Undefeated Clarkstown Softball Champs Honored By Town Board

The atmosphere was an exciting one at last night’s Clarkstown Town Board meeting as its members honored the Clarkstown Girls Softball League Division Champions for their undefeated season.

The Diamond Backs, made up of 15 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th graders, have been playing together for almost a decade and have worked incredibly hard to get to this point.  While most teams in the league began practicing in March, this team began in early February.  Despite having to be indoors, they knew that the extra practice would put them a step ahead of everyone else.

Town Supervisor Alex Gromack referred to the team as “remarkable young ladies” and began by congratulating them on their triumph.  He then invited coaches, Amy Elba and Tom Velez to say a few words.

“You girls had a great year,” said Velez, “We’ll miss you guys.”  “This has been a wonderful experience,” added Elba.

Each player was called up individually for a certificate and proud parents took photos of the team with the Town Board members. The girls’ energy and excitement was contagious and could be felt by everyone in the room.  

“Most of us have been together since we were in 2^nd grade and it’s a nice way to end,” said, sophomore, Megan Elba.  “It was a lot of fun because we are all friends,” added Jennifer Velez, also a sophomore.

Coach Elba remarked on why she thought the team was able to go undefeated this season.  “It sounds cliché,” she laughed “but these girls play as a team.  They are positive and supportive and they don’t give up.”

The championship is bittersweet as this season was the last eligible year for the majority of the players to participate in the league. There is talk of the league looking to expand to a senior league, but the status of that is unknown.

“I feel accomplished since this is my last year,” said sophomore Alaina DiGiacomo.

 “I think the fact that they knew this was their last year motivated them,” said Coach Elba.  “They are sitting here because of their spirit and drive in every game.”