Lakeland’s battle with Yorktown on Sept. 26 may have ended with the hometown Hornets falling 41-7 to their crosstown rivals, but the night was still memorable for many in the home crowd as the school inducted standout athletes into its Hall of Fame and honored an iconic coach.
At halftime, the Hornets inducted 2019 Lakeland graduate Julianna Cappello and the 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019 Class B state championship field hockey teams into the Hall of Fame. Cappello, a Con Edison Scholar-Athlete Award winner, played on the 2015, 2016 and 2017 teams.
“It’s such an incredible honor to be recognized by Lakeland in this way,” said Cappello, who played in college at Division I Quinnipiac University. “Field hockey was such a huge part of my life growing up, and some of my favorite memories are from being out on that field with my teammates. To know that all the hard work, dedication and love I put into the game is being remembered and celebrated now really means a lot to me. I am so grateful for the friendships I made along the way, the lessons I learned and the experiences that shaped me both as an athlete and as a person.”
At the helm of those championship squads is current Hornets coach Sharon Sarsen.
“Coach Sarsen has been so meaningful in my life, and I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish half the things I did in high school, college or even life now without her,” Cappello said. “It was so special to share this honor with her. I’m truly thankful for everyone who supported me along the way.”
Sarsen said it was important to have the last four Lakeland field hockey state championship teams recognized, as they leave yet another mark in the history books.
“Each team was so dominant throughout the regular season, and their talent, drive and direction led them to be the best in New York state,” Sarsen said. “I am so proud of each team and every member who was a part of these successes.”
As for Cappello, Sarsen said she was an amazing player to coach during her four seasons at Lakeland.
“She was fast, strong and a great scorer and all-around player,” Sarsen said. “Julianna brought joy to the field every time she stepped on it. Her enthusiasm, energy and personality were contagious. She stepped up on the biggest stages throughout her career. Two examples were her three goals vs. Vestal High School in the New York state championship game her junior year and four goals in the sectional final vs. John Jay-Cross River her senior year. I am so proud to have her honored as a 2025 Lakeland Hall of Fame inductee.”
Current Yorktown assistant coach Rob Cappelli was honored by Lakeland before the game. He served as the Hornets’ head coach for 17 years, through 2016, making him the most tenured coach in Lakeland football history.
He won 74 games, making him the winningest coach in school history. In recognition, he was given a jersey with the number 74 on it.
The ceremony included current Lakeland coach Ryan Shilling, former Hornets coach Mike Meadows—who played for and coached under Cappelli—and many of Cappelli’s former players and assistant coaches.
“It was a very special night. I was so surprised,” Cappelli said. “Coach Shilling and Coach Meadows organized this, and what made it so great is that they continued to lead the program after I left. I am so proud of both of them and what they have accomplished. I was so touched that many of my former assistant coaches and players took the time to share this special moment with me.”
Cappelli said the 74 wins were a true program effort.
“As for the record, none of this would have been possible without great coaches, players and a very supportive family who allowed me to do something that I love,” Cappelli said. “In 2000, former athletic director Denny Robinson hired me to be the head coach of a program that was demerging (after being Lakeland/Panas), and I will always be so grateful for that opportunity. It was my honor to have coached such fine young individuals in a great school district for 17 years.”
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