Published in the February 1, 2018 edition
ELAINE MIRASOLO (standing, second from right) is surrounded by her family members at her Hall of Fame induction ceremony including, from left, her niece Nicole Casaletto, and her daughters Sammie and Cassie; her parents, Richard and RuthAnn Casaletto, are seated. (Courtesy Photo)
DAUGHTERS Sammie (left) and Cassie Mirasolo celebrate their mom Elaine’s induction into the Pope John XXIII H.S. Hall of Fame for her hockey and softball accomplishments. (Courtesy Photo)
EVERETT — Elaine Mirasolo was inducted into Pope John XXIII High School’s 2017 Athletic Hall of Fame on November 17, 2017.
Mirasolo, a resident of North Reading, was recognized as a key four-year varsity softball player as well as the first girl to ever play ice hockey for the Tigers’ high school boys’ hockey team. She delivered a touching acceptance speech, paying tribute to her coaches and also thanking her teachers, family members and friends.
SISTER NANCE, softball coach and teacher at Pope John XXIII High School, congratulates Elaine Mirasolo following her induction into the school’s Hall of Fame. (Courtesy Photo)
She acknowledged her mother, Lynnfield resident RuthAnn Casaletto, as the most inspirational person in her life. “I grew up with my mom telling me there isn’t anything I can’t do if I set my mind to it,” she said. Her father explained, “Not many girls played on boys’ high school hockey teams in the ’80s. She helped pave the road for future girl hockey players.”
Mirasolo ended her speech acknowledging her two North Reading High School daughters, Cassie and Sammie, who are members of the girls’ high school hockey co-op team with Lynnfield and Peabody, telling them, “I am so proud to be your mom. Watching you compete in sports is a gift and I hope competing in team sports teaches you what it taught me: Hard team work and dedication is how you achieve goals and fulfill dreams.”
