New York Sirens Visit Redwood Elementary School for Women’s History Month

New York Sirens Visit Redwood Elementary School for Women’s History Month

Mar 16 2026

WEST ORANGE, NJ – The Gold Medal victory of the Women’s Hockey Team at this year’s Olympics has added to the popularity of women in sports, and so have the New York Sirens, a premier women’s hockey team formed in 2023 as part of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). On March 9, several members of the team visited Redwood Elementary School to celebrate Women’s History Month and interact with students.

Redwood physical education teacher Franco Cozzolino, a co-founder and Owner/Director of Pyramid Youth & Adult Fitness and Wellness Center of West Orange, built a relationship with the Sirens, who train at his facility. The team who first visited Redwood last year, are currently in 4th place in the league with 8 wins, 3 overtime/shootout wins, 3 overtime/shootout losses, and 9 losses (8–0–3–9) in 19 games. The Sirens have also visited Washington and Mt. Pleasant Elementary Schools.

Team Captain Micah Zandee-Hart, who played for the Canadian Women’s Hockey team at the 2022 Olympics and won gold, talked to students about the team and their passion for hockey. Maja Nylen Persson, who played in the recent 2026 games for Sweden, was cheered by students. Their season runs from November – May, and in a highlight of their year, they will play the Seattle Torrent in a sold-out game at Madison Square Garden on April 4.

Following a question-and-answer period, the Sirens played a “shoot the puck” game with students featuring a hockey stick and ball, with prizes awarded to all participants.

“The New York Sirens players, coaches, and staff are powerful role models for young girls here in West Orange and neighboring communities by engaging directly through school visits and clinics,” noted Cozzolino.

“Through their hard work and dedication, women's sports are growing and building a legacy for future female athletes,” he concluded. 

  •  #28 - Captain Micah Zandee-Hart (Defender)

  •  #16 - Lauren Bernard (Defender)

  •  #39 - Kayley Doyle (Goalie)

  •  #  9 - Olivia Knowles (Defender)

  •  #29 - Emmy Fecteau (Forward)

  •  #81 - Kayla Vespa (Forward)

  •  #  8 - Maja Nylen Persson (Defender)

  •  #71 - Jincy Roese (Defender)

  •  #37 - Callie Shanahan (Goalie)

Assistant Coach Valerie Bois, Equipment Manager Olivia Bolsar, and Media and Community Relations Coordinator Hannah Beckman also attended with the team.

SEE PHOTOS FROM THE NY SIRENS VISIT TO REDWOOD HERE.

(L-R) PE teacher Franco Cozzolino, Micah Zandee-Hart, Emmy Fecteau, Callie Shanahan, Jincy Roese, Principal Dr. Kimy Jackson, Kaley Doyle, Maja Nylen Persson, Lauren Bernard, Kayla Vespa, Olivia Knowles

Captain Micah Zandee-Hart speaks to students

PE Teacher Franco Cozzolino and Principal Dr. Kimya Jackson with students

Cynthia Cumming

Mar 16 2026

Pyramid Fitness