to the infield this year… Had 20 hits last season, including 5 doubles…Had 2 game winning hits…Most exciting was a walk off double in the bottom of the 10th inning against Glen Rock to help the team advance in the state tournament…Honor student… Member of MHS basketball program as well…Orioles and Pittsburgh Steelers fan…favorite movies in- clude The Breakfast Club and The 10 Things I Hate About You…Born in Ridgewood, NJ…Daughter of Kathie and Jerry Pryor…Has two sisters, Erin and Shannon. Alexandra Adamski #1 Catcher/Infield Sophomore 4’11 “Double A”…Tough competitor…Solid behind the plate with accurate throwing arm…Had a solid season for the JV…batted .369 with an on base average of .549…scored 20 runs, tied for team high…saw some Varsity action… first varsity hit was a double against Paramus on May 10...Honor Roll student…Member of the MHS March- ing Band, symphonic band, choir and chambers choir… Plays the trumpet…Member of the Bowling team… Derek Jeter fan...Favorite entertainer is Lady Gaga… Born in Ridgewood, NJ…Daughter of Kim and Jason Adamski.

Christina Altomara #44 Pitcher/Infield sophomore 5’3 Solid JV performance last year…will join the Varsity Infield this season…Very versatile…Slick defender with accurate strong arm…Good control in the circle…Batted .435 on JV…Honor roll student...Minds in Motion recipient… Thunderbird Scholar Award Recipient…Geometry Award Recipient…Member of MHS clubs REBEL and Girls Learn International…Yankees and football Giants disciple… Favorite athlete is Michael Phelps…Favorite movie is Dear John…Born in Ridgewood, NJ…Daughter of Barbara and John Altomara…Has one sister, Deanna (MHS ’16).

Valery Bognar #27 pitcher/outfield sophomore 5’2 ”Val”…Good glove in the outfield…Had a solid JV sea- son…0.451 batting average including 18 RBIs and 17 runs scored…7 for 7 on stolen bases…Honor stu- dent…Bruno Mars aficionado…Jennie Finch boost- er…Yankees fan…Born in Ridgewood, NJ… Daughter of Giannina and William Bognar… Has a sister, Vanessa (MHS ’17). Isabelle Durso #7 first base sophomore 5’8 ”Izzy”… Swings a solid bat…Batted .408 with an on base average of .547 and a .531 slugging percentage…Honor student…Thunderbird Scholastic Award Recipient, Jour- nalism Award Recipient, and Minds in Motion Award Re- cipient…Member of MHS clubs REBEL and Girls Learn International and school newspaper, the Tom Tom… NY Yankees, Derek Jeter admirer…Plays piano, uku- lele, and guitar…Lists Nottingham Hill and The In- tern as favorite movies…Born in New Brunswick, NJ…Daughter of Patty and Tom Durso…Has one sister, Maddie (MHS ‘15).

Riya Moorthy #41 catcher/infield sophomore 5’2 Excellent performance on JV…posted solid numbers includ- ing .442 batting average, .520 on base average, and .465 slugging percentage…Possesses an efficient swing…Good arm…Very good speed…Honor student…Member of MHS Interact Club, Environmental Club, and the school news- paper, the TomTom …Yankees diehard…Favorite en- tertainer is Shawn Mendes…Favorite Movie is Ferris Bueler’s Day Off…Yankees fan…Born in Ridgewood, NJ…Daughter of Prema and Jai Moorthy…Has one brother, Vinay (MHS ’17).

Aidan Morris #11 outfield sophomore 5’7 Excellent contributor to the JV…0.286 batting aver- age…0.375 on base average…Honor Roll student…mem- ber of REBEL…Varsity Cheerleader…Powerful player … Quick bat …Solid glove…Enthusiastic learner…Jennie Finch champion…Yankees, football Giants partisan… Fan of Florida Georgia Line…Favorite Movie is Foot- loose. Softball is in the family…Sister Morgan is a Se- nior on Varsity…Sister Kirsten was a member of the program as well…Born in Westwood, NJ…Daughter of Ann Marie and Gregory Morris…Has three sis- ters: Kara (MHS ’01), Kirsten (MHS ’12) and Morgan (MHS ’17). Hannah Wichard #4 outfield sophomore 5’5 Has all the tools…Above average arm…Solid speed…Great bat from the left side of the plate...Has exceptional power to all fields…Racked up 11 hits for Varsity before suffering a season ending injury…expectations are high this season… is an offense threat… Honor Roll student…Minds in Motion Recipient…Member of MHS clubs REBEL and Girls Learn International…Lists favorite entertain- ers as Shawn Mendes…Derek Jeter and NY Yankees fan…Born in Hackensack, NJ…Daughter of Nancy Kaplan and Scott Wichard…Has a twin brother, Ben (MHS ’19).

abigail cohen #6 Infield freshman 5’0

“Abby”…Excellent fielder…Quick bat …Solid knowl- edge of the game…Competitive skier…Member of the marching band, chorus, and the robotics club …Favorite Athlete is Lindsey Vonn…Yankees fan…favorite entertainer is Pentatonix…Born in Ridgewood, NJ…Daughter of Michael Cohen and Gayle Graizzaro...Has one sister, Rachel.

juliet corless #36 pitcher/infield freshman 5’7

Great potential in the circle…Member of the March- ing Band…plays French horn…Member of Mock Tri- al…Excellent student…Born in Ridgewood, NJ… Daughter of Rebecca Clement and Pat Corless… Has two sisters: Emma (MHS ’15) and Olivia (MHS ’17). brianna mendez #17 infield freshman 5’0

Has shown great potential…great defender…Eager to learn…plays soccer…Favorite Athlete is Alex Morgan… Favorite sports team is the US National Women’s Soc- cer Team…Born in Paterson, NJ…Daughter of Melina and Juan Mendez…Has one sister: Isabelle (MHS ’17).

Brenna Peterson #2 outfield freshman 5’5

Impressive glove and arm…has impressive speed…poten- tial to be a game changer… plays volleyball…enjoys art and drawing…Member of Interact and the Art Club…Favorite Athlete is Shawn Johnson…Favorite Movie is She’s the Man…Favorite Entertainer is Blake Shelton…NY Giants fan…Born in Davis, CA…Daughter of Edward and Kath- leen Peterson…Has one sister: Colleen (MHS ’18).

jahnel villalba #29 infield freshman 5’3 Strong infielder…will add depth to the roster… Quick bat …Solid glove…Enthusiastic learner…Member of the volleyball team…Enjoys the Fast and Furious Movies…Enjoys country music especially Garth Brooke, Lee Brice, and Keith Urban…Favorite Ath- lete is Cole Beasly…Cowboys fan…Born in Suf- fern, NY…Daughter of Daisy Santana and John- ny Villalba…Has one brother: Justin. Alexandria Wall #16 outfield freshman 5’6 “Lexi”…impressive glove and arm….shows extra base potential with the bat…Member of the Volleyball team and the Interact Club…Favorite Entertainer is Twen- ty One Pilots…Favorite Athlete is Kerri Walsh-Jen- nings...Giants and Yankees Fan…Born in Ridgewood, NJ…Daughter of Lauren and Bob Wall…Has one brother: Bobby.

Bella, Have a great season! Have fun and play hard! Love, Mom, Dad, Adrianna, and Gabriella

2017 Press Box Staff

(Left to Right): Justina Kender, Brittany Ryan, Pat Larkin, Alissa Brandl Not Pictured: Grace Brooks, Jacob Brand, Renee Cantor, Niko Konstantellis, Brianna Schmidt, James Sylvester, Samantha Wong, Morgan Wudke Lady Thunderbirds Class of 2017 The 2017 mahwah Softball press guides were generously donated by:

Big Color Printing 681 Lawlins Rd, Suite 30, Wyckoff NJ 07481 NJ Tel. 201-236-0404 NY Tel. 212-391-7525

Good Luck to Mahwah Softball and Valery Bognar #27! 2017 Varsity Softball Schedule Mahwah High School

April Saturday 1 Rutherford 4:15 Away Monday 3 Westwood* 4:15 Away Wednesday 5 Ramsey* 4:15 Away Friday 7 River Dell* 12:00 Away Monday 10 Pascack Hills* 11:00 Home Thursday 13 Northern Highlands 4:15 Home Wednesday 19 Dumont 4:15 Home Thursday 20 Indian Hills 4:15 Home Saturday 22 Pascack Valley 12:00 Home Sunday 23 Hofsaes Tournament 10:00 Away vs. Pequannock @ Saddle Brook Tuesday 25 Fair Lawn 4:15 Away Wednesday 26 Westwood* 4:15 Home Thursday 27 Ramsey* 4:15 Home Friday 28 IHA 4:15 Home Saturday 29 Saddle Brook 5:00 Away

May Monday 1 River Dell* 4:15 Home Tuesday 2 Paramus 4:15 Home Wednesday 3 Pascack Hills* 4:15 Away Thursday 4 Ridgewood 4:15 Away Tuesday 9 Old Tappan 4:15 Away Wednesday 10 Ridgefield Park 4:15 Home Friday 12 Dumont 4:15 Away Monday 15 Demarest 4:15 Away Tuesday 16 Clifton 4:15 Away

State Tournament

*Big North Patriot Division Game Home games played at Mahwah High School Log onto www.bignorthconference.org for schedule updates and notification of changes