Mepham’s Sofia LaSpina makes history with touchdown reception
BELLMORE, N.Y. (BVM) — History was made this past weekend when Mepham junior wide receiver Sofia LaSpina recorded the first-ever varsity touchdown by a female football player in Long Island history.
The touchdown for LaSpina came on a four-yard completion, as the Pirates receiver hauled in her third pass of the day. The reception capped off a special night for the Pirates, who would enjoy success individually, but also as a team coming out on top with a 49-21 win over Roslyn. LaSpina finished her day with 45 yards as Mepham improved to 2-0 on the season.
Congratulations to Mepham High School wide receiver Sofia LaSpina, who caught a four-yard touchdown pass Saturday during a 49-21 win over Roslyn High School to become the first female football player in Long Island history to score a touchdown in a high school football game.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 19, 2021
“When the ball was in the air, I just wanted to catch it and that was the only thing I had in my mind,” LaSpina said of her emotions during the play in a statement.
The 5-foot-5 Pirates receiver has been playing football since the seventh grade and has grown up playing with many of her teammates for close to five years. Along with her work on the football field, the two-sport athlete also plays first base and catcher for the softball team.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Sofia,” Mepham head coach Anthony Cracco said. “She has worked exceptionally hard to achieve success on the field. At the time, none of us realized the historical achievement that we had just witnessed.”
After the game, the Pirates head coach was quick to deliver the game ball to his junior receiver, doing so for the first time in his 13-year career.
Along with the recognition brought on by the touchdown reception, LaSpina was able to garner the attention of her favorite football team, the New York Jets. LaSpina was named the New York Jets’ high school football player of the week and will be honored at one of the team’s upcoming games.
“I would always watch the Jets and want to play so I waited for middle school to try football out and I ended up loving it,” LaSpina shared.
Coach Saleh wore a Mepham HS shirt for his presser today in honor of @Gatorade HS Player of the Week, Sofia LaSpina, who became the first woman to score a TD in a Long Island varsity football game 🙌 pic.twitter.com/hIcPkJJIAl
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 24, 2021
The Jets head coach even acknowledged the accomplishment by sporting a Mepham football t-shirt at his recent press conference.
“She scored the first ever varsity touchdown in Long Island history so I thought that was pretty cool,” Jets head coach Robert Saleh said. “I know the organization — is going to be inviting her to our next home game, so hopefully she’s there screaming.
With the perfect start to the 2021 season, the Mepham receiver will look to find paydirt again as the team continues its undefeated fall season.
