Senior Sports

Among a talented and limitless group of kids at Metuchen High School, a select few have decided to take their athletic talents beyond their high school years, and play at a collegiate level. Among these skillful athletes include: Lucas Malamug, Adrianna Siedenburg, Kathryn Morano, Ryan DeLaFuente, Alicia Montalbano and Olivia Miller. These student athletes have exemplified their immense talent, and how they have the capability of competing at a higher level. Here is what went into their decisions on why they chose to pursue these paths and what they look forward to in anticipation of the future.

Lucas Malamug is a pitcher for the Metuchen Baseball program, who has showcased his talent throughout his high school career. In his past junior year season, he posted up some impressive numbers on the mound, putting up a 1.47 ERA, along with 82 strikeouts in 57.1 innings. These numbers caught the attention of colleges, with Lucas ultimately deciding on Fairleigh Dickinson University Teaneck as the best fit for him. Malamug explained that he partly chose FDU because of how close it is to home, allowing him to remain close to his family, which gives them an opportunity to watch him as his college career progresses. With his senior season coming up, he is hoping to end on a strong note in Metuchen one last time before moving up to the collegiate level. 

Kathryn Morano is an infielder on the Metuchen softball team, who has showcased incredible capability on the diamond. In her junior season, she was able to put up an outstanding 0.327 batting average, and a 0.436 slugging percentage, all while driving in 14 runs. Her display of talent at the plate this year shined, and led her to committing to Fairfield University. She says that she loves everything that the school has to offer. Along with the supportive coaches within the program, the environment is very positive and uplifting, with what they have to offer at Fairfield being just what Morano is looking for in a university. Being a leading senior this year, she hopes to start her season off strong in March, picking up where she left off last year before she takes her talents to Connecticut.

Alicia Montalbano is a second baseman and pitcher for the Bulldogs softball team, setting herself up for success after an incredible junior year. Showing off her two-way talent, she had a 0.367 batting average, and a 0.533 slugging percentage at the dish, as well as threw 10 innings on the mound where she put up a 2.80 ERA. With this impressive talent on display, she committed to Caldwell University. She is excited to be able to play softball with a school that has both a competitive and supportive environment, with Caldwell also allowing her to pursue her academic path within exercise science and nursing.  With one last season in the Bulldog Blue, Alicia looks forward to her senior season, and the opportunities waiting for her at Caldwell.

Adrianna Siedenburg is a softball player here at MHS and is playing in college at Wagner College in New York. Adrianna is excited about playing at the next level, saying “I’m most excited to have the opportunity to play at a Division I level where I can challenge my athletic skills and make various memories on and off the softball field. Something else that excites me is how my teammates and I are all working towards the same goal, pushing each other,and representing our school, while also all growing as people.” Adrianna also explained her choice to go to Wagner saying “I chose to go to Wagner College because of the small campus and class sizes, and how close it is to home. I also enjoyed the personalities of the coaching staff and how welcoming they all were to me.” As a key contributor to the MHS softball program, Siedenburg’s dedication and hard work helped prepare her for the demands of collegiate athletics, with her commitment to Wagner highlighting both her personal achievement and the continued success of MHS athletes moving on to compete at higher level athletics.

Ryan DeLaFuente plays lacrosse for the JP Stevens–Metuchen joint lacrosse team and made history as the first player from Metuchen to compete on the team since the programs combined. Ryan is continuing his lacrosse career at the Division III level at Springfield College in Massachusetts and is excited about the opportunity, saying, “I’m most excited about competing at a higher level while also building unforgettable bonds with my teammates. Being part of a close-knit team, going through challenges together, and creating memories both on and off the field is something I’m really looking forward to. I’m excited for the lifelong friendships and experiences that come with playing a college sport.” Ryan also explained his choice of Springfield explaining, “I chose Springfield College because of its strong Criminal Justice program, which I plan to major in with the goal of becoming a state trooper. The school has a strong alumni network and great career connections that will help with internships and job opportunities after graduation. In addition, the athletic facilities are top-notch, and Springfield is a high-level Division III program, especially for lacrosse, making it a great fit for me both academically and athletically.” Ryan’s commitment represents an important milestone for the Metuchen lacrosse community, as he prepares to take the next step in his academic and athletic career while representing his town at the collegiate level.

Olivia Miller plays softball for MHS and is going to play college softball at the Division III level at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island. Olivia is looking forward to the opportunity to play at Roger Williams stating, “I'm excited about playing softball in college because it has always been a dream of mine ever since I was a little girl. The competitiveness in games, the life long family and friends, and getting to continue playing the sport I love are all things that interest me and make me even more excited for my future!”. Olivia elaborated further on how she chose Roger Williams saying, “I love how my school is only a couple minutes drive to a town and about an hour away from Boston. It isn't near a city but it is only a train ride away from some! I also love how the school is on the water. Since it isn't that big of a school, it is easy to become close to everyone and make friends in the same major as you.” As she prepares for the next chapter of her softball career, Olivia is eager to take the lessons she learned at MHS and apply them both on the field and in the classroom at Roger Williams University.