Scholarship, Lacrosse Clinic Launched In Memory Of Late Schreiber Alum

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — Life looks different without Christina Saccone, a Port Washington resident who died suddenly this year at age 35. But her legacy and love for lacrosse live on.

Inspired by the life she led, Saccone's family and community launched a girls' lacrosse clinic in her honor. The event was held on the field of her alma mater, Paul D. Schreiber Senior High School, on May 10.

Saccone's former coach, Raquel Piraino, and current girls' lacrosse coach Pam Giordano worked with Port Washington Youth Activities to offer the clinic to girls in their program, who ranged from first to sixth grade. Players from Schreiber's varsity and junior varsity teams helped run stations at the clinic.

"Even though I did not have the pleasure of coaching Christina, I could not be more honored to host an event for her legacy," said Giordano. "Schreiber High School is a family and we come together in moments like this. We will host this event every year to keep her spirit on the field."

Organizers say all proceeds from the clinic will help fund the Christina Saccone Memorial Scholarship, which awards $1,000 annually to a graduating female lacrosse player at Schreiber.

Saccone, who graduated from Schreiber in 2004, played goalie for the Lady Vikings and wore the number double-zero on her jersey. Each player who attended last week's event was given a blue lacrosse shirt with the name "Saccone" and the number "00" on their back.

"When you're looking out of the field and seeing Christina's last name and jersey number, and on all these young girls running around and excited to play, it takes away some of the sadness from her passing," Piraino said. "There's nothing better than having her family, friends, coaches, and young athletes coming together (and) paying it all forward in the same place that was so special for Christina."

Annemarie Saccone said her sister would have been "so proud" of the girls who attended last week's event.

"She created so many lifelong memories and lasting friendships through lacrosse, and to see youth players carrying on her love for the game and wearing her number was very heartwarming," Annemarie said.