Newsday Athlete of the Week is West Islip's Meghan Farrell
Converted QB Meghan Farrell has passed for 2,003 yards and 36 TDs. Credit: Ed Bell
After senior quarterback Gabriella LaDonna graduated, West Islip flag football coaches Greg Ziems and Jake Rossi needed someone to step up and take on that role. They knew only one person on the roster could fill that spot.
Meghan Farrell.
'She's so smart. She's able to pick up on stuff so quickly that we threw her right in there, and she learned the offense quickly," Rossi said. "This year, she stepped into the role and just rose to every occasion possible."
Moving from running back to quarterback, Farrell was initially nervous about taking on the responsibility. But she liked the idea of becoming the leader for the Lions, a role in which she now excels.
"It's great having the responsibility to control the field," Farrell said. "Knowing I can step up and play in a position to help contribute to every play is enjoyable."
The sophomore became a leader in the locker room, encouraging her teammates night in and night out and being that voice that her fellow teammates look up to.
"She has a natural leadership ability," Rossi said. "She always keeps that level head, which makes her a great leader and allows the girls to rally around that. She's never down on a girl if they mess up on a route. It's always the next play mentality. She keeps her teammates in it."
"It's great to be someone my team relies on," Farrell said. "Sometimes, only being a sophomore can be a little difficult, but all the girls are super supportive and willing to help in any way they can."
In her new role, Farrell has completed 68.2% of her passes for the season, throwing for 2,003 yards and 36 touchdowns and rushed for 958 yards and 10 TDs.
In the season's final game, Farrell completed 14 of 18 passes, for 154 yards and five TDs to lead West Islip past East Hampton, 54-26, in a Suffolk II matchup on Monday, making her Newsday Athlete of the Week.
"Ever since game one, she's been able to process the game way better," Rossi said. "She managed to slow the game down and built that confidence up through preparation."
Farrell credits her two older brothers, Liam and Kieran, for setting a good example and showing her what it takes to be a good leader.
"My brothers are like role models to me," Farrell said. "I want to work to be like them."
Farrell's love for helping people is on full display, whether on the field or in the classroom. She was elected to become the sophomore class president, where she organizes fundraisers, proms, and charitable events for the school.
"I care about my classmates and my friends," Farrell said. "I want to contribute to my community and my classmates. Knowing I played a huge role in my classmate's high school experience makes me feel accomplished."
Farrell and the Lions will face East Islip at 5 pm on Monday at West Islip. She is looking forward to her first playoff game as quarterback.
"But after seeing what we were able to accomplish last year into this year, we are confident," Farrell said. "It's a great feeling knowing it's only our second year. We are just hoping we can go far to continue our season.
Jonathan Ruban covers high school sports for Newsday after graduating from St. John’s.
