For more than half of his adult life, Jerry Kokkinos has devoted himself to the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Recently, he was honored by the Junior Knicks as the organization’s Coach of the Year
CYO
Storm Chaser: St. John’s Super Fan Has Decades of Devotion
As part of the diocesan faithful, we were thrilled to see the St. John’s University men’s basketball team reach the “Sweet 16” in this year’s NCAA Tournament — the first time since 1999. The road will be challenging against some tough competition, but the Johnnies surely have the support of a lifelong fan on their side.
Breaking Barriers: CYO Names First Woman Executive Director
Daniela Cracolici, an Astoria native with an extensive background in sports and professional development, will make history as the first woman executive director of the diocesan Catholic Youth Organization.
CYO Coach Honored for 50 Years of Dedicated Service
For some, volunteering is a hassle, but for others, it’s a calling. For Phil McBride, coaching boys’ CYO basketball across multiple age groups has been his calling for more than 50 years.
New Hall of Famers Enshrined by Old-Timers of America
The 2025 Basketball Old-Timers of America Hall of Fame class includes Mitch Buonaguro, Steve Lappas, Evan Pickman, Mike Fratello, Art Kenney, and Ed Pinckney.
‘March Madness’ Brought the Hype to St. Margaret’s Gym
St. Margaret’s in Middle Village hosted its first-ever March Madness CYO Tournament featuring 52 boys’ and girls’ teams from third to eighth grade.
CYO Community Rallies to Support Soccer Coach in Face of Tragedy
Mario Asaro and his family have been grateful for the support of the St. Anastasia CYO community following his accident last summer.
Diocesan CYO Inducts 7 New Members into Hall of Fame
The Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) of Brooklyn and Queens hosted its annual Hall of Fame induction dinner on Feb. 13 at The Rockaway Hotel in Rockaway Park. This year marked the eighth class of CYO Hall of Famers — taking the full total of those enshrined since the inaugural 2014 event to 86 members.
Fontbonne Star Keeps Adding to All-Time Record Scoring Total
In the local diocesan girls’ varsity basketball scene, a handful of senior student-athletes recently reached the celebrated mark of 1,000 career points.
Former Knicks’ Fan-Favorite Starks Graces St. Kevin Court
Once again, the green and gold of the parish gymnasium at St. Kevin in Flushing turned into a sea of orange and blue … at least for one morning.