Plainedge High School’s 2009 varsity softball team, which was coached by Jason McGowan and assistant coach Tara Kalberer, has been named a 2008-2009 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Academic Team. The team was considered for this honor based on the athletes’ unweighted cumulative grade point average of 3.7, an average that ranked them highest among other New York State schools considered for the award.

“We worked extremely hard on the field to make our varsity program a success,” stated McGowan, noting that the team finished the season with a 17-5 record. “For the girls to balance their academics with their dedication to this sport is truly commendable and is a testament to their work ethic.”

In addition to the overall team award, eight players were named Academic All-Americans by the NFCA including Megan Andrews, Tara Bogseth, Katherine Ciorciari, Annemarie Danielo, Michele Daubman, Stephanie McKenna, Nicole O’Connor, and Michelle Scollo. Michele was also named a Regional All-American by the NFCA and was noted to have the team’s highest grade point average.

Theteam made it to the Nassau County playoffs last spring, losing in the second round to Levittown Division Avenue High School.

Shown in the photo, is Plainedge High School’s 2009 varsity softball team, coached by Jason McGowan, far left, and assistant coach Tara Kalberer, far right.