MONROE, CT — Three leaders of Masuk High School’s elite softball program signed national letters of intent to continue playing the sport in college during a ceremony inside the school library Wednesday afternoon.
Julia Bacoulis will go to Florida Gulf Coast University, Alyssa Castillo will play at the University of Bridgeport, and Sofia Lieto has committed to play at Providence College.
Athletic Director Brian Hourigan, who is also the boys head baseball coach, recalled seeing these young athletes honing their swings in the batting cages and working out over the summer, on days off, before and after practice.
“This is not a surprise to me,” Hourigan said from behind the podium. Glancing over to the three student athletes seated at a table in front of the Panthers’ logo, he said, “their commitment to their sport is unparalleled. It’s truly impressive to watch and inspire.”
“Your accomplishments are also a testament to the unwavering support of your families, coaches, teammates and really the entire Masuk community,” Hourigan said. “Today, we celebrate you and your future.”
Proud families, friends, educators, current and former coaches filled rows of chairs and stood nearby to express their support for the three Panthers teammates.
Hourigan said Lieto, Castillo and Bacoulis signing their national letters of intent is not only a commitment to furthering their athletic careers, but also a commitment to their education and personal growth at the collegiate level.
“This moment is a testament to your countless hours of practice, perseverance and passion for your sport,” he said.
Prior to the signing, Masuk Head Softball Coach Leigh Barone shared a few words about each of her players.
“Alyssa, Sofia, and Julia, all of you have played such a big role in the continued success of the Masuk softball team throughout the past three years,” Barone said. “Since your freshman year, the team has amassed a 76-5 record, with two SWC Championships and three Class L State Titles.”
Barone said she coached Bacoulis and Lieto as students at Jockey Hollow Middle School.
“Getting to know you both as students and athletes has been such a pleasure and I can say that the success you have experienced and this moment today is no surprise to me with your hard work and dedication on and off the field,” she said.
“I can look back to Sofia and Julia as students in my classroom, learning Spanish obviously, but also coming to see me to talk softball,” Barone said. “I saw the passion you had for the sport, the desire to continue the Masuk tradition, and your willingness to work to do so before you even stepped on the field as freshmen.”
Alyssa Castillo
“I remember our SWC Championship game against Pomperaug in 2017 like it was yesterday,” Barone said to Castillo. “You were there with a few other current Masuk softball players in the outfield watching the game, patiently waiting for your moment on that field to come. You looked up to so many of those players and now roles are reversed, you are a player that others look up to and for many reasons.”
Barone called Castillo the definition of a team player, who is willing to do whatever it takes for the Panthers to win.
“I cannot count the number of times that you have come in clutch in big games for us,” Barone said. “I know that I can rely on you in suicide squeeze situations and you are always willing to sacrifice your at bats to move runners over or get the run in. You have also been willing to play any position in the field to help your team.”
The coach recalled how Castillo was a third baseman her sophomore year, then took on the role of catcher as a junior.
“You demonstrated so much growth last year, became more confident behind the plate, and took on that leadership role on the field,” Barone said. “Your Masuk family could not be more proud of you and your accomplishments and we cannot wait to see what you do as a Purple Knight.”
Sofia Lieto
“When analyzing spread charts from pitchers with the speed of Kat and Julia, batters tend to be a little late and a majority of hits are to the right side,” Barone said.
Because of this, the coach said her team needed a solid second baseman, who could knock down hard hits to the right side. Though Sofia Lieto was a great outfielder, Barone said coaches moved her to the infield to play second base.
“What you proved to be, was something way more,” Barone told Lieto. “Even though you are going to the collegiate level as an outfielder, you are the type of player that can play anywhere with your high IQ of the game. You have transformed yourself over the past couple years to one of Masuk’s true ‘middie’s’. You worked so hard to learn a position that you were not accustomed to to help make our team better.”
“I remember your first game against Ludlowe when you made a diving play up the middle to throw the runner out at second — a play that only few in the state of Connecticut would be able to make,” Barone said. “After a play like that, it was hard as coaches for us to put anyone else in that position.”
“There have been so many situations where umpires tell me how much they love the communication on our field between our players and a big part of that is you,” she said. “You talk to your first baseman and shortstop constantly to let them know where you are covering and if you are shifting.”
“On offense, you have become such a consistent hitter in our lineup and with your speed are always willing to get a bunt down for a base hit and to move runners,” Barone said. “You have been such a pleasure to coach and we know you will do great things in Friartown.”
Julia Bacoulis
Barone noted how Julia Bacoulis stepped in as the ace of Masuk’s pitching rotation after Kat Gallant graduated.
“You have continued that dominance of Masuk pitching along with some great names like Rachele Fico, Tatum Buckley, Sam Schiebe, Madison Procyk, and Kat Gallant,” she said.
“I remember you watching your older sister throughout her career at Masuk and when her team won the first state championship in 2018,” Barone said. “I knew right away that you had full intentions to continue that winning streak, not just in the field but also on the mound.”
She recalled how Bacoulis hurled two complete game shutouts in two state championship finals to help Masuk to its sixth consecutive state title.
“Your ability to move the ball and keep people off balance with your off speed pitch has helped you get to where you are today, but your work ethic is what helps you continue to grow,” Barone said.
“Not only do you do what you do on the mound, but you also do it at the plate,” she continued. “You have come in clutch with big hits in big games, including a home run against Cheshire, a walk off home run against North Branford, and a grand slam to tie the game in the SWC Championship. Your poise in the circle along with the confidence in your teammates have created an unstoppable team.”
“You also bring positivity and high energy to every game and practice regardless of the situation,” Barone said. “We cannot wait to watch your career at FGC. Go Eagles!”
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