The William Floyd High School girls’ varsity soccer team, led by head coach Kristin Carroll, dedicated their September 15 win against Bay Shore to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and are hosting a fundraiser to help support their mission. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides mortgage-free housing for first responders and veterans in honor of fallen firefighter Stephen Siller, who gave his life helping others after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

In recognition of Tunnel to Towers, the Colonials donned special Tunnel to Towers/William Floyd event t-shirts during pregame warmups, participated in an international walkout with their opponents from Bay Shore and invited the WFHS NJROTC cadets, under the direction of Senior Chief Andrew DiDonato, to perform a Presentation of Colors before the playing of the national anthem.

During the ceremony, Rachel Hall, a junior on the girls’ varsity soccer team, eloquently read a speech she wrote about how Tunnel to Towers has supported her family through a difficult time. Rachel’s father Neil had served in the FDNY and was a lifetime member of the Mastic Volunteer Fire Department before suffering an injury on the job in 2022. In the wake of Neil’s injury, Tunnel to Towers has been a blessing to her family.

“Rachel did a fantastic job talking at our game; we are so proud of her for getting up in front of everyone and sharing her family’s story,” said Coach Carroll. “Our team wanted to give back to the community this year and proudly selected the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. This cause is deeply personal to us, as the Hall family is a Smart Home recipient and many others [student-athletes] have relatives serving [or have served] as firefighters, law enforcement officers and veterans.”

The Colonials followed up their Tunnel to Towers ceremony with a 2-1 victory over Bay Shore, their first win of the season. Eighth-grader Bailey Meyer got things going in the first half with a goal off of an assist by sophomore Layla Vallone. Then, with the game tied at one in the second half, freshman Ester Avila Rodriguez came up clutch and delivered the game-winning goal. Junior goalie Ava Tschinkel also played a great game for the Colonials, making five saves in the winning effort.

“Our team played great defense and worked really well together to secure the win,” added Coach Carroll. “Coach Sherlock, Coach Tyrie and I could not be prouder of these student-athletes, not only for their performance on the field, but for their commitment to supporting others. We are looking forward to the rest of the season!”

Congratulations to the Colonials on the win and great job bringing awareness to an excellent cause!