Suffolk Reporter

Zariel Macchia, a senior at William Floyd High School and a nationally recognized cross country and track & field athlete, has been named the News 12/Bethpage Federal Credit Union Scholar Athlete of the Week. This recognition is part of an annual program that honors 30 student-athletes from Long Island during the school year. Zariel is only the third student-athlete from William Floyd to receive this award, which includes a $1,000 scholarship sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union. Her profile will be featured on News 12 starting Tuesday, January 7.

Throughout her high school career, Zariel has achieved significant success in athletics. She has won multiple county and state championships and holds titles such as three-time USATF National Youth 5K Champion and USATF U20 Women’s 5,000 Champion. She also earned a gold medal at the U20 USATF Cross Country Championships and a bronze medal at the Pan American U20 Championships in 2023. Zariel's record-breaking performances include setting all-time Long Island records in several outdoor and indoor events.

In addition to her athletic prowess, Zariel excels academically. She has maintained a grade point average above 96 while taking advanced placement courses since seventh grade. Her extracurricular activities include leading the high school Quiz Bowl team and participating in various clubs such as debate, robotics, STEP science club, and Science Honor Society.

John Ryan, coach of William Floyd’s girls’ varsity cross country and track & field teams, praised Zariel for her accomplishments: “She has accomplished more in her high school years than most people accomplish in a lifetime,” he said. Coach Ryan regards her as an exemplary role model for younger athletes due to her strong work ethic.

After graduating from high school, Zariel plans to attend Brigham Young University (BYU) where she aims to continue her running career while pursuing interests in engineering.

News 12 sports director Kevin Maher and Anissa Ciambrone from Bethpage Federal Credit Union visited William Floyd High School to present Zariel with an oversized check for $1,000. The presentation was part of an interview with both Zariel and Coach Ryan about her dual talents as a scholar-athlete.

The ceremony included appearances by several members of the William Floyd School District community: Kathleen Keane (assistant superintendent), John Ryan (coach), Brian Babst (athletic director), Kevin Coster (superintendent), Philip Scotto (principal), along with representatives from News 12 and Bethpage Federal Credit Union.