Article by Phoenix writer Victoria Vakser ’26:
After a tiring three days of trimester exams, the Varsity Softball team put off their Easter Break for just a little longer to play in the Annual Benefit Game at Molloy University. The friendly non-conference competition was held to benefit the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD).
April 15 was a cold, windy evening, but spirits were high because over $3,000 was raised as a result.
Junior Addia Zimmer, a catcher, reflected, “We were playing— yes, for ourselves— but we were also helping something bigger than ourselves. So it really didn’t matter if we won or lost.”
The Softball Team has been playing in a charity game each year for the past twelve years. Their games have benefited a few different charities, including children’s hospitals, research foundations, and the League of YES. This is the second year that the team has played for LICADD.
Mr. Conrade, the varsity softball coach, is proud of his athletes’ enthusiasm.
He remarked, “Games like these help remind the girls that they are healthy and talented and have a lot of gifts, but more importantly, they remind the girls that they can use those gifts to help others.”
According to softball coach Mr. Conrade, all six umpires even donated their fees for the day to help. The softball team is immensely grateful to all those who donated and came to show their support for a valuable cause, and for 10-9 Firebird victory over Massapequa High School.
For more information on LICADD, please visit https://licadd.org.
