Revere Athletes Make their College Commitments

Hinojosa to play softball at Assumption College

By Cary Shuman

There is only one word to truly describe Ally Hinojosa’s athletic career at Revere High School: historic.

Hinojosa’s status as one of the greatest female athletes to ever play for Revere High is undeniable, but more importantly the 17-year-old senior can lay claim to being a member of two of the most accomplished teams in school history.

Hinojosa was an integral part of the Revere girls basketball and softball teams’ titles and unprecedented runs in the MIAA State Tournament. As a sophomore starting infielder, Hinojosa and a potent squad that included pitcher Sabrina Palermo propelled Revere to the Division 1 state semifinals, the farthest any RHS softball team has advanced in the postseason.

On the basketball court as a junior, Hinojosa scored the dramatic, game-winning hoop – forever known as the Ally Hoop Play – that allowed coach Diana Finn’s Revere contingent to clinch its first of two consecutive Northeastern Conference North titles. But the best was yet to come in her senior year as Hinojosa and Company eclipsed the famed Kelly-Misiano-Odoardi teams of the 1980s by reaching the Division 1 North final with exciting wins over Arlington, Lexington, and No. 1 seed Lowell. The leadership of Hinojosa and the other Revere seniors was crucial to the team’s memorable ride to the final four in eastern Massachusetts, a mere step shy of the Boston Garden.

An honor roll student and three-sport captain, Hinojosa will continue her softball career at Assumption College in Worcester. She signed her letter of intent in a ceremony in the fieldhouse May 3 as her parents, Michael, the city’s recreation department director and a former RHS baseball standout who went on star at Suffolk, and Marie-Elena, looked on proudly.

“I looked at Assumption academically and athletically and it was a perfect fit for me,” said Hinojosa.

She said winning the Division 1 North softball championship was the biggest thrill of her three-sport career.

“I look back at that achievement each year and it was so much fun and the city supported us so much and I just think we can do that again,” said Hinojosa, who tripled in the Division 1 state semifinal. “It was an amazing experience.”

Revere softball coach Joe Ciccarello said Hinojosa has been a highly dependable player, a team leader, and a clutch performer.

“Ally has been a starter all four years and has never missed a game,” said Ciccarello. “She’s been a stalwart who maintains the same hard work ethic. She’s our captain and I tell the kids all the time to follow her lead in the way you conduct yourself going about the game of softball. I’m proud to be our coach.”

Hinojosa said Revere High School has provided her with an excellent, all-around experience.

“I’ve learned a lot from this school and I’ve gotten a lot from this school. I feel Revere High has prepared me very well for college and the coaches have prepared me for college sports, too.”

Hinojosa began her career in Revere youth leagues and on travel teams in basketball and softball. She took up volleyball as a high school freshman and will leave with 12 varsity letters. The Northeastern Conference will honor her with the Scholar-Athlete Award.

Hinojosa thanked her parents for their support throughout her athletic career.

“I’m very thankful for them because they do drop everything to make sure I’m happy and doing what I’m doing – without them, I really wouldn’t have come this far.”

 Murphy to play football at St. Anslem College

Daniel Murphy, the athletic quarterback who led Revere High to back-to-back playoff appearances, will attend Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H. in the fall.

Murphy made his college destination official during a letter of intent signing ceremony at the Roland Merullo Fieldhouse.

“I loved the school – it felt home to me when I first got on campus,” said Murphy, who will study Business Management. “The football program is really on the rise and the coach really showed passion about his program. Saint Anselm was my No. 1 choice, so I’m very excited.”

 The 5-foot-9-inch standout was the Revere High football team’s starting quarterback the past two seasons. A two-year captain, Murphy led Revere to its best season in decades last fall, earning the Northeastern Conference’s MVP award and Daily Item All-Star recognition as one of top players on the North Shore. He will play quarterback at Saint Anselm or move to wide receiver.

Revere High football coach Lou Cicatelli said that it was not only Murphy’s talent that set him apart, but his exceptional leadership as well.

“Danny came to practice every day with a great attitude,” sad Cicatelli. “He was just a total pleasure to coach. “I’m really happy for Danny and his family for everything he has accomplished and for the great choice he has made in Saint Anselm College. He’s a great kid and we’re going to miss having “Murphy Magic” in our program. I know he will be successful in college.”

Murphy grew up playing quarterback in Revere Pop Warner and competed in Revere Little League Baseball at McMackin Park where he won a championship on a team coached by his father, Brian Murphy.

“My parents (Brian and Joanne) helped me through my youth and high school sports career and they’ve really motivated throughout the college process and I’m so happy to have their support,” he said.

In addition to football, Murphy has also participated in baseball and track at RHS. He will graduate with nine varsity letters.

“Revere High is a great place and a lot of great athletes have graduated from here,” said Murphy. “I’m very happy that I was able to spend my last four years at Revere High School. The teachers, administrators, and coaches are very dedicated to helping students succeed in high school and prepare them for college and their future career choices.”