The team is a frontrunner for the Greater Boston League title and a perennial qualifier for postseason play.
The players are model school citizens, excel in academics, and go on to attend colleges where several have continued their athletic careers.
The leader of the program was an outstanding athlete in high school, played collegiately, and returned to Everett to teach and coach in the school system. The coach has reached a significant victory milestone and earned a reputation as one of the finest all-time mentors in the state. The coach is a role model whom the players admire and try to emulate.
The coach’s knowledge of the sport is unsurpassed and the stressing of the fundamentals and the instilling of sportsmanship in the players is noteworthy. A solid youth program sets the foundation for high school where the coach makes sure the players maximize their potential on the field and in the classroom.
Superintendent of Schools Frederick Foresteire has given the program all the resources and support it needs to maximize its potential every single year.
We’re talking Everett High School football and legendary coach John DiBiaso, right? Yes, John DiBiaso is in a class by himself.
But there is at least one other program at Everett High School where all of the above platitudes also hold true about the sport and the coach.
For year in and year out Stacy Poste-Schiavo’s Everett High softball program produces winning teams, exciting games, and All-Star players.
The Agganis Softball Classic held Sunday in Lynn was another affirmation that Schiavo oversees a special program as three of her seniors – Alea Martinelli, Janyne Sierra, and Samantha Batres – represented the Tide in a game that featured the best players in northern Massachusetts.
Martinelli made the defensive play of the game when she rifled a strike from her centerfield position to third base to nail a baserunner. Sierra and Batres also showed that they belonged among the elite of the Class of 2013 in softball.
Stacy Poste-Schiavo made her annual trek to Fraser Field in Lynn to watch her graduating players compete in the game that is part of weeklong tribute to the great Lynn Classical athlete Harry Agganis, who played for the Boston Red Sox before he died in 1955 at the age of 26.
Schiavo was thrilled to have three of her players – all recipients of ‘E’ Club Scholarships as well – competing in the prestigious Agganis Softball Classic.
“They usually pick only two players but to have all three nominees be selected is great,” said Schiavo, who is assisted by John Nuzzolo with the Everett varsity.
A former All-Scholastic softball pitcher and graduate of Merrimack College, Schiavo just completed her 16th year as a teacher at the Parlin School. She has been the leader of the EHS softball program for 17 seasons and has a career record of 226-118. The Tide posted a 14-8 record this season.
The Everett alumnae playing college softball include Tori Cyrus of Fitchburg State, who was named the MASCAC Co-Rookie of the Year, and Michelle Zullo of UMass/Boston, who was the Lady Beacons’ ace. Martinelli (UMass/Dartmouth) and Sierra (Simmons College) will be continuing their softball careers while Batres will attend the University of Florida.
Franki Perreault will attend Salem State University.
Schiavo was asked whether the giant specter of Crimson Tide football overshadows her high-achieving program.
“I don’t think so – we’re our own story,” said Schiavo. “Mr. Foresteire mentioned that I may be the most winningest coach after Dib.”
Opposing coaches speak reverentially about Schiavo’s program.
“Stacy does a great job,” said Malden coach John Furlong. “We look forward to playing Everett because we know how well-coached her team is and the games are always going to be exciting and competitive.”
Everett’s Agganis All-Stars praised Schiavo after making their final appearances as high school athletes Sunday.
“We’re going to miss coach Stacy a lot,” said Sierra. “We had four great years. We made the state tournament four times.”
Added Martinelli, a four-year starter, “I’m going to miss her. She was a very good coach and taught me a lot.”
“She’s an amazing coach and we’re all going to miss her,” said Batres, a two-year varsity starter.