Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Oceanside High School varsity girls lacrosse team turned a regular season matchup into a heartfelt tribute on April 16, honoring the memory of former player Ava Salonia during an annual dedication game that continues to unite the community.
Now in its third year, the tribute game has become a meaningful tradition for the Sailors, organized largely by the lacrosse parents’ association and supported by players, coaches and families. Salonia, who died in August of 2023, at age 16 after a nearly yearlong battle with acute myeloid leukemia, is remembered not only for her love of the sport but for the impact she had on those around her.
The evening game, played against Division High School in Levittown, counted as an official league matchup, but the focus extended beyond the scoreboard. Throughout the night, photos of Salonia with teammates and friends were displayed on the digital scoreboard, offering a constant reminder of her presence and legacy within the program.
Players wore special orange-and-white jerseys — a departure from the team’s traditional navy — in recognition of leukemia awareness. At halftime, three team captains, Reese Barriga, Julia Morrison and Sydney Abbott, addressed the crowd, sharing memories and dedicating the game to Salonia. Her parents, Jessica and Ralph Salonia, were also in attendance, along with her sisters, Ella, a senior captain, and Angie, a freshman, both of whom play lacrosse.
To ensure both sisters could participate in the evening, Division High School adjusted its schedule to bring both its junior varsity and varsity teams to Oceanside. The move allowed Angie to play in the earlier game and remain for the varsity tribute, a gesture Oceanside coach Ralph Montera Jr. described as especially meaningful.
“It was really nice of them,” Montera said. “That way we had all the teams here, all the players together. It made the night feel complete.”
Before the opening draw, the team gathered for a moment of silence as Salonia’s image appeared above the field. The gesture set the tone for an emotional night centered on remembrance, unity and purpose.
“It’s more than just a game,” Montera said. “It gives perspective to the players and reminds them of what’s really important. You can see how much it means to them — they play not just to win, but for each other and for Ava.”
In addition to the on-field tribute, the community has found ways to carry Salonia’s legacy forward. Donations collected during the event support the Ava Salonia Memorial Scholarship, which awards two Oceanside High School seniors $500 each June. The scholarship recognizes students who embody the kindness, compassion and empathy that defined Salonia’s character.
Her influence also extends beyond athletics. A craft project she began while receiving treatment at Cohen Children’s Medical Center has grown into a broader initiative providing customizable drawstring bags for pediatric patients, offering comfort and creativity to children facing medical challenges.
“All of this keeps her memory alive,” Montera said. “And it gives future players something to learn from — a reminder of her spirit and what she meant to this community.”
Through tribute games, scholarships and acts of kindness, Salonia’s legacy continues to resonate as a lasting example of resilience, generosity and the enduring bonds of a team.
