Emily Herr: A Senior Swimmer’s Quest for State Championship Glory
Shoreham-Wading River senior Emily Herr has made waves in the swimming world since she first dove into varsity competition as a seventh grader. Over the years, she has not only broken records but has also made a name for herself by qualifying for the state championships five times and earning the title of county champion. As she approaches her final season before heading off to Villanova, Herr has set her sights on one last monumental achievement: becoming a state champion.
“My goal this year is definitely to win and become a state champion,” Herr expressed with determination. “I’ve been working with my coaches a lot, tweaking my strokes and becoming stronger in and out of the water.” This commitment to improvement is evident in her rigorous training regimen, which focuses on refining her technique and building her physical strength.
Herr has already secured her spot in the upcoming state championships, qualifying in multiple events including the 100-yard butterfly, 200-individual medley, 100-freestyle, and 200-freestyle. Her versatility in the pool showcases her talent and dedication, making her a formidable competitor.
Mark Anderson, Herr’s club swim coach, emphasizes her competitive spirit. “As soon as she steps on the block, she has one thing on her mind, and that’s to win,” he said. “She’s created an aura and a name around being the fierce competitor she is.” This fierce mentality has propelled Herr to impressive finishes, including a second-place finish in the Federation for the 100-yard butterfly and a third in the 200-IM at last year’s state championships.
Despite the pressure that comes with her final year of competition, Anderson and Herr are focused on maintaining a positive mindset. “She’s gotten to this level by swimming loose and free and just enjoying it, so we’re trying to keep the pressure off of it,” Anderson explained. He noted that in a sport where races can be decided by mere hundredths of a second, attention to detail in practice is crucial.
As the Suffolk championships approach, Herr is excited to take on new challenges. “I’m doing totally different events than last year,” she said, referring to her decision to compete in the 200 freestyle and 100 breaststroke. “I just wanted to switch it up for my senior year.” This willingness to adapt and try new things reflects her growth as an athlete.
Recently, at an independent meet held at Ward Melville, Herr showcased her skills by winning the 200-IM with a time of 2:18.99, all while celebrating her senior night. “I feel like it went by so fast,” she remarked, reminiscing about her journey and the younger swimmers now following in her footsteps.
Anderson, who has coached Herr for nearly a decade, cherishes the relationship they’ve built. “I treasure the relationship more than the time they swim for me,” he said. “I always knew Emily would have a long career ahead of her, and I’m excited to see her get her name in the record books there.”
Long Beach Boys Badminton: A Senior Night to Remember
Senior Night is a significant occasion for any high school athlete, but for the Long Beach boys badminton team, this year’s event held extra weight. The Marines faced off against a formidable Roslyn team that had maintained an undefeated record of 12-0. Earlier in the season, Roslyn had handed Long Beach its only loss, a 6-1 defeat. Coach Michelle La Barbera aimed to see her team close that gap, but the players had their sights set even higher.
“That wasn’t enough for them,” La Barbera said, reflecting on her team’s determination. “They wanted it, and they took it.” In a thrilling match, Long Beach ended Roslyn’s undefeated streak with a narrow 4-3 victory. The match came down to the fourth doubles duo of Cameron Leflein and Theo Turbek, who, after losing the first game 19-21, rallied to win the next two games 21-12 and 21-11.
“This is their last time playing with home-court advantage,” La Barbera noted, praising her players for their effort. Long Beach’s Jake Haff also demonstrated resilience in second singles, overcoming Roslyn’s Nick Chao in a hard-fought match that showcased the team’s mental toughness.
La Barbera expressed pride in her team’s “mental stamina,” especially as they prepare for the playoffs. “If you lose the first game, you have to get yourself out of that; you can’t give up,” she advised. This mindset reflects the maturity and dedication of the players, qualities that will serve them well as they head into the postseason.
Longwood Girls Soccer: Chasing a League Title
The Longwood girls soccer team is on the brink of achieving something remarkable: a league title that has eluded the program for 29 years. Under the guidance of first-year coach Eric Stark, the Lions have compiled an impressive 8-4-1 record, including a dominant 6-1 in Suffolk League I. With a crucial match against Central Islip on the horizon, a victory would secure at least a share of the league title, a feat not accomplished since 1995.
“They have a chance to leave a legacy for the underclassmen,” Stark said, highlighting the significance of their potential achievement. He noted that the Longwood soccer program has been in need of a winning culture, and this year’s team is poised to make a statement.
Stark attributes the team’s success to a blend of senior leadership and the contributions of younger players stepping into key roles. After a disappointing 5-9 season last year, he quickly recognized the potential within this year’s squad. “The girls have bought in since Day 1, and they believe every time they step on the field,” he remarked.
Senior Delaney Israel leads the team with nine goals and seven assists, while fellow senior Haylee Tufano has contributed six goals and three assists. Freshman Mia Drossel has also made her mark with five goals and four assists. Stark also commended the defensive efforts of players like Grace Mitchell, Brooke Pfieffer, and Sara Mangels, who have been instrumental in the team’s turnaround.
With the playoffs approaching, Stark is eager to see how far the team can go. “Our goal since Day 1 was to win the league championship,” he stated. “But once playoffs come around, our focus is to make as much noise as possible, and I think any team that plays us is not going to take us lightly this year.”