On Friday, May 15, the Croton-Harmon High School varsity softball team transformed Firefighters Memorial Field into a powerful symbol of hope, resilience, and community as they hosted their first-ever Game of Hope in support of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Organized during Mental Health Awareness Month, the event was created to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind students and families that no one has to face mental health challenges alone.

As spectators made their way to the field, they were welcomed by a walkway lined with handmade signs featuring affirmations and messages of hope created by team members.

Before the game, Head Coach Stephanie Gaudinier and Assistant Coach Joe Pascarelli addressed the crowd, sharing the purpose behind the evening.

“Tonight is about more than softball,” Coach Gaudinier said. “It’s about people. It’s about mental health and the quiet battles so many carry that we often never see.”

She explained that the Game of Hope was the team’s way of sending a clear message to anyone who may be struggling.

“The Game of Hope is our way of saying you are not alone,” she said. “Not here. Not in this community.”

Coach Gaudinier emphasized that mental health affects everyone and that asking for help is a sign of strength.

“Mental health touches all of us — athletes, students, families, and friends,” she said. “If you are struggling, we see you. If you are carrying something heavy, you matter.”

The team partnered with NAMI Westchester, and all proceeds from the event were donated to support the organization’s work serving individuals and families impacted by mental health challenges.

Coach Gaudinier thanked Athletic Director Christine Drago, Carla Powell, parent liaison Sam Benjamin, the JCK Foundation, and parent volunteers for helping bring the event to life.

Guest speakers included John Tessitore, who shared remarks on behalf of the JCK Foundation, and Marie Considine, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Leslie Pollock addressed the crowd during the fourth inning. Senior JJ Zamora performed the national anthem, and Charles Berger served as master of ceremonies.

As part of the pregame ceremony, the team recognized its senior athletes for their dedication and leadership: captain Sophia Misiti, Lyla Munoz, Maddie Albanese, Gabby Malgieri, and Cecilia Demattia.

Coach Gaudinier also thanked the senior families, including Greg Misiti, Pat Malgieri, and Marc Albanese, whose generosity helped fund the Firefighters Memorial Field scoreboard and batting cage.

The ceremony also celebrated the future of the program as members of the Croton Little League softball teams, escorted by the junior varsity team, were invited onto the field.

“We’re incredibly proud to share that we now have 95 young athletes participating in Croton’s youth softball program,” Coach Gaudinier said. “Standing right here in front of us is the future of Croton softball.”

Team captains Sophia Misiti and Charlotte Benjamin explained why the players felt compelled to organize the event.

“Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, this year we decided to partner with NAMI to create a benefit in support of this cause,” Charlotte said.

Sophia added, “We wanted to bring more attention to mental health because there continues to be a stigma around it, and it definitely needs to be talked about. It’s important to know that there is help out there if you need it.”

In the matchup against the North Salem Tigers, Croton-Harmon earned the win. But the biggest victory of the night was the way athletes, families, and community members came together to support one another and reinforce a powerful message.

“This isn’t just a softball game,” Coach Gaudinier said. “It’s a reminder that we show up for each other in sports, in life, and in the moments no one else sees. No one is alone in this.”