Yorktown first baseman Alicia Cinicolo enjoyed a great season on the softball diamond this spring, earning All-Section, All-League and League Player of the Year honors.
Offensively, she had a .419 batting average, with a slugging percentage of .676. Defensively, Cinicolo registered a .978 fielding percentage, recorded 169 putouts and five double plays.
Cinicolo, a three-year varsity player, was one of the Huskers’ four senior captains, along with Ally Pace, Sienna Katzenberg and Kayla DiSanzo.
What did it mean to be on the Yorktown softball squad that reached the Section 1 Class AA title game? It meant the world to me. That has been my dream for so long and walking into that stadium (at North Rockland vs. Eastchester) was one of the coolest feelings ever. Getting to make it that far my senior year was so special to me and although we didn’t win that game, the experience of making it that far with my teammates was even more important to me.
How old were you when you started playing softball and what got you started? I started playing for Yorktown Athletic Club at the age of 5 and since I was just a toddler, I was already constantly begging to throw a ball around so it definitely was meant to be from the start.
What was your favorite part of being on the Yorktown softball team? Spending time with my teammates and always having each other’s backs. No matter what was going on outside of softball, we somehow always found a way to cheer each other up when we were together at games, practices, etc. and if I ever felt that I was in my head during game time, I always knew that one of my teammates would be there for me.
This was such a special thing which really kept us bonded throughout the entire season, making it feel like we are family.
What was your favorite team activity or pre- or post-game ritual? Before games, I love blasting music to get everyone hyped and set the vibe. I always bring a snack bag with candy to share with my teammates, it’s such a fun way to get everyone pumped up together.
Who has been your biggest role model? My uncle (Jess Siciliano). He played professional baseball and still plays on leagues ‘til this day.
When I would get stressed and overwhelmed about softball, he would always remind me that it is just a game and to let things go, which has helped me gain a better mindset and become a better softball player as a whole.
What’s one thing about yourself that most people don’t know? I used to be one of the shyest people ever, which now you would never know because I never stop talking. I honestly think that playing softball and meeting some of my greatest friends at such a young age helped me break out of my shell.
What do you plan to do after high school? I am attending Marist University and as of right now studying undecided, but have interest in finance. I also plan on studying abroad once I get to college.
What’s your favorite sports team? The New York Rangers
What’s your go-to warm-up music? I love to listen to house music before games because it keeps me in a positive mood and allows me to let loose a little before game time.
What’s one place you’ve never been but would love to visit? The Maldives.
What would you say to a young athlete thinking about trying out for the Yorktown softball team? That being a part of Yorktown softball has been a pleasure and it something that will never forget about. You will meet so many people that will become some of your best friends without even realizing it and be a part of an environment of people who will be there for you when you need a helping hand.
Yorktown softball has taught me to always persevere through challenges and be confident in yourself and it something that you should look forward to when coming to high school. Just always remember to have fun and know that softball is just a game.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here