By Joe Morreale
The Manhasset Lacrosse Hall of Fame held its annual induction ceremony, a tradition at the Plandome Country Club on the first Thursday each May. This year’s event, hosted by Dan Denihan, honored six new inductees, and recognized the 20th anniversary of the 2004 undefeated New York State Championship team.
The Harry Baugher Award, a scholarship for current seniors who demonstrate sportsmanship and leadership, was presented by current Manhasset coaches. Defenseman, Jack Mulholland, a Dartmouth commit, earned the award for the boy’s team.
“I am so blessed to share the field today, and every other day with my brothers. There’s nothing like this place,” Mulholland said. “Love where you are and love your friends.”
Nicole Giannakopoulos, a midfielder headed to Harvard next year, received the honor for the girl’s team.
“I want to say thank you to my coaches and my teammates for always believing in me and pushing me every day to play the hardest I can play,” said Giannakopoulos.
The Angela Miller Award was presented to Megan Gately Trotta by Bill Miller as a surprise. The award honors a Manhasset mother who supports not only her own children, but a community of children each year.
Former Baugher Scholarship winner, and Harvard graduate, Nina Kucharczyk (’09) was also inducted Thursday night. Kucharczyk, who still lives in Manhasset, said she is privileged to raise two daughters in the town and is excited to teach them lacrosse.
“Playing Manhasset lacrosse was one of the greatest experiences of my life,” Kucharczyk said.
Mike Connors (’03) followed Kucharczyk. Connors was the first player to wear #32 in honor of John Driscoll. In his speech, he thanked his Manhasset teammates since second grade. Connors finished with advice to the current seniors.
“Cherish the time together with your friends and your teammates,” Connors said.
Donald Scott (’99) traveled all the way from Kenya to receive his induction. Scott individually thanked each of his parents. He praised his mother for being a “true lacrosse mom”, and his father, a winter track coach, because he, “loved lacrosse and took pride in preparing us for the season,” said Scott.
Kory Miller Brown (’96), St. Mary’s High School’s first ever All-American in girl’s lacrosse, also thanked her parents.
“I wish everyone could have my parents,” Brown said. “They are the real Hall of Famers.”
Ryan Young (’07) was inducted despite playing just one season at Manhasset High School. A transfer from Chaminade High School before his senior year, Young earned All-American and was named Nassau County Attackman of the year. He went on the excel at the University of Maryland and in Major League Lacrosse. Young said coming back to Manhasset was the best thing that happened to him.
Terrence Molinari (’06) was honored as a 2024 inductee as well as a member of the 2004 undefeated, State Champion team. Molinari went on to win the 2010 NCAA Championship for the Duke Blue Devils. Terrence is the second Molinari to receive an induction, his brother Cullen was inducted at last year’s ceremony.
