Thursday, October 1, 2026
It’s rare for a softball coach who lost 11 esteemed seniors to be this confident about the upcoming season.
But Calhoun coach Michael Pisano has never been more pumped about a new group that lacks varsity experience. He feels the Colts can at least strive to match last season’s wonderful postseason when they marched to the Nassau Class AA semifinals.
“We’re looking to match the success,’’ Pisano said. “Just because we graduated everyone doesn’t mean we ‘re not going to try.’’
Pisano, in his 10th season with Calhoun softball, is eyeing a conference title with the alignment switch.
Pisano calls it “an exciting new era.’’ The key to his optimism centers on two freshman, pitcher Sophia Nicastro, and centerfielder Megan Hobdy. Calhoun is also boosted by a solid junior tandem, Junior catcher Kaitlyn DiPaola and shortstop Ruthie Small
“There were no spots for them last year,’’ Pisano said. “They were all really good but last year the seniors were exceptional and there was no room in the lineup for these kids.’’
Now the kids are unleashed. Nicastro is the most compelling newbie as she’s the younger sister of former Calhoun star pitcher, Gianna, now at Division I St. John’s.
It’s Gianna’s younger sister’s turn for the spotlight after playing mostly junior varsity as an 8th grader and she’s posted a 2.37 ERA so far. Sophia Nicastro is also decent with the bat (.412, 5 RBIs through seven games).
Nicastro is known for composure and excellent command and movement, “Sophia brings maturity beyond her years to the mound,’’ Pisano said. “She's not only a strike-thrower but a fierce competitor who thrives under pressure. She steps onto the varsity field with big shoes to fill, but she’s more than ready for the challenge.’’
The other key freshman is the speedy Hobdy, the leadoff batter. In a thriller over Clarke on April 2, Megan hit a grand slam in the bottom of the 6th inning to put the Colts ahead 8-6 and cap a 3-for-3 hitting effort. She also got the win in relief.
Hobdy also has a good glove in center and will be relied on as a reliever. “Megan has been a very welcome surprise on the mound and will be a key part of the pitching rotation,’’ Pisano said.
The junior class is led by DiPaola, who owns a powerful bat and is backbone of the defense, providing stability behind the plate. DiPaola has thrown out seven runners and totes a .391 batting clip.
“She brings a strong presence in the middle of the lineup,’’ Pisano said. “With her experience, work ethic, and ability to handle the pitching staff, she will be a crucial piece of Calhoun’s offensive and defensive game plan.’’
Small, a junior and first-year starter, is thrust as defensive anchor of the infield. While DiPaola brings the power, Small brings the speed and has stolen seven bases and knocked in 10 runs. She’s got range, quick reflexes and exudes onfield leadership.
“Offensively, she brings speed and versatility, creating havoc on the basepaths and putting pressure on opposing defenses,’’ Pisano said.
The captaincy will be shared by Small, DiPaola and senior Kaitlin Theodores, who is a steady bat and outfield defender.
The other key senior, Ava Leo, is a sure infield glove and is hitting .467. Another promising young addition is sophomore Madison Martins, a lefty pitcher/first baseman who was a junior-varsity star last season.
Calhoun is off to a 5-2 start after topping Sacred Heart 11-8 on April 10th. “Every game will be a test, but this group has the potential to surprise a lot of people,’’ Pisano said. “The focus this season is growth, chemistry, and embracing the "Hustle and Heart" mentality.’’
