The dream of every athlete is to make it to the championship game, and the 2002 Big Red Softball Team did just that by playing Valley Stream South last week, in the county finals, at Cantiague Park.

This year's team set the goal of being the first Glen Cove team since 1985 to make the Nassau County finals. With a cast of seven returning players, the girls knew their goal could be met only with hard work and dedication. "We have some of the hardest working athletes in the school," said Coach Johanson, "I knew that these girls would practice long and hard to reach their goal."

Leading the way was the Big Red's first five-year varsity starter and three-time All County player, Joanna Moccia. Joanna, considered to be one of Glen Cove's best softball players ever, led the team on and off the field. "Joanna is a pleasure to coach," said Coach Johanson. "She combines power and grace with grit and determination." Joanna will be attending C.W. Post on a scholarship in the fall.

The backbone of the team was the girl behind the mask, Stephanie Graziosi. Stephanie, a three year starter and the league's best catcher, was voted All-County this year. "Stephanie controls the game for us," said coach Johanson. "For the past two years the team has taken its cue from Stephanie; as she goes, we go." Stephanie will be attending Drexel University on a scholarship in the fall.

Standing in the circle for the Big Red was Michelle DeJesus. "Michelle's speed and control struck fear in the batters' hearts," said Coach Johanson. A returning All-County player, Michelle fought through injuries to lead us into the finals. Graduating a year early, Michelle will be attending Cortland State, where she will bring her heat to the Red Dragons.

At the hot corner stood All-Division player Lyndsey Testa. Not only one of the best gloves in the league, she is also the Big Red leadoff batter. "Lyndsey had the hardest job on the team," said Coach Johanson. "Playing third base and being the leadoff batter takes a lot of courage. You could always count on Lyndsey to be at every practice and give 100 percent every day."

Standing across the diamond at first base was the 2002 Nassau County Scholar Athlete Eileen Heeren. "Eileen has given everything she has to this team," said Coach Johanson. "She is an excellent player and her first baseman skills will be missed."

Finishing off the only Nassau County Award winning entire infield is All-County, four year varsity starter, shortstop Joan Starkman. "Joan is a complete player," said Coach Johanson. "She is consistent in the field and at bat, she is a leader who is driven to be the best, and will be a great captain next year."

The rock in the outfield was All-Conference player Samantha Renison. "I called Sam the Hacker of the team," said Coach Johanson. "She is a very special person and we are honored to have her in the softball program."

A team cannot succeed without a great supporting cast. Senior Cherise Jackson and underclassmen Adriana Amendolara, Aubrie Dillon, Jamie Downer, Erika Granros, Tammy Pagnillo, and Dawn Saepia fill that roll. These fine young underclassmen have been dedicated to the team for many years and without them, the team would be nothing. They are wonderful players as well as people. They were willing to do anything for the team.

"I am very proud of this team; they have sacrificed on and off the field," said coach Johanson. "They played hurt, they played the day of the prom and they went longer than any other team this spring."

Congratulations to Coach Johanson and the 2002 Girls Softball Nassau County finalists, Glen Cove Big Red.