Amanda Larow: 

     Senior volleyball captain Amanda Larow has been an asset to the girls’ varsity volleyball team for two years. After an unconventional winter season last year, and the loss of seven graduated senior players, the team knew that this year would be challenging. Though they are off to a bit of a rough start, they are adapting to the changes and putting in the work, and Larow is an essential part of this process.

     Larow began playing volleyball at 10 years old on the Saint Raymond’s Christian Youth Organization (CYO) team, which is when she said she fell in love with the sport. “Volleyball is something that I am so passionate about,” Larow said.

     Success is on Larow’s mind this season, and she feels hopeful that the team’s hard work will pay off. “We have a lot of talented players and good team chemistry,” she said. “We are a very close team on and off the court, so I think that making it far into the playoffs is a very realistic goal.” Larow has a total of eight kills, eight digs, and one block so far in this season.

     In her sophomore year, Larow was injured during a game.“I dove sideways to pick up a hardly hit ball,” she said. “I was able to get the ball, but I had slammed my wrist into the ground and ended up breaking a bone in the process.” 

     After this incident, Larow continued to show her dedication to the team by attending practices and supporting her teammates from the sidelines. “It was hard to watch them play because there was nothing more that I wanted to do than play alongside my teammates,” she said.

     Larow’s teammates and coach agree that she is an impressive captain. “She plays smart on the court and is super supportive,” said teammate junior Chloe Milukas. “Amanda is kind to everyone and pushes us all to do our best. Overall, she is a great teammate and athlete.” 

     Coach Suzanne Amberge said that Larow is a leader both on and off of the court. “She is a great role model,” Amberge said. “She always gives 100% and keeps a positive attitude.” Larow has also adapted to the team’s needs throughout the years. “She has changed positions as necessary to help benefit the team,” Amberge shared. “Amanda is a selfless person and a team player in every sense of the word.” 

Conor Lynch:

     The boys’ varsity soccer team has won two out of its three games so far this season. Last school year, all sports teams endured a short season and played less games than normal, but the team finished as Conference VI Co-Champions. After beginning this season with a non-league game against Valley Stream North, the soccer team is striving for greater success this season.

     Senior Conor Lynch has been an asset to the varsity team for four years. Lynch started playing soccer young.“I fell in love with the sport when I was about four years old,” he said, “and my love for the sport just grew even more.” Throughout this current season, Lynch has had a total of six goals and two assists. 

     Lynch feels that the start of the season has been positive. “We have staked our points from last season already,” he said. Lynch scored the game winning goal against Wantagh on Sept. 24, assisted by teammate Walter Martinez. Lynch has high aspirations for this season. He said he hopes to “win the conference and go further into the playoffs than last year.” 

     Having been on the team since his freshman year, Lynch has built strong bonds with his teammates on and off the field each season. “Conor is a great teammate,” said sophomore Patrick O’Doherty. “He works hard during practice and it’s visible during games. It’s important for the team to get along, and Conor helps to build the team chemistry.”

     Lynch is expected to receive post season honors due to both his passion, determination, and performance that is unlike others. “Conor ranks among some of the finest to wear the green and gold,” said boys’ varsity soccer coach Joshua Berlin. “He challenges them to find their best and as captain; he speaks up and leads by example.” 

     Berlin added that Lynch is a “dynamic character” who works hard and “sets the bar high for himself, which in turn challenges the others to reach the same level.”