Newsday Athlete of the Week is Connetquot's Addison Devery

There once was a time when Addison Devery thought about giving up on the sport she loved. However, with the help of her coaches, she has now embraced the leadership role and bought into the Connetquot softball team culture, "if you can't lead yourself, you can't lead others."

"We recognize the importance of leading from within and giving our athletes an opportunity to lead," coach Michelle Goodwin said. "You truly demonstrate mastery of a skill when you can teach it to someone else, and Addison has demonstrated mastery."

Goodwin praised Devery and the seniors for being an extension of her and the coaching staff, rallying the girls, and taking the younger players under their wing.

"Every senior is an extension of the coaching staff, continuing to cultivate the culture of inclusivity," Goodwin said. "It's not just about winning games. It's about teaching. It's important for them to teach the younger upcoming athletes in the Connetquot softball program."

Devery described herself as the big sister of the team, helping the underclassmen along the way, recognizing that they are more than just teammates but a family.

"I try to be a leader on and off the field," Devery said. "I love my team. I see them as an extension of my family. There's nothing I wouldn't do for them."

Devery's leadership ability was on full display on Wednesday as the first baseman hit two home runs in No.5 Connetquot's win over No.4 Patchogue-Medford in an 18-5 victory in the second round of the Suffolk Class AAA playoffs. As the Raiders gained momentum in the third inning, Devery motivated her teammates not to give up their lead and keep their foot on the gas.

"I've always had a natural feel for the game, and I always loved giving that to other people," Devery said. "It's all about getting in the right mental space, having the support of my team, and knowing my team is behind me no matter what I do."

Devery is used to having dominating performances, hitting home runs as she leads Long Island in homers with 12. For her efforts, the senior is Newsday Athlete of the Week.

"When Addison goes up to the plate, she trusts her mechanics; she believes in herself," Goodwin said. "She's an example of what an athlete can achieve if they dedicate the time and energy necessary to be an Addison Devery type of player."

Devery's passion for helping others isn't just on the field. She is a part of Connetquot's Civic Club, which hosts Freshman Awareness every November. Freshman Awareness is a character education and leadership program hosted by upper-classmen for incoming freshman.

"It helped me grow into the culture of the school," Devery said. "It helps me find how I am as a person."

Excited to start the next chapter in her life next year, Devery has committed to playing softball at Swarthmore College.

"I keep texting the coach about how excited I am," Devery said. "I fell in love with everything about the school. I know Swarthmore is going to set me up for life."

While at Swarthmore, Devery looks to major in Pre-Med with a minor in Spanish so she can help people who don't have the resources to help themselves.

"Ever since I was a kid, I've always been a helper," Devery said. "I always wanted to help more people than I am capable of. Learning Spanish gives me a whole other level of people I can speak to."

By Jonathan Ruban

jonathan.ruban@newsday.com

Jonathan Ruban covers high school sports for Newsday after graduating from St. John’s.