Fair Haven Recreation Softball Teams Get a Lesson from the Big Dawgs

When Marissa Stefanelli, a softball players from Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School,  saw that the Fair Haven Recreation softball program was in need of some added expertise and enthusiasm, she was happy to help.

In response to that need, she put together a clinic for the young players. She developed the program, lined up equipment, created fliers, emails and publicity in connection with Fair Haven Girls’ Softball, Inc. and co-ordinated a series of clinics for third through eighth graders. The clinic was held throughout March before the start of the season.

"I started this clinic with the help of Fair Haven Girls Softball to give girls an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the game before the season starts.  It is a pleasure to teach the girls, and it is so great to see them improving," said Stefanelli.

Stefanelli’s teammates on the RFH Varsity Girls Softball team joined in the effort to help with the drills and practices. The Fair Haven recreational teams truly benefited from their help. Not only did they improve their skills, but they are also had a great time interacting with the high school athletes.

Joe Liberi, President of the Fair Haven Softball, Inc. Executive Board said he is happy the younger players got the opportunity to work with older girls. “Marissa is such an outstanding role model for our young softball players. She volunteers for us because she has a love of the game and wants to help the younger girls develop their skills," he said. "She came up through Fair Haven Softball and has excelled at RFH. We are very proud of Marissa and are fortunate that she has come back to help our young athletes improve.”

With an eye on the future for the RFH Bulldog team, Stefanelli said that these fundamentals will help the girls and the high school team in the long run. "Hopefully someday they will all want to play Varsity softball for RFH," she said.