Thursday, October 1, 2026
Coming off a strong 13-3 campaign, West Hempstead softball will look to continue its momentum this spring and has the potential to do it with its largest roster since Covid canceled the 2020 season.
“One big positive are the numbers are solid,” longtime Rams coach Chris Van Kovics said. “We have a nice returning core from last year and we’ll see how we do with a more challenging schedule. We’re going to face some tough teams with good pitching.”
West Hempstead also boasts a quality arm with senior Valerie Schreck, who is also one of its top offensive players. “She has a lot of experience and if she throws strikes, we can be in every game,” Van Kovics. “She had success last year and we’ve been working on defensive fundamentals behind her. We want to take the easy outs and make the routine plays.”
Backing up Schreck when needed will be freshman Arianna Corona, a junior and the starting shortstop. “She has great speed and will steal bases and make things happen at the top of the order,” Van Kovics said. “She’s a contact hitter with a good glove and arm.”
Senior Morgan Hill, a lefty, is Schreck’s battery mate and a middle of the order bat who’ll be counted on to drive in runs. “Morgan did a nice job last year and we’re expecting more of the same,” Van Kovics said.
Senior Kayla Wallack can also catch and could give Hill a breather at times, but she’ll primarily play first base. She’s a returning starter and a tall target at first for the rest of the infielders. “Kayla and Morgan are both line-drive hitters who we’ll need to drive in runs,” Van Kovics said.
Sophomore Emma Pearlman and freshman Emma Torres round out the starting infield. Both could see time at third and second. Pearlman has experience at the hot corner and is another gap hitter. Torres is making the jump from middle school ball along with another freshman, Jamie Rizzo. A lefty who can play first base or outfield, Rizzo looks to have secured a spot in the lineup.
The improvement of junior Alondra Discua has been noticeable every year, Van Kovics said, and her arm strength makes her a good fit for a corner outfield spot. She’ll also boost the Rams’ “small ball” offensive mentality with bunting skills.
In center field, senior newcomer Jasmine Johnson has served notice in the early going she’ll be an important piece to the puzzle. She began the spring playing flag football but made the switch to softball without ever swinging a bat before.
“Jasmine’s a great story and is learning quickly on the fly,” Van Kovics said. “She’s fast and can catch the ball. She’s working on her swing every day and has good instincts.”
West Hempstead is part of Conference V and will face East Rockaway, Freeport, Valley Stream Central, Valley Stream South, Lawrence, Lynbrook, Jericho, Oyster Bay and Elmont twice apiece.
