East Longmeadow’s Angelina Leone has officially entered uncharted territory.
The Spartans’ freshman connected on her seventh home run of the season during No. 7 East Longmeadow’s 13-5 victory over West Springfield on Thursday.
With the bases loaded and no one out in the fourth inning, Leone pulled a deep fly ball to left field, lifting the Spartans’ three-run advantage to seven with just one swing.
East Longmeadow’s Angelina Leone celebrates with her teammates at home plate after hitting a home run against West Springfield on May 8, 2025. (Photos courtesy of Carla Maurer)Carla Maurer
With nine career home runs to her name, Leone passes the record set by Lindsey Sawyer in 1996 for most home runs in program history.
“It really made me happy, I’m grateful, and I’m able to persevere, and now that it’s over, I think we’ll get back on track and hit normally,” Leone said.
“I would like to continue adding to the record, creating new records for East Longmeadow, working hard for my team, teammates, coach, and being consistent on the field.”
East Longmeadow’s Angelina Leone against Agawam on Apr. 24, 2025. (Photos courtesy of Carla Maurer)Carla Maurer
Leone broke into the varsity team last season, one of two eighth-graders on the team. East Longmeadow softball coach Jenna Webb elected not to field a junior varsity team this season, allowing her young athletes to challenge themselves at a higher level.
Webb’s decision has paid significant dividends, and the numbers speak for themselves. Eighth-graders Emma Maurer and Ella Culbertson-Chaszar are regular starters in the infield, with 27 hits and 20 RBIs combined.
Outside of Leone, two other freshmen — Mia Houser and Madelyn Shorrock — have also made key contributions off the bench, with 18 hits and nine RBIs combined.
“I’ve loved it. Coach Webb is definitely one of the best coaches I’ve had,” Leone said. “She gives constructive criticism, and I really enjoy a coach who can be hands-on with players, and over the past three years, with this program starting on JV, it’s definitely shown.”
For Webb, watching Leone push for this goal and achieve it early in her career speaks to her drive and work ethic, noting how easily Leone makes it on her as a willing student of the game who wants to be coached.
East Longmeadow’s Angelina Leone (#18) during Senior Day celebration on May 8, 2025. (Photos courtesy of Carla Maurer)Carla Maurer
“It’s (been) incredible to watch,” Webb said. “Not only is she a great softball player, but she’s a great person, a great student-athlete who works really hard day in and day out.
“To be that consistent and powerful hitter, she puts in the extra work, and to see it come to fruition for her so early, it’s just really exciting for her. It’s hopefully paving the way for the rest of her career to do great things offensively for us.”
Leone and East Longmeadow (11-3) will play its next game on Saturday, May 10, against Easthampton at 4:30 p.m.
