Massapequa Catcher Huksloot Thrives Under Pressure From LLWS to Varsity

Ryan Huksloot, a 16-year-old catcher, has gone from the Little League World Series to the Massapequa High School varsity team, where he continues to excel.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 5:25am

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Ryan Huksloot, a 16-year-old catcher from Massapequa, New York, has had a remarkable journey from playing in the Little League World Series in 2022 to being called up to the Massapequa High School varsity team as a 10th grader last year, where he helped the team win a Long Island championship. Huksloot is the first player from his Little League team to reach the varsity level, and he is excited for his first full season playing for the Chiefs, with the goal of winning a state title.

Why it matters

Huksloot's story highlights the remarkable talent and resilience of young athletes who can thrive under pressure and make the leap from youth sports to high school varsity teams. His journey also showcases the strong bonds and camaraderie that can develop among teammates, even as they go on to play for different schools.

The details

Huksloot played in the Little League World Series in 2022 with the Massapequa Coast Little League team, which was the first from Long Island to make it to Williamsport since the 1970s. Several of his MCLL teammates, including Mike Clark, Mike Castellano, and Lucas Mininni, are now playing on the Massapequa High School JV team, while others like Alex Pagano and Danny Fregara have found success at other local high schools. Huksloot was the first player from his LLWS team to be called up to the Massapequa varsity, where he won a Long Island championship last year. Now, he is excited for his first full season on the varsity squad, where he hopes to lead the Chiefs to a state title.

  • Huksloot played in the Little League World Series in 2022.
  • Huksloot was called up to the Massapequa High School varsity team for the playoffs as a 10th grader in 2025.
  • Huksloot and his Massapequa Coast Little League teammates will be heading to the ESPN complex at Disney World for a spring training trip this year.

The players

Ryan Huksloot

A 16-year-old catcher for the Massapequa High School varsity baseball team, who previously played in the Little League World Series in 2022 with the Massapequa Coast Little League team.

Mike Clark

A 10th grader playing on the Massapequa High School JV baseball team, who was a teammate of Huksloot's on the Massapequa Coast Little League team.

Mike Castellano

A 10th grader playing on the Massapequa High School JV baseball team, who was a teammate of Huksloot's on the Massapequa Coast Little League team.

Lucas Mininni

A 10th grader playing on the Massapequa High School JV baseball team, who was a teammate of Huksloot's on the Massapequa Coast Little League team.

Tom Sheedy

The manager of the Massapequa High School varsity baseball team, who has been impressed with Huksloot's mental sharpness and talent behind the plate.

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What they’re saying

“That's what everybody plays for, those moments where they can thrive under that pressure.”

— Ryan Huksloot

“I think us all being together is really going to bring some power, some brotherhood, some friendship, and great times for the team.”

— Mike Clark, 10th grader on Massapequa High School JV team

“He's gotten much better with his throws, much more consistent with his throws. His pop time has gotten much better, and I just see him gain more confidence, not that he needs any more.”

— Tom Sheedy, Massapequa High School varsity baseball manager

What’s next

The Massapequa High School varsity baseball team will be heading to the ESPN complex at Disney World for a spring training trip to sharpen their skills and build team chemistry ahead of the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Ryan Huksloot's journey from the Little League World Series to the Massapequa High School varsity team showcases the remarkable talent and resilience of young athletes who can thrive under pressure and make the leap to high-level competition. His story also highlights the strong bonds and camaraderie that can develop among teammates, even as they go on to play for different schools.