New Hyde Park fall sports teams showcased their exceptional talent and dedication as four varsity teams–field hockey, boys soccer, boys volleyball, and football–secured their spots in the 2024 playoffs.
With teams advancing further than ever before and pushing past limits to achieve historic milestones, the season left a lasting impression on both the players and their coaches.
“The buy-in from the entire team. All for one,” Coach Bello said.
These playoffs were not just games but meaningful experiences for the players as individuals and as teams. The boys varsity soccer team won their first playoff game in 15 years as they defeated Hewlett 3-2. They would also go on to beat Manhasset in the second round in a thrilling double-overtime game.
“It means a lot, especially knowing that 15 years of past boy’s soccer teams for this school have failed to get past the first round. It was like a sign from heaven telling me this is our moment and our chance to do what others couldn’t,” senior Lucas Campuzano said.
“Being able to play a playoff game in my senior year with the home crowd cheering me on was an unexplainable feeling…even after losing to the state champions, we got to walk off that field with our heads held high because we made history,” senior Samir Bushati said.
The varsity football team continued its streak of making it to playoffs, despite facing a season with many obstacles. The team’s resilience and ability to adapt highlighted their dedication to both individual and collective improvement.
“Our players overcame difficult challenges and continually worked to improve throughout the season,” Coach Maier said.
“It took a lot of hard work at practice and effort. Week by week, everyone improved in their roles, playing better and better each week,” junior Joseph Teetz said.
The varsity field hockey team demonstrated persistence and growth throughout the season, applying lessons learned from each game to push through and make it to the playoffs.
“Seeing how well we played against Clarke during the regular season and again in the postseason, we played them tough both games. We never gave up and that’s what was important,” Coach Brocking said.
Their determination to learn from setbacks and capitalize on victories drove their success and their competitive spirit.
“I think what contributed most to our success was applying the issues from our past few games into our practices and also how we interpreted the score of our past games, if we lost, we wanted to win the next one and if we won, we wanted to keep winning and we never just sat back and took a break after winning,” junior Julia Condon said.
The boys varsity volleyball team’s season was defined by their ability to overcome challenges through their teamwork and dedication.
“My team’s performance this season has exceeded my expectations. Between the hours they dedicated during preseason and their drive during practice they worked together to hone in their skills and areas of weakness on the court. Their hard work being demonstrated by their success this season. I think some of the biggest factors getting to playoffs is how they would work as a team to explain techniques and develop plays that capitalized on the strengths of the players on the court,” Coach Leydon said.
“We all started off really excited for the season. Some of us already have a few years of experience while others have none. Nonetheless, everyone was exuberated. Throughout the season, there were not many key moments that led to our success but rather just the spirit to win and the hard work people put in,” junior Jason Kang said.
The success of the teams was not only a reflection of the players’ and coaches’ dedication but also of the support within the school’s athletic program.
“Attending these games, talking about it in class, it really enriches the community aspect of the school and seeing parents come out and enjoy it as well. We were very competitive in everything. The soccer team made it to the semifinals. It was a great experience getting to play at SUNY Farmingdale for them. Volleyball made it to the quarterfinals, football making it to the quarterfinals, field hockey making it to the quarterfinals. It was a really nice way to start the school year off with a lot of excitement building,” athletic director John Kostkowicz said. “Hopefully this helps build programs as younger kids see these athletes succeed in their passions and are like ‘This could be me, I want to get to that semifinal, and I want to take us to the next step, the finals and the Championships in the future.’ There’s a lot more than just the benefits it has for these athletes. It’s the benefit it has on the school and on future athletes.”
NHP’s fall playoff season was a true celebration of their athletes’ power, resilience and community spirit. Each team’s achievements reflected the dedication and hard work of players and coaches alike.
