Tag Archive for: team atmosphere

SAVED BY SAMMIE

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POLAND OH — Senior Sammie Masucci is closing out her high school career in remarkable fashion, both on the lacrosse field and in the classroom. Featured in a recent YSN Player Profile, Masucci opened up about her final season as the Bulldogs’ standout goalie, the leadership role she embraced, and her plans for the future.

“It’s been a roller coaster of emotions,” Masucci admitted, as she prepared for the team’s upcoming home playoff game. This season has been historic for Poland girls lacrosse: the Bulldogs have posted a record-setting 12-3 campaign, a first in program history. Masucci credits the team’s dramatic turnaround to strong leadership from the senior captains and a new sense of unity fostered among players. “Everyone has a bond on this team, and you can truly see it… There is absolutely no bad chemistry on the field at all,” she said. As a three-year starting goalie, Masucci quickly found her niche in one of the sport’s most demanding positions, despite not fitting the “prototype” goalie build. “I don’t let my size define me,” she asserted. She’s now dedicated to mentoring her successor, freshman Raven Prua, and says she feels a sense of pride watching younger teammates develop.

Off the field, Masucci thrived academically at Poland and built strong connections with faculty, crediting teachers like Mr. Henry and Mr. DiPietro for inspiring her love of learning. Her favorite class? Technology and video production with Mr. Williams. Next fall, Masucci will attend Mount Union, studying marketing with ambitions toward a career in sales and digital media. While she’s nervous about being away from her tight-knit family—especially missing her mother’s daily lunch notes and her grandmother’s famous chicken—Masucci is grateful for the unwavering support she’s received from coaches, teachers, teammates, and family. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them,” she said. For Masucci, the 2024 lacrosse season was more than a collection of wins—it was a celebration of hard work, growth, and community.

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CITY ON THE HILL

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JEFFERSON OH-  Jefferson senior Allie Hill is preparing to take her next big leap, both academically and athletically, as the standout Falcon readies for graduation and a future playing softball at the University of Rio Grande.

In a recent interview with YSN, Hill opened up about the emotional landscape of her final season, the tight bonds she’s formed with teammates, and the support system that’s fueled her journey. “It’s hard, but I just try to think about what I’m leaving behind,” Hill shared, reflecting on her senior year. She credits a tight-knit, family-like atmosphere on her team for making this year especially meaningful, saying, “We have a very good team this year. Not even skill-wise, just personalities—we’re a big, big family.” Throughout her rise from Jefferson’s local fields to the broader competition in travel ball, Hill’s passion has always been about uplifting others: “Sometimes I feel like I treasure their success more than I treasure mine. I just like supporting people and inspiring them to do better and stay positive.”

Hill’s journey has always been a family affair. Inspired by her sister to pick up the sport, and supported every step of the way by her parents, she credits them with pushing her to seize every opportunity. “Both of my parents, they take me as far as they can to try to get me the best opportunities they can,” she said. Next fall, Hill will head south to Rio Grande in Ohio, where she plans to play softball and major in business and accounting—hoping to one day help her father’s future business. She’s looking forward to the close-knit feel on campus and finding a familiar sense of home there. As she prepares to leave Jefferson behind, Hill has some simple advice for underclassmen: “Just try your best to have fun. Having fun is the most important thing. And supporting your teammates, having each other’s backs—being a family.” With a legacy of positivity and teamwork, Allie Hill is leaving her mark on Jefferson softball—and is ready for whatever comes next.

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PAYTON PAYS OFF THE WORK

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Boardman, OH — In a remarkable journey from underclassman to a prominent team leader, Boardman High School junior Payton Konnerth is making waves on the court. With no seniors on the girls’ tennis team this year, Konnerth has stepped up to fill the void, providing essential leadership and guidance to her younger teammates. “It’s definitely different than in the past when I’ve been the underclassman,” Konnerth reflected. “But now, since there are no seniors, the juniors are the oldest girls. We really had to step up and become the leaders of the team.”
An avid tennis player since the age of seven, Konnerth’s early memories of playing at Applewood Swimming and Tennis Club showcased her resilience. Despite facing challenges due to suboptimal courts, she honed her skills through dedication and passion, often practicing with her supportive father.

“He started to get more serious as I did,” Konnerth said of her father’s growing interest in tennis. “He watches more videos, learns more about the game, and does all he can to help me get better.” Konnerth credits a significant part of her growth to the solitary nature of tennis, a sport that demands both physical acumen and mental fortitude. “You really have to lock in and hammer down on focus,” she commented. Her leadership skills have flourished as she leads stretches, prepares teammates for matches, and offers invaluable advice.

Her enthusiasm extends beyond personal achievement; Konnerth delights in seeing the sport’s growing popularity within the Youngstown community. “It’s really good to see, because it is a smaller sport, and I think everybody should try it,” she remarked on the increasing number of tennis programs in local schools. Balancing her athletic pursuits with academic excellence, Konnerth maintains a remarkable 3.9 GPA. She attributes her success in the classroom to her perseverance and willingness to seek help when needed. “I’m not afraid of a challenge. I will talk to my teachers and make sure that I know it before a test,” she explained.

Her journey is also supported by influential teachers like her math instructor, Mrs. Rohan, and her art teacher, Mrs. Sears, who have provided invaluable support. As Konnerth continues to lead her team through the season, she maintains a humble perspective, expressing gratitude to her family, friends, coaches, and teachers. With another year ahead to further cement her leadership, Payton Konnerth is undoubtedly a rising star both on and off the tennis court.

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