Three Varsity Sports Will Miss Versatile Johnna Valentzas

Johnna Valentzas spent her senior season at Harrison High School as one of only ten three-sport athletes in her class. Her athleticism and versatility made her an asset to teams in every season, field hockey in the fall, basketball in the winter and softball in the spring.

Valentzas was named to the all-league teams in both basketball and softball and was also a scholar athlete in the winter. Even though she didn't receive an award, she was also one of the key players on the field hockey team.

"By using her hard hits and controlled skill, Johnna was able to generate a lot of attacks for us," said Harrison Head Coach Sara Gonzalez. "She was a permanent fixture on the field."

In her three years as a varsity starter for the Huskies, Valentzas scored nine goals and dished out eleven assists.

"She played a right midfield position for us where she was able to generate a lot of our attack," Gonzalez said. "She was the main corner hitter for us and took most free hits leading into the circle."

During the winter Valentzas was the co-captain of the school's basketball team as a starting guard. She finished the year among the team leaders in most major statistical categories.

"She is a great leader," said Jenna Webb, one of Valentzas's teammates. "She is a natural athlete and every one of her teams is going to miss her next year."

Valentzas also turned heads during the softball season, playing a stellar right field and acting as a secondary leadoff hitter at the bottom of the order.

From the nine spot, Valentzas hit .360 for the year with 23 hits and 10 RBIs. She also scored 17 runs and stole five bases.

"She is by far the fastest girl on the team," said Harrison catcher GiGi LoDolce. "Her speed was a huge asset to us all season long on both the bases and in the field."

Next year Johnna Valentzas is going to be furthering her academic career at Elon college in North Carolina. She will be missed on and off the field by her teammates on each team.

"She is an asset to the school and the athletic program," said fellow Harrison senior Ashley Marino. "She is an amazing person in all walks of life and all of her teammates and classmates will miss her in the future."

Best of luck and continued success Johnna Valentzas, Harrison's athlete of the week for June 13 - 19.