WPCNR PRESS BOX. From New York Juggernaut. May 17, 2005: The New York Juggernaut has finalized their stadium naming Hofstra University as the home site for the 2005 season. The Stadium, which features dugouts and seating for approximately 1,000 spectators, will receive an upgrade including Musco lights and additional bleacher seating in the outfield. The new venue for the Juggernaut will enable them to tap the vast Long Island-Queens-Brooklyn fan base. It also marks a return home for Alicia Smith, the former Hofstra University star, now joining the Juggernaut.
ALICIA SMITH, Katonah Fastpitch Great, Fastpitch Star in European league last year, looks forward to returning to Hofstra Alma Mater on Picket Duty for the New York Juggernaut. Ms. Smith is shown on a visit to a Juggernaut game last August. Photo, WPCNR Sports.
Former Hofstra softball standout, Alicia Smith is extremely excited to return to the diamond of her alma mater once more, “I can’t convey the emotions I feel about returning to Hofstra in words. My experience playing at Hofstra helped mold and shape me into the person I am. A lot of tradition has been built on that field; I’m glad to be apart of it again, this time wearing a Juggernaut uniform!” Smith played for the Pride from 1997 to 2000 and still holds the all time Hofstra Softball records for Most Games Played (63), At Bats (727), Hits (271) and Doubles (54).
Long Island native and team owner John Schmitz is pleased the franchise is located in Long Island, “Long Island has been waiting for more softball outlets and I am glad to be able to provide the best by way of the Juggernauts. We are expecting big things this season and hope to develop a strong fan base as support.”
Head Coach and General Manager Julie Smith (Far Right) is glad that the 2005 site has been finalized stating, "I am so thrilled to be playing our games this season at Hofstra University. Hofstra has a great name as well as a beautiful field. I am excited to be able to announce to the public our home field; I hope to see an excited crowd filling Hofstra’s seats. Having Alicia Smith, a Hofstra alumni and NCAA All- American, should get some Hofstra fans out at the games to support their local star!" Ms. Smith, and Carri Leto, Naut Second Sackette (Center), appeared recently on White Plains Public Access Cable Show, Beyond the Game with Johnny Vorperian. The show will be cablecast Tuesday, May 24 at 10 PM and Friday May 27 at 9 P.M.
Photo, WPCNR Sports.
Returning on the diamond for the New York Juggernaut includes Bayshore, NY native Jaclyn Pasquerella and NPF All-Star Carri Leto. Amanda Scott will be make the transition from the mound to the sidelines as this year’s pitching coach, and holding down the infield will be 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Natasha Watley.
Jackie Pasquerella, The Spiderwoman on the Hot Corner. Photo, Courtesy, NY Juggernaut.
The season opens up June 2nd, 2005 against the Venezuelan National Team. For more information on the stadium or to purchase tickets, please visit the Juggernaut online at www.nynjjuggernaut.com. Prices range from $5 for outfield general admission tickets to $12 for VIP tickets.
Carri Leto, NY Juggernauts, 2nd Sackette. Photo by WPCNR Sports.
