Small but mighty. That’s how East Hampton’s head coach of flag football, Erin Gillott, described her senior class last week. It’s a pretty accurate description not just of the seniors, but the football program over all — still in its infancy at just four years old — becoming a small but mighty movement that expanded this spring to include a junior varsity team.
“These girls have brought toughness, energy, leadership, and plenty of laughs to our team,” Gillott wrote in her remarks to the girls at their senior game on May 11. “We are so proud of everything they’ve accomplished and all that lies ahead.”
The team is saying goodbye to four members of the class of 2026.
After three seasons, Mary Jo Corron is heading to SUNY Binghamton to study biological sciences. Corron said her favorite memory on the team was when her laces came undone in a game against Sayville and an opposing player stopped to tie her shoe. “Mary Jo, your resilience and sense of humor have made you such a fun and important part of this team, and we know you will do amazing things at Binghamton,” Gillott said.
]Abby Boerem will attend Wentworth Institute of Technology to study mechanical engineering next fall. This was Boerem’s first year with the team. Her favorite memories from the season are scoring her first touchdown and winning the team’s first overtime game against Center Moriches. “Abby, your competitiveness, personality, and ability to step up in big moments will definitely be missed,” Gillott said. “We wish we had gotten more than one season with you.”
Denisse Vinansaca, a team captain, will study criminology or nursing at Suffolk Community College. A three-year player, Vinansaca couldn’t choose a single memory from her time with flag football; there were too many great ones. “Denisse, your energy, kindness, and ability to make every moment more fun have meant so much to this team,” Gillott said.
Another team captain, Evie Geehreng, is off to the University of Miami to study marine biology. Also a three-year player, Geehreng’s favorite memory was playing her first season with her cousin Ava. “Evie, your positivity and determination have helped shape this team, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next,” Gillott said.
The girls lost their final game of the season — a matchup against Comsewogue at home. Bonac led 20-13 after the third quarter, but the Spartans scored 20 points in the fourth quarter to take the game 33-27. Mia Marin, a junior, had the play of the game for East Hampton: an 80-yard pick six.
Bonac ended the season 3-8, with the most wins in program history. While they’re graduating four key players, the future of the program looks bright.
“Thank you for your leadership, your effort, and the memories you’ve given this program,” Gillott said in her final words to her seniors. “We are so proud of all of you, and you will always be part of this team and this family.”
