J 1357: Congratulating the Hamilton Girls Softball Team upon the occasion of capturing its first New York State Class D Championship

 Senate Resolution No. 1357 BY: Senator GRIFFO CONGRATULATING the Hamilton Girls Softball Team upon the occasion of capturing its first New York State Class D Championship WHEREAS, Individual and team championships are highly sought after in high school sports; it is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend rare athletic achievements and pay special recognition to those who pursue such excellence and become examples for the youth of this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Athletic competition helps to enhance both the moral and physical development of young athletes, preparing them for the future by instilling in them the importance of teamwork, encouraging a standard of healthy living, and developing a sense of fair play and competition; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate the Hamilton Girls Softball Team upon the occasion of winning the New York State Class D Championship; and WHEREAS, On Saturday, June 14, 2025, the Hamilton Girls Softball Team achieved its first-Class D Championship title at Greenlight Networks Grand Slam Park in Binghamton, New York; the team clinched a win with a tight score of 11-10 over the Argyle Girls Softball Team, closing out the season with a remarkable overall record of 19-2; and WHEREAS, In May, the Hamilton Girls Softball Team was struck by tragedy when freshman Isadora Catania passed away suddenly, but as the team moved onward to secure a sectional championship, they carried her memory and her jersey with them, donning black bands with her number 18; in the Championship title game, as the team slowly lost the lead, they called upon her spirit for help and scored an over-the-fence home run on the very next pitch, bringing the score back to a tie; and WHEREAS, With a blend of skill and resolve, the Hamilton Girls Softball Team started strong and finished strong despite a rocky middle, each team member contributing greatly toward achieving their goal and becoming their school's first-ever softball State Champions; the team displayed extraordinary resilience in the face of an unspeakable loss and dedicated their victory to their fallen friend; and WHEREAS, Head Coach Zachary Darrow, Assistant Coach Jessie Darrow, and all the outstanding athletes on the Hamilton Girls Softball Team have clearly utilized dedication, determination, and teamwork in providing a lasting contribution to the spirit of excellence, which is a tradition of their school; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED. That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate the members of the Hamilton Girls Softball Team: Polly Hansen-Rodriguez, Ellie Freeth, Chloe LaFrance, Kristen LaFrance, Adriana Catania, Eve McCorkle, Sicily Catania, Rihana Dye, Alexis LaFrance, Katelyn Simpson, Rhiannon Murray, Ryan Verbitsky, Brooke Dunlay, Ellie Olsen, and Maggie Jackson, upon the occasion of capturing their first New York State Class D Championship, and to join them in honoring the legacy of their teammate, Isadora Catania; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the members of the Hamilton Girls Softball Team, Head Coach Zachary Darrow, and Assistant Coach Jessie Darrow.