Victory Through Teamwork

THE TENAFLY SOFTBALL 5th and 6th grade teams, led by Melissa Gomez, ended their season on a high note. Under the guidance of head coach Melissa Gomez and assistant coaches Josh Elias and Dale Knause, the players thrived in an environment that fostered perseverance, teamwork and camaraderie. These not only fueled their love of the game but also set them up for success on and off the field. The trio coached the 5th and 6th grade team and had the pleasure of coaching Karina Knause, Izzy Quinones, Harper Lieberman, Harper Elias, Vivienne Gomez, Maria Kyriannis, Maya Oikawa, Annabelle Cho, Marlow Harris, Lia DiClemente, Samaira Dalal, Cate Pham and Isabelle Holden.

A VICTORIOUS SEASON

While this season ended on a high note, the team put in a lot of hard work to get there. For years, they have been competing despite a lack of resources. Instead of getting discouraged, they got better. This season, teammate Izzy Quinones moved to Tenafly and joined the team as their starting pitcher. With Quinones leading from the mound, they won the league championship against a team that had been undefeated all season. They secured the victory 3–2.

How did they celebrate? With the Starbucks treat Coach Gomez had promised them if they took home the gold. While winning is always the goal, what matters most to this team is the bond they share and their ability to support one another. “That’s what it’s about: camaraderie. They’re all there for each other, and if somebody strikes out, they pick each other up,” says Gomez.

Elias, who stepped in as assistant coach when there was shortage of volunteers, noted that while winning in their division was one of the highlights of the season, the true highlight was watching the girls grow into good teammates and show good sportsmanship. “The way they welcomed new players joining the team, consoled one another when mistakes were made and complimented a nice play by the other team—those are the things that I remember most,” he shares.

THE DREAM TEAM (X3)

Throughout the season, it’s not just the players who have to learn to work together. The coaches, who all have daughters that are the same age, do as well. With three coaches bringing different strengths and temperaments to the table, the girls benefited from a well-rounded and balanced approach to the game.

“We’re all different personalities, but we balance each other out,” says Gomez, who grew up playing softball with her father as her coach. Each coach knows their place in the ballpark. Elias keeps score, Knause coaches third base and Gomez coaches first base. “We’re very connected when we’re on the field together,” continues Gomez. “Josh and I are definitely more competitive, while Dale is more laid-back. We have so much trust in each other, and we’re always supportive.”

The coaches also credited the parents and the Tenafly community for making their experience so meaningful. “We always had such good families [on the team]. It’s always been a supportive environment for the girls to win, to lose and to grow,” says Gomez. She mentioned that what attracted her to Tenafly 11 years ago was the “warm, welcoming and like-minded families” that she wanted to raise her children around.

MORE THAN A SPORT

While playing softball is a healthy and fun extracurricular activity for the players, it also provides them with lifelong skills that they can take to all aspects of their lives today and going forward. Gomez encourages all parents who are on the fence about introducing their children involved in sports to take the leap.

“Sports, for girls especially, provides such an amazing foundation for confidence building, leadership skills and development,” said Gomez. “It can set you up to be a successful person and can help you learn how to navigate difficulties. You win, you lose, you learn how to set goals and you learn how to work towards goals. It gives you a good work ethic; if you want to be better, you have to practice. I feel like so many life lessons are built into sports naturally.”

While the girls are eager to continue their softball experience next season, they have gained much more than a championship win. They developed true friendships and through the help of their committed coaches, learned that working as a team and persevering is more rewarding than any trophy.

BY GABRIELLE WALTERS