THE OFFICIAL HOME OF
LONG ISLAND PRIDE FASTPITCH
TRANSITION INTO SCHOOL BALL
In the Northeast, winter isn’t just an obstacle, it’s a challenge that separates the committed from the complacent. While athletes in Texas, California, and Florida train and play outside year-round, here on Long Island, we don’t have that luxury. The cold forces us indoors, but if we don’t put in the work, we fall behind.
That’s why Long Island Pride Fastpitch refuses to let the elements dictate our success. This winter, we went beyond what most programs offer, delivering our most intense and effective training regimen to date. For 11 relentless weeks, our athletes trained with purpose, pushing their limits, refining their skills, and elevating their game to ensure they were not just ready for high school tryouts but ahead of the competition.
The results say it all! 24 of our athletes secured spots on their respective varsity teams. While others may have taken it easy or have gone through the motions in the winter months, Pride athletes outworked and outtrained the rest, proving that no matter the conditions, our commitment to excellence never wavers.
Congrats!!
We are incredibly proud of each of our PRIDE athletes who have earned a spot on their varsity school teams. Your hard work, dedication and commitment have paid off. We wish you continued success this season and can’t wait to see you bring all your training to life on the field. Keep making us proud!
JV ATHLETES
Ava leek - MacArthur | 8th Grade
Ashley Powers - MacArthur | Freshman
Jillian Sharp - Farmingdale | Freshman
Ava Lynch - St. Anthony’s | Freshman
Arianna Lynch - St. Anthony’s | Freshman
Gabriella Ruggiero - Copiague | 7th Grade
CONGRATULATIONS
TO OUR VERY OWN
PRIDE FASTPITCH
COACH OF THE MONTH
COACH DAMIAN COTTO
COACH DAMIAN COTTO
HEAD OF TRAINING & PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
Damian’s softball journey began when his daughter started playing at age 10, and he’s been committed to the game ever since. Damian joined the Long Island Pride Girls Fastpitch Softball organization in 2023 as the Director of Training and Player Development, bringing a wealth of experience and a true passion for teaching the game. With over a decade of coaching experience, Damian has spent the last ten years developing young athletes, instilling in them not only the technical skills needed to excel on the field, but also the leadership, confidence, and sportsmanship that last a lifetime.
Damian’s approach to coaching centers on building strong fundamentals and fostering a deep understanding of the game. As a teacher of the sport, he is dedicated to creating an environment where players not only improve their abilities but also gain a genuine love for softball. His emphasis on player development goes beyond the physical, he works to cultivate mental toughness, teamwork, and a strong sense of discipline.
Before his role with the Pride, Damian spent 16 years as a strength coach and the owner of Athletes In Training, where he worked with athletes of all ages to enhance their strength and conditioning. His experience as a strength coach has shaped his approach to training, emphasizing the importance of athleticism, mental toughness, and strength in the development of fastpitch players.
Damian remains highly active and continues to train and compete in senior softball leagues. He plays in two men’s slow-pitch leagues, embodying his belief in the importance of staying active and competitive throughout life. This dedication to fitness and sports fuels his coaching, where he shares his enthusiasm for the game with his players, instilling in them the same love for competition and self-improvement.
Outside of his coaching career, Damian is a proud husband and father. Married for over 30 years, he and his wife raised a wonderful daughter who is a senior at Wesleyan University and a four-year member of the university’s softball team, the Cardinals. One of Damian’s greatest joys has been watching his daughter compete at the highest level, including her time representing Team Puerto Rico at the Junior Pan Am Games, where she earned a bronze medal with the Junior National Softball Team.
In addition to his work with the Pride, Damian is a Court Attorney in Housing Court for the State of New York. His legal career has instilled a disciplined and thoughtful approach to his coaching, ensuring that every player receives not just athletic guidance, but mentorship and leadership that extends beyond the field.
A huge congratulations to Molly, Presley, and Lexi
for being named among Newsday’s Top 100 Softball Players on Long Island!
Their passion for the game continue to set them apart.
We’re so proud of them and can’t wait to see all they accomplish this season!
PLAYER SPOTLIGHTS
Adriana Criollo has earned Student of the Month once more! This time, she was recognized by the English Department for her outstanding achievements. Congratulations Adriana.
Aerin Jockel continues to excel academically, making the honor roll for her second trimester with an outstanding 97 GPA! Her hard work and dedication in the classroom are truly commendable. Congratulations Aerin!
Gabby Ruggiero is achieving excellence both in the classroom and on the field! She made the honor roll once again this quarter. She’s also gearing up for an exciting season with the JV team as a 7th grader! We can’t wait to see her shine on the field. Keep up the great work, Gabby!
Macey Meyers continues to maintain an impressive 95+ average while contributing her creativity as part of the set design crew for her school’s upcoming production of Annie, Jr. In addition to her artistic and academic achievements, Macey is also making an impact on the court, playing volleyball for both the Sacred Heart CYO and DG Whitestone teams.
Ava Lynch had an incredible opportunity to travel to Florida with the St. Anthony’s Varsity team, where she contributed behind the plate for the Friars and built lasting memories with the players at Universal Studios. Adding to her accomplishments, Ava has also been invited on behalf of the entire staff at Catchermtrx to the 2025 Catchers Combine on August 6th in Staten Island! This recognition is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and skill behind the plate. We’re excited to see her continue to grow and excel!
A big congratulations to Eva Trivigno on making her confirmation earlier this month! May this special milestone bring her many blessings. Wishing her faith, joy, and success in all she does. God bless!
Ava Leek is making waves both on the field and on the track! As an 8th grader, she earned a spot on the JV team at MacArthur. This month, she also competed in the Nike Indoor Nationals at the iconic Armory in Manhattan, where she ran a personal best of 5:38 in the 1600m. Her dedication, work ethic, and athleticism continue to set her apart, and we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next!
Cailyn Rose-Freaney continues to excel both on and off the field! She earned All-County honors for Tenor Saxophone in SCMEA, showcasing her exceptional musical talent, and was also recognized as Student of the Month for her hard work and dedication in the classroom.
Jillian Sharp’s talents extend beyond the softball field! One of her art pieces was selected to be displayed at the public library art show.
Nadia Cho participated in an all-day Model UN conference as a delegate discussing environmental issues. On the field, she made her Varsity debut for Plainview Old Bethpage HS, recording a hit in her first plate appearance. In a clutch moment, she threw out the potential go-ahead run from RF at home plate, keeping the game tied in the 6th inning. POB went on to win 3-2. Love to hear Nadia making an immediate impact on her varsity team.
Congratulations to Alexis Zaremba and Molly Silecchia on being selected as co-captains for their varsity teams at Kellenberg! Their leadership, dedication, and hard work have earned them this well-deserved honor. We can’t wait to see them lead their teams to success this season!
Faith Wagner and Marcella Polvere have been named co-captains of their varsity teams at Archbishop Molloy! This well-deserved recognition reflects their leadership, hard work, and dedication to their teams. We’re excited to see them lead with excellence this season!
PRIDE IN THE PAST , POWER IN THE PRESENT
Honoring the achievements of alumni while celebrating the strength and success of todays Pride Fastpitch.
Our esteemed Alumni highlight the lasting impact of past athletes and the ongoing excellence of Pride Fastpitch.
Bella Secaira-Cotto
100th career hit was a Home Run Blast while competing in Florida on March 17th
Cheralyn Dusharme
100th career hit on March 19. Hit #101 was a walk off homerun the next day.
Lauren D'Orazio
hits her first collegiate Home Run Blast on March 30th. First on Many!!!
Cheralyn, Delaney, Ashley, Makayla, Madeline
Pride’s legacy lives on through these incredible athletes and coaches
who continue to inspire the next generation!
PRIDE TIES ON OPPOSITE SIDES
It’s always fun to bump into or play against a current or former Pride teammate.
You may be opponents on the field, but the red, white, and blue runs deep.
Once a Pride sister, always a Pride sister!
Makayla Martinez & Leila Portugal
These current Pride teammates, Makayla (St. Anthony’s HS, NY) and Leila (Kimball Union Academy, NH) found themselves playing on adjacent fields in Apopka, Florida, during a week of spring training games.
Hailey, Makayla, & Michelle
Former Pride teammates reunited as Makayla Comer (Adelphi) faced off against Hailey Feiler and Michelle Diaz (Bentley). In a doubleheader split, each walked away with a team win, but the best part was seeing familiar faces back on the field!
Abigail Abbatiello & Lauren Giudice
In their first-ever varsity starts, Abby (Northport) and Lauren (West Babylon) went head-to-head, each making an impact for their team. From Pride teammates to high school rivals.
Dylan Reyer & Makayla Comer
Makayla and Dylan met once again on the field when Mercy visited Adelphi for a doubleheader. Both games were tight wins for Adelphi, with Makayla going 2 for 3 at the plate. But no stats could beat the moment when Dylan’s smile said it all after a post-game meet-up with her former Pride teammate.
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY
Damian COTTO - March 4
61 years old
Eva Trivigno - march 9
14 years old
Jillian Sharp - March 16
15 years old
Dominique Rinaldi - March 26
22 yrs old
CONTACT
US
Email
LIPRIDEFASTPITCH@Gmail.com
Follow
us
Monday - Friday 11:00 - 18:30
Saturday 11:00 - 17:00
Sunday 12:30 - 16:30
TELL
US
Thank you for being part of the Pride family.
Together, we continue to grow, achieve, and inspire the next generation!
Be sure to say hi if you bump into any of our coaches as we head out to support our Pride athletes on school fields across Long Island this season!
