Agape Freedom Sports LLC

By Jeric Yurkanin | Agape Freedom Sports | 6/11/25

Great programs don’t start under stadium lights or in front of packed crowds. They begin in the quiet corners of small towns—on fields where fundamentals are taught, confidence is built, and young girls first fall in love with the game. For Valley View, that beginning traces back to the early 2000s with the launch of the youth girls’ Carbino Club softball program.

In 2002, longtime community member Ron Collarini helped lay the foundation for what would become a pipeline of talent feeding into the Valley View High School softball program. His passion for teaching and competition didn’t just spark a youth league—it sparked a culture. His daughter, Mia Collarini Wascura, was among the first wave of players to benefit.

Mia, now the head coach of Valley View’s varsity softball team, learned early what it meant to compete. Playing under her father in the Carbino Club, she wasn’t just learning how to swing a bat—she was learning how to fight, how to believe, and how to lead.

“A coach’s job isn’t to teach student-athletes how to win, but how to compete,” longtime Holy Cross coach Joe Ross once said. That mindset was evident in Mia from the start—and it’s a legacy she now passes on to the next generation of Cougars.

A 2007 Valley View graduate, Mia was part of the program’s early years of success. After high school, she continued her playing career at the University of Scranton, where she made a major impact before transitioning into coaching. She was eventually named head coach of her alma mater, leading the Royals for eight seasons and becoming one of the most successful coaches in university history.

Her coaching journey later included a two-year stop at Lakeland, but in 2022, the story came full circle when she returned home to lead the Valley View program she once proudly played for.

At the helm of this championship-caliber team is Coach Wascura—a name now synonymous with leadership and success. With nearly 15 years of coaching experience, including 11 standout seasons at the collegiate level, she’s brought a culture of excellence back to her hometown roots.

“Coaching for so long has given me the opportunity to reflect on so many things,” she said. “Most importantly, I’ve learned to adapt with change. I believe adaptability helps students not only in games but in life.”

Her passion for the game is matched by her belief in chemistry and cohesion.

“Team dynamic is extremely important,” she added. “You can have individual players who are fantastic, but if we don’t put in the work together as a team, it just won’t work. Everyone on this team wants success for each other.”

Wascura’s coaching philosophy is shaped by past experiences—particularly the unforgettable 2019 Landmark Conference title run at Scranton.

“That run can be simply said as—we faced challenges, we stumbled, we learned, we adapted, we rose to the opportunity, and we won. We never gave up. We always believed.”

Now in her third year leading Valley View, she’s brought that same belief and championship DNA to a program steeped in tradition—and hungry for one more banner.

When asked what separates a good athlete from a great one, Wascura doesn’t hesitate.

“Consistency, mental toughness, a growth mindset, and being team-oriented,” she said. “Unselfishness is key. The best athletes are not just talented—they’re driven, coachable, and lift up everyone around them.

🥎 The Leadership Core: Zoie Krupovich’s Growth and Grit 🥎

As Valley View’s softball program marches toward a possible state championship, junior leader Zoie Krupovich stands as a living example of resilience, growth, and the unbreakable bond of team culture.

Krupovich, a trusted veteran on and off the field, has faced her share of challenges this season. But it’s the lessons behind the box score that have shaped her into more than just a dependable player—they’ve forged a leader.

“This season has taught me that not every day will be a success for every player,” Krupovich said. “I struggled at the plate in the beginning because I was in my own head. But there are days where just being an upbeat, reliable teammate can significantly impact the outcome of most games. I try to keep everyone upbeat and zeroed in.”

Her self-awareness and positivity have become contagious throughout the Cougars’ dugout. But it wasn’t just a mindset shift that convinced Krupovich this team could be special—it was how they bounced back when it mattered most.

“The moment I realized we had the potential to win the championship was our response in the second North Pocono game,” she said. “After a disappointing loss in the first game, we knew we had to one-up our previous performance or risk surrendering our chances at the comeback.”

That comeback mindset has become a trademark of this year’s squad—gritty, determined, and deeply united. And with Valley View on the brink of its first state title since 2013, the historical weight of the opportunity isn’t lost on Krupovich.

“Securing another title after 12 years would not only alter our entire high school experience but also create a lifelong memory,” she said. “This group’s relentless work ethic ensures that every accomplishment is well-deserved. To bring home another title would be indescribable—one that can only be truly understood by those who are present.”

🥎 Future Looks Bright: Two Cougars Selected for USA Softball All-American Games 🥎

Two of Valley View’s brightest young softball stars are about to showcase their talents on one of the sport’s most prestigious national stages.

Sofia Esterline and Ella Helcoski have been selected to represent Region 1 in the 2025 USA Softball 12U All-American Games, set for August 7–10 in Oklahoma City, the home of USA Softball.

Only 360 athletes nationwide were chosen for the event, which brings together the top 12U players in the country. Region 1—which includes all of the Northeast (PA, NY, NJ, and New England)—will send just 45 players, divided into three teams: Freedom, Stripes, and Stars.

Together, Esterline and Helcoski represent the future of Valley View’s softball tradition—a future that is already making noise on the national scene.

🥎 Freshman Phenomenon: Hallett Rising 🥎

Valley View’s present is just as exciting as its future. Freshman Maggie Hallett has quickly made a name for herself in the Cougars’ starting lineup. Currently holding the fifth-highest batting average on the team at .373, she’s also fifth in hits and has launched four home runs this season.

Her performance is impressive—but it’s her perspective and poise that truly stand out.

“I never really thought I was going to play in a state championship this early on, but it is a very exciting opportunity for me,” Hallett said. “We have a great group of girls. It means so much that I get to play with all of the seniors one more time. It’s about making great memories with them and the rest of my teammates—whatever the outcome.”

Hallett credits the team’s success to a rare level of chemistry and selflessness.

“The thing that makes this team special is that we all put in the work—during practice and after. We have each other’s backs. No one has to carry the team alone. Everyone contributes,” she added. “Our chemistry allows us to be compatible and perform well. Everyone’s always trying to get better and be the best teammate they can be.”

🥎 A Tradition That’s Here to Stay 🥎

As Valley View prepares for its biggest game of the season, one thing is certain: the Cougars aren’t just chasing a title—they’re chasing a legacy. From the Carbino Club fields to the championship stage, the program’s roots run deep—and its future burns even brighter.

Valley View softball isn’t going anywhere. With a strong foundation, dedicated leadership, and a wave of rising talent, don’t be surprised if they’re right back in the state championship conversation again in the coming years.