Jersey Mike’s Spring Senior Spotlight: Donovan Catholic’s Kayla Roncin

With schools closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the high school sports season canceled, seniors who play spring sports are missing out on their final athletic opportunities. With that in mind, each week during the spring the Shore Sports Network will feature a senior athlete who would normally be making headlines on the field, diamond, track, golf course, tennis court or volleyball court. Each athlete will receive a $25 Jersey Mike’s gift card as the iconic Jersey Shore business continues its support of Shore Conference athletics.

Name: Kayla Roncin

School: Donovan Catholic

Spring Sport: Softball

Position: Outfield/shortstop

Bio: A do-it-all superstar who showcased her talents on the big stage well before high school, Roncin has been one of New Jersey’s best high school softball players since she first put on a Donovan Catholic uniform. As a junior, she hit .522, recording 60 hits with 34 RBI, 57 runs scored and 25 extra-base hits, including five home runs and 17 doubles. As both an outfielder and shortstop, Roncin is an elite defensive player. She helped Donovan win the NJSIAA Tournament of Champions title in 2019 as the Griffins finished No. 1 in the state. Roncin burst onto the scene as a 12-year old playing for Toms River Little League where she helped lead the all-stars to the 2014 Little League State Championship (Watch a video of her go-ahead home run in the 2014 LL state championship game below). Roncin is a two-time first-team All-State selection by NJ.com and a three-time first-team All-Shore selection by the Asbury Park Press.

Other sports none

College plans: Signed to play softball at Boston University

How are you staying in shape/practicing your sport: “I have been doing my college workouts as well as hitting and fielding with my dad.”

Hardest part of being out of school/sports: “Not being able to be with my teammates and compete at a high level.”

One positive that has come from having to stay home: “I have been able to spend time with my family before leaving for college.”

Favorite stay-at-home activity: “Swimming in my pool and enjoying the warm weather.”

Coach’s corner: “I have watched this athlete grow and mature since she was a little leaguer playing on the big stage in the Little League World Series. What I saw in her then was true grit and the ability to keep stride and even surpass some of the most talented male baseball players at the time. She excelled in the fire. She was the player who came through under tremendous pressure. At Donovan Catholic I was able to see her in action every day, and whether in a practice or a game she brought it. A very quiet player who carries a big stick, Kayla is a tremendously talented athlete who will excel at the next level. I will miss her drive, compassion and willingness to be the best team player possible!”  - Debbie Schwartz, Donovan Catholic softball head coach

Managing editor Bob Badders can be reached at bob.badders@townsquaremedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Bob_Badders. Like Shore Sports Network on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel for all the latest video highlights.