The sound of the dismissal bell each afternoon at the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School signals the start of softball practice for Reese Paxson.
The school day may have ended, but for this 8th Grade student, the practice day has just begun.
Reese is a key Middle School softball team member and is thrilled to participate with her teammates on the diamond behind the school building each afternoon.
“I look forward to coming after school and practice,” revealed Reese, who plays shortstop. “The team is a lot of fun, and I really like practice.”
Her attitude typifies the influence and atmosphere that Head Coach Danielle Curcio and Assistant Coach Michele Kussmaull bring to the field each spring day.
Jamie McGeechan, a fellow 8th Grader and a pitcher, points to the coaches for the team’s makeup.
“The coaches push us. They are amazing,” Jamie said.
Both of these dedicated coaches have experience on the sidelines.
Coach Curcio, a Health and Physical Education Teacher at the Middle School, coaches the school’s field hockey team in the fall. Coach Kussmaul, who is a Health and Physical Education Teacher at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, directs the high school bowling program in the winter.
Coach Curcio is pleased with how this versatile team–players spend time at multiple positions on the field– has launched the 2025 season with an undefeated start with a 3-0 record.
“This season has started off strong as the team has jumped out to a 3-0 start,” Coach Curcio said. “The strong leadership of the 8th Grade players has made a positive impact on the team's success so far.”
Her players agree.
“Our team is very strong and we have the potential to go far,” said Jamie, who moved to the mound after playing second base last year.
“We are looking forward to an exciting season ahead,” coach Curcio concluded.
Here is the 2025 Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School Softball Roster.
Player, Grade
Gianna Boardman, 8
Charlotte Braswell, 8
Lily-Rose Burkhardt, 8
Mia DaSilva, 7
Morgan Farley, 8
Ella Giglio, 8
Quinn Levash,,8
Makenna Massa, 8
Alexa McGeechan, 8,
Jamie McGeechan, 8
Lyla Miller,8
Reese Paxson, 8,
Cassandra Rei, 7
Anna Vallario, 8