Growing up with two older athletic brothers, senior Katie Sharkey was bound to be an athlete. From the soccer pitch, to the softball diamond, and even the gridiron, Sharkey has showcased her athletic prowess with dedication that spans over a decade. From her early kindergarten days of playing soccer and softball, to her more recent ventures into flag football, which started during her sophomore year, Sharkey’s dedication to her craft shines.
Out of the three varsity sports Sharkey participates in, softball holds a special place in her heart. “Softball is my favorite sport because baseball is a sport that everyone in my family has played. I spent a lot of my childhood going to my brothers’ baseball games, so I just picked up a lot about the sport from watching,” she shared.
Sharkey’s commitment to the game extends beyond just the varsity softball team; she also devotes substantial time to playing with the Queens Nassau Comets travel team. For Sharkey, the most rewarding aspect of being an athlete is the physical and mental strength it builds. “As an athlete, you have to be strong enough to make it through a tough workout, or a game that isn’t going so well. Being tough like this helps you out a lot in other aspects of life that [do not] even have anything to do with sports,” she said.
Moreover, she cherishes the bond and camaraderie forged with her teammates. “My favorite memories are all the practices and games I get to play with some of my best friends. We have the best time with each other and it’s something I’ll never forget,” she expressed. Sharkey attributes much of her success to the endless support of her family, particularly her brothers, whom she considers her greatest inspirations.
Sharkey’s growth as a player and as an individual is evident to all those around her. Junior and fellow varsity softball player Kylie Schroeder remarked on Sharkey’s exceptional transformation and work ethic: “Katie has improved so much since I’ve started playing [softball] with her. I’ve seen her go from just a little confidence to all the confidence you can get while playing a game. She always works hard at practice and has gotten better after every game and every practice.” Sharkey’s indelible impact reaches further than just the scoreboard. Beyond the field, she finds fulfillment in working with children with disabilities and teaching them how to play sports, sharing her passion for athletics with others.
Furthermore, Sharkey’s adaptability and excellence on the field have also not gone unnoticed. Junior and varsity softball player Bianca LoBosco who has played alongside Sharkey for four years highlighted her ability to adapt quickly: “I remember when she was a natural right-handed hitter and she was asked by the coaches to change to the other side of the plate because of her speed, and it was impressive to see how fast she made the adjustment.”
Varsity softball coach Peter Toscano praised Sharkey’s steadfast attitude and hustle, emphasizing her commitment to giving her all in every game and practice: “Sharkey’s athleticism and attitude have been the same since the first day I met her. She goes and gives 100% all the time. Every time Sharkey takes the field, you know you are going to get everything that she has. She makes every play in the field and runs out every ball.”
Sharkey has proven to be a leader both on and off the field while also emphasizing the importance of being a team player. “Katie is a great teammate and is always cheering for her [fellow] teammates,” shared LoBosco.
When asked if she has any advice for younger players, Sharkey remarked, “I would tell younger athletes to try a lot of different sports and if you decide that you really like one, then take it to the next level by starting extra training or joining a travel or club team. [It is] always good to start out by trying new sports.”
Though her time playing for the Owls is coming to an end, Sharkey will be embarking on a new journey at DeSales University, where she is committed to furthering her softball career at the Division-III level and to studying education. As Sharkey prepares to leave LHS behind, her current softball team feels sentimental about seeing her go. “I’m so honored I had a chance to play with [Katie] for four years, and I’m going to miss her next year, but I can’t wait to see all the noise she makes at DeSales,” reflected LoBosco.
