Yonkers Lady Eagles’s Mackenzie Moccia playing third base during a playoff game vs Westlake High School at YMA Photo by Mrs. Moccia
By Derrick Touba Jr.
All State Team, YMA softball player Mackenzie Moccia has had an illustrious high school career. While at the conclusion of this spring season she will leave high school softball goodbye, she will begin a new journey as she has committed to play at Western Connecticut State University.
Moccia has accomplished a significant amount through her tenure. As a sophomore she hit for a batting average of .727, and by the end of the year was an All Section honorable mention twice and a three time All League winner, and only proceeded to improve. As a junior she was named to the All State, All Section, and All League teams. She hit for an astounding average of .543 with 38 hits, 2 homeruns, 22 runs batted in, 5 doubles, and 8 triples for the Eagles. However, Moccia isn’t just an elite hitter, but an ace pitcher for YMA, accumulating an impressive 12-6 record in 18 starts with an outstanding 150 strikeouts.
A natural third baseman, Moccia found the adjustment to pitching difficult, citing the significant difference in arm motions. “Pitching is completely different from third base,” Moccia said, “When pitching you must learn new mechanics that have nothing to do with throwing a ball overhand. It was a huge challenge for me that took a lot of hard work to overcome”. Moccia evidently worked to become one of the best pitchers in section 1. Showcased with a masterful performance last March in which she threw an exceptional 15 strikeout no-hitter, one of two no-hitters she threw on the year. Her consistent production on the mound earned her the nod to start the Section 1 Class C Championship game vs Tuckahoe. Moccia helped lead the Eagles to a hard fought 10-9 victory, becoming the first Yonkers softball team to win a Section 1 title.
With such an established resume Moccia was a valuable recruit for any university, but Western Connecticut State fit her best interests as a student-athlete. “ I chose Western Connecticut State University for their education program and small class size. I was recruited by the coach and was very impressed with the program and her. Coach Stone is amazing and made me feel very comfortable when I visited West Conn”, Moccia said on the reasoning behind her decision.
Moccia intends to major in elementary education, following in her parents footsteps who both contribute as educators in the Yonkers Public Schools district. A member of the National and Math honor societies at YMA, education is very important to Moccia and “West Conn” not only allows her to further her own education, but develop future minds as a teacher. A current member of Project Impact and peer mentoring programs, she is well immersed in helping her community and other students. Teaching offers an additional outlet to give back to her environment as she will continue such efforts in college.
As softball season steadily approaches she’s excited for this upcoming season and is hopeful for the outlook of the team. “We have a good team, and if we work hard we will hopefully go deep into the playoffs again”, Moccia commented on this upcoming season. Moccia will return back to the Eagles this spring as they hope to defend their Section 1 title before she will continue to pursue softball at the next level.
