Melanie Rizzo, a member of Carle Place High School's Class of 2008, is known for her prowess on the mound of a softball diamond. She was a valued member of the softball program since the seventh grade and, as Carle Place High School, served as a two-year captain, an All-County pitcher and, during her senior, received All-State honors. During her tenure on the school's softball team, Rizzo helped capture three County Championships (2005, 2007 and 2008), two Long Island Championships (2005 and 2007) and a trip to the Final Four at States (2005).

During her career at Carle Place, Rizzo was a career leader with 96 games played, 274 at bats, 76 hits, 44 runs scored, 31 RBIs, 184 assists, 283 putouts and a 955 fielding average. As a pitcher, she recorded a 2.62 ERA in 243 innings, striking out 159 and giving up just 29 walks.

"Melanie is the most consistent player I have ever had the privilege to coach. She is multi-talented; she could conceivably play every position on the field and play it well, " said Chris Ceruti. Carle Place High School Athletic Director and Varsity Softball Coach. "Melanie is a leader because she makes the players around her better. She knows what to do to get our team to consistently play to their potential and make smart choices. Melanie plays with pride and does the right thing on and off the field. She is a young woman of sound morals and has always shown her peers, teachers and coaches the utmost respect."

Rizzo plans to attend Nassau Community College in the fall where she will continue to play softball.