Three Mepham soccer stars earn All-State honors

Three Mepham High School soccer stars, all seniors, were recently awarded All-State honors. They are Jillian Picinich, and Safiat and Salimat Ayinde, all of whom were previously awarded All-Conference and All-County accolades.

Jillian Picinich

Picinich was a four-year starter on the girls’ varsity soccer team. She had to sit out her junior year because of a torn ACL, but this year she was named league MVP, placing third in the county in goals and fifth in total points, with 19 goals and seven assists. She also served as a team co-captain. Picinich is a member of the National and Italian honor societies, and will play Division I soccer for Sacred Heart in Connecticut next year.

Safiat Ayinde

Safiat Ayinde was a five-year starter on the girls’ varsity soccer team. She led Nassau County in assists with 15, and placed fourth in the county in total points, having racked up 12 goals. She was also a team co-captain. Ayinde is a member of the National, Spanish, English and Social Studies honor societies. She will play Division I soccer for Iona College next year.

Salimat Ayinde

Salimat Ayinde was a five-year starter on the girls’ varsity soccer team, as well as a team co-captain this year. Ayinde is a member of the National, Art, Social Studies, English and French honor societies. She will play Division I soccer for Iona College next year.