The Calhoun Lady Colts came within one win of the 2011 Class AA Nassau County championship. Riding an undefeated 16-0-2 overall record heading into the championship with MacArthur, the Lady Colts fell short for the first time.

Calhoun made its mark on years to come with many underclassmen filling the roster this season. One of those names is sophomore Kayla Cappuzzo, who was recently named to the Class AA All-State third team, the first such honor for the Calhoun girls soccer program. The honors are determined annually by the New York State Sportswriters and Coaches Organization for Girls Sports (NYSSCOGS) and the New York State Sportswriters Association (NYSSWA).

“Kayla’s strong points in the game are her feet and being able to cross the ball into the box where the girls can finish,” Lori Biscardi, Calhoun head coach, said. “Her knowledge of the game is great. As a sophomore, even some of the older girls looked to Kayla as a role model. She is becoming more vocal and more of a leader on the field as well.”

Cappuzzo tallied 23 total points as a freshman and five goals and nine assists this past season. Despite not being amongst the statistical leaders in the state, the awards take into account the intangibles, such as leadership, soccer intelligence and other essential factors not listed on a box score. Cappuzzo was able to exemplify these ideals throughout the season with Calhoun.

The road to earning an All-State nomination started years ago for Cappuzzo. She was the MVP of the team as a freshman and recently earned MVP honors in the 2011 Summer League, which Calhoun took first place in. Cappuzzo plays club soccer for Albertson, where she was previously selected as a regional and national player. 

Senior teammate, Kristina Gandolfo, received first-team All-Long Island honors after tallying 24 total goals in 2011. Along with junior forward Michelle Iacono, Gandolfo served as a top threat up front for a potent Calhoun offense. She has potential aspirations to play college soccer at SUNY New Paltz in 2012.

“Kristina led the team in goals in both her junior and senior years,” Biscardi added. “She was just able to find the back of the net. She was a natural at it.”

Along with Cappuzzo and Gandolfo, Taylor Sipos earned All-County honors. Iacono and Alissa Battaglia earned All-Class honors and Nora Charidah, Mary Hijazi and Jessica Foley earned All-Conference honors.