Coginchaug Little League is proud to announce that Taylor McDermott and Nathan Strang have been selected as recipients of our 2020 academic scholarships. Taylor and Nathan have truly distinguished themselves in both the classroom and as members of the Coginchaug High School community. Taylor will be attending Curry College this fall, while Nathan is headed to Duke University. Because we are unable to recognize them as part of Opening Day ceremonies, we asked them both to share a few words on their selection for this scholarship:
I'd like to thank the Coginchaug Little League board for selecting me for the 2020 CLL scholarship award. I am appreciative of the opportunities that have been presented to me throughout my Little League experience up until this now. I would also like to thank my previous coaches: Mr. Whitaker, Mr. Lane, and Mrs. Huddleson for their time that they dedicated to my team and allowed me to grow as a player. Also, a special thanks to Mr. DeMartino who has watched me grow up through Little League and continues as my high school and travel coach. Personally, Coginchaug Little League has played such an important role in my life. I enjoyed all four years that I spent in the league with numerous different coaches and teammates. One of my favorite memories throughout the years was winning two championships and especially all-stars. I really enjoyed playing deep into the summer with a new team and some of my closest friends. The four years I spent in Little League showed me how much I love playing the game and I knew I didn’t want to stop playing anytime soon. In my final year, I knew I wanted to continue to play, thanks to the great experience I had in Little League, so I began travel softball. I enjoyed playing for the middle school, and then transitioning to more competitive high school softball. Seeing the high school program develop from when I first got there as a freshman to now is credit to all the skills that were developed when we were younger, in Little League. Everything that I’ve ever learned to love about the game began when I was in Little League. I now get the opportunity to continue my softball skills at the next level, in college. If it wasn't for such a great experience, I am not sure I would be the athlete or person I am today.
- Taylor McDermott
I'd like to state what an honor it is to have been selected to receive the Coginchaug Little League scholarship, Little League was such an important aspect of my childhood ever since I was around eight or so and this award really means a lot to me. When I look back on the handful of years that I spent playing in or working with the CLL, I'm filled with such nostalgic feelings of joy. This league brought me together with so many unique individuals I would have never otherwise known to, at the surface, just play baseball, but at a deeper level become brothers to and build lifelong memories with, all while growing up alongside one another. The perfect amalgam of friends, family, community, and culture; nowhere else could this ever have been done, but, maybe more importantly, nowhere else would I rather have spent those moments. The Allen Brook fields were like a sanctuary for me and so many others, and I sincerely thank the Coginchaug Little League and all of its volunteers for providing us all with a truly special place to grow up.
- Nathan Strang
Coginchaug Little League wishes Taylor and Nathan, and all CLL alumni, every success as they head off to college this fall.
