Name: Cristian Corcione

Grade: 12

Sport: Baseball

How did you start playing?

I started playing when I was four, because my dad has grown up playing, and I kind of just fell in love with it.

What position do you play?

I play second base, but I also play middle and field.

How long have you been playing?

I have been playing since I was four.

Have you played any other positions?

I can also play outfield as well.

Do you want to play in college and or, do you know what school you’re attending?

Yes, I am playing at Kean University next year.

Do you play any other sports?

I also play soccer and basketball.

Do you play outside of school?

Yes, I do play outside of school.

Do you like playing in school or outside of school better?

I enjoy playing inside of school better because I can play with my friends and support my school. It gives me the opportunity to play for my town and help our school win.

What was the hardest thing to learn about the sport?

For me, the hardest thing is learning to accept defeat and failure.

What is your favorite thing about the sport?

My favorite thing about baseball would be the fact that it is my passion and just something I love to do and look forward to.

What was your greatest achievement in the sport?

I would say that committing to play at Kean is an extremely amazing achievement for me because my dream has always been to play at college level.

What was the greatest moment you had during the season?

My greatest moment so far would be hitting my first ever career home run.

How do you stay in shape?

Well I also play soccer and basketball, so being a three sport athlete helps me stay in shape and healthy.

Is it hard for you to balance school and baseball?

It was at first, but over the years I’ve learned how to time manage properly and I have been able to balance my workload.

Do you ever think about going pro?

Yes, of course I would go to the professional level, it has been a dream of mine for all I could remember to make it up to that level. I know that it is a challenge but I’d love to make it.

Do you have any before game superstitions or rituals?

I don’t really have rituals, but this year I have been wearing eye black every game and it has been beneficial so far.

How are the season stats so far?

Currently we are 10 and 7 and we have three games left. So far we have clenched the tournaments so we are in the playoffs. Hopefully, we can get in a hot streak and make it farther.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS (STATISTICAL OR OTHERWISE) FROM THE MONTH:

• Leads or is second on team in every major offensive statistical category including:
• .425 Batting Average
• .500 On-Base Percentage
• Nominated for State All-Star Game and Shore Conference Carpenter Cup Team
• Plays a fantastic defensive second base.

ATHLETE’S IMPACT ON THE TEAM’S OVERALL SUCCESS:

“Cristian has been the most integral part of the team’s success in April. His character and leadership and positive attitude reassures his teammates. He leads by example with his work ethic as well as his statistical output. He is a true captain and puts the team above all else.”

Name: Zoey Valentino

Grade: Junior

Sport: Softball

How long have you been playing?

I would say that I have been playing for about 8 or 9 years.

What position do you play?

I am the catcher.

How did you start playing?

One of my first friends played it and I went to one of her games and knew that this was something that I wanted to do and be a part of.

Have you played any other positions?

I have played third and first base.

Do you want to play in college and or, do you know what school you’re attending?

Yes, I am committed to the University of Delaware

Do you play any other sports?

No, I don’t play any other sports

Do you play outside of school?

Yes, I do play softball outside of school

Do you like playing in school or outside of school better?

I love both and playing year round; I enjoy both because I never stop playing.

What was the hardest thing to learn about the sport?

I would say it’s hard to learn how to cope with failure.

What is your favorite thing about the sport?

The camaraderie and the friends that you make while playing is my favorite part.

What was your greatest achievement in the sport?

I would say committing to University of Delaware.

How do you stay in shape?

I would say practicing and training everyday

Is it hard for you to balance school and Softball?

It was hard at first, but it gets easier and I started doing better at balancing all of my work.

Do you ever think about going pro?

No, I wouldn’t want to go pro because I know that girls who do don’t have such a good opportunity and it’s not as glamorous when it comes to female sports, so I wouldn’t decide to ever go pro.

Do you have any before game superstitions or rituals?

I would just say left sock, right sock and left shoe, right shoe, but otherwise, I don’t have any superstitions.

How are the season stats so far?

We are doing really good, I mean we had was a tough loss to Howell, but our stars have been great so far.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS (STATISTICAL OR OTHERWISE) FROM THE MONTH:

• Batted .533 with 5 Home runs, 21 Runs Batted In and 12 Walks during the month of April
• Broke the career record for home runs
• Is on a path to rewrite the record books in most offensive statistical categories

ATHLETE’S IMPACT ON THE TEAM’S OVERALL SUCCESS:

“As the catcher, Zoey is a leader on and off the field. She works closely with the pitcher to manage the game and her offensive output speaks for itself. Zoey always has a calm demeanor and is supportive of her teammates in all situations.”