155 Third Ave, Bay Shore
On Saturday, May 3, Bay Shore High School’s athletic fields will come alive with more than just the sounds of whistles and cheers.
At 1 p.m., the second annual Play for Pearl Day kicks off — an event honoring the life and legacy of 9-year-old Pearl Heinlein, a beloved Bay Shore girl and lacrosse fan who lost her battle with leukemia.
The event, spearheaded by Homegrown Select Lacrosse Club and its founder, longtime coach Ashley Caligiuri, is more than just a fundraiser. It’s a vivid example of how Bay Shore is building a stronger, more connected community — one player, one mentor, one act of kindness at a time.
Last year’s inaugural Play for Pearl event garnered wide attention from outlets like Newsday and News 12, drawing in families, athletes, and supporters from across Long Island. This year, the momentum continues with expanded programming: commemorative t-shirt sales benefiting the Pearl Heinlein Foundation, youth activities, and on-site registration for Homegrown’s first-ever travel season.
But behind the event lies a deeper story—one of local pride, access, and the power of sport to uplift.
A club rooted in community
Founded by Ashley and her husband Chris Caligiuri, Homegrown Select was created to fill a long-standing gap in Bay Shore. For years, families seeking elite lacrosse training had to travel out of town — sometimes 20 minutes or more — just to find quality coaching and competitive opportunities. That distance often put those opportunities out of reach.
Homegrown Select has changed that, bringing high-level training and development right into the heart of Bay Shore. The club offers a pipeline for athletes from PAL through high school and beyond, all while staying true to its roots.
“This isn’t just about lacrosse,” Ashley explains. “It’s about building something lasting — right here, where these kids live and grow.”
More than a club, Homegrown Select functions as a mentorship hub. Ashley’s coaching style blends athletic discipline with emotional intelligence, placing just as much emphasis on teamwork, leadership, and personal growth as on goals and ground balls. Her players form tight-knit bonds, guided by peer mentorship programs, team-building events, and a strict no-bullying policy.
“The goal isn’t just to build great players — it’s to build great human beings,” Ashley says. “These girls become each other’s biggest fans, on and off the field.”
Honoring Pearl, empowering youth
That ethos will be front and center at the Play for Pearl event.
Pearl Heinlein, who attended Bay Shore schools and loved lacrosse, left an indelible mark on the community. Play for Pearl is more than a memorial — it’s a celebration of resilience, joy, and the village that continues to carry her memory forward.
The day also reflects Homegrown Select’s broader mission: empowering the next generation. Beyond the field, the club is developing real-life skills for high school and college students, offering roles in assistant coaching, marketing, and event planning. It’s a microcosm of what a community-first model of sports can look like — one where leadership is taught, not just expected.
“We’re here to grow something special that stays rooted in Bay Shore,” says Chris Caligiuri. “It’s not just about wins. It’s about pride, leadership, and giving our daughters something they can call their own.”
Looking ahead
As Homegrown Select continues to grow, so does its presence in the community. Tryouts for the club’s inaugural travel season are scheduled for July 28–29, with enrollment for the Fall 2025 season now open. The club will also be on hand at the Arts Festival by the Bay on June 8 and Alive by the Bay in July, providing families a chance to meet the coaches and learn more about how to get involved.
The club’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“This is what community is all about,” says Edward Fraser, President of the Greater Bay Shore Chamber of Commerce. “Our youth is our future. When we invest in them, we’re investing in the heart of Bay Shore.”
Fraser adds: “Ashley put it best: ‘The goal isn’t only to develop great players, but to cultivate great human beings.’ That’s what we’re building here. And that’s something to be proud of.”
