HADLEY — Just over 11 years ago, Olivia Brighenti walked into Paula Cristoforo’s first grade classroom ready for her first day of school. Brighenti would form a positive relationship with her new teacher right from the start. Neither one of them, though, could have predicted then that their paths would cross many years later on a softball diamond.
Brighenti, who is co-captain of the Hopkins Academy softball team, and half of her teammates have passed through Cristoforo’s elementary school classroom.
“I think we have a great group of girls this year; our abilities and talents are amazing,” Cristoforo said. “I care about each and every one of them very, very much.”
Cristoforo, now in her fourth year with the Golden Hawks, remembers giving nicknames to some of her players when they were little girls in her classroom — Brighenti was dubbed “Shorty.” Cristoforo, not so sure of that nickname anymore, joked that Brighenti now “is taller than me.”
“It’s wonderful to be able to teach at the elementary school,” Cristoforo said. “When I’m over there and wearing my Hopkins gear, all the younger girls go, ‘I’m playing for you someday, Coach.’ That brings a smile to my face.”
Hopkins snapped a six-year playoff drought when they qualified for the 2018 Western Massachusetts Division 3 Tournament. The Golden Hawks beat Smith Vocational, 17-0, in the first round. A few days later, Hopkins lost 6-4 to McCann Tech in the quarterfinals.
One more win would have put Hopkins at UMass’ Sortino Field, site of the sectional semifinals and finals.
“We really want to get to UMass,” Cristoforo said. “Obviously, being local girls, they aspire to get to that spot — everyone wants to get to UMass.”
Cristoforo made her goals for the team pretty clear.
“Ultimately, our goal is to go further than we did last year,” Cristoforo said. “Last year, we made our first tournament appearance in six years. … We had a really great season and part of that was because of our attitude.”
The Golden Hawks return everyone from last year, including co-captains Brighenti and Maegan Quinlan. The team is mixed with experience. Of the 15 players, five are seniors and three are eighth-graders.
“Some girls are coming back to the sport after not having played for a few years,” Cristoforo said. “These girls make it fun and exciting and treat everyone really well, so they came back to the program.”
Brighenti and Quinlan, who were both standouts on and off the field, are ready to lead the team.
Last year, the co-captains both hit for over .400 with 30-plus hits.
“They’re really great on and off the field,” Cristoforo said. “They help me with anything that I need. They’re both excellent students and devote a lot of time to other activities offered at the school.”
Gabby Palmisano and Allison Markowski also hit over .400 with 30-plus hits.
Returning catcher and veteran Sara Beauchamp, spoke about her close relationship with Brighenti, reinforcing the mentality of a close-knit team.
“Maegan and I have been pitching and catching together for a few years now,” Beauchamp said. “We’ve got a pretty good chemistry going both ways.”
Added Quinlan, “She’s literally my second half. We have a connection and I don’t know how I’d do without her — she’s good.”
As seen in the culture around the team, being a good softball player is not enough. A strong emphasis on character and comradery is instilled into the minds of each and every player on the team.
“It’s a sport where you have to rely on everyone else to also be able to do their part,” Cristoforo said. “It’s really extra important for a player to be able to work well with others and pick up teammates if they make a mistake or even cheer someone on when they do something wonderful.”