Here at Albertus, we are very fortunate to have multi-talented student athletes. Below, we have entries from two of our talented Three Sport Athletes who discuss how Albertus gave them an athletic experience like no other.
Growing up I played soccer and basketball, and I knew one day I was going to have to make the hard decision of picking one over the other to play in college until I looked into Albertus Magnus College. After talking to many different colleges and university coaches for both soccer and basketball, I was told that I wouldn’t be able to do it, that it would be too hard to balance, and that I would be behind with my school work and get stressed out. But I was set on playing both and Albertus seemed to be right for me. When I came into this school last fall I knew I was going to be a two-sport student-athlete which was very shocking to most people, especially me, but I never once thought I would become a three-sport athlete. I absolutely love being one. Along with soccer and basketball, I decided to pick up a lacrosse stick in the spring. Being a three-sport college athlete, I really learned how to work hard and to push myself, not only on the field and court but also in the classroom. Along with hard work, responsibility also ties in. I knew I was going to have to learn quickly how to balance my school work, social life and sports. I think I did a good job, having successful seasons as well as making Dean’s List. Always being in season here causes me to get my school work done because I know I have something to do later, whether it is a game or practice. I am extremely glad I have this opportunity to play three sports here, and I wouldn’t want to trade this experience for anything!
Angelina Piccirillo
Albertus Magnus College Freshman
Women’s Soccer, Women’s Basketball and Women’s Lacrosse Player
When I was in my earlier years of high school, I did not even expect to play any sports in college. I knew with the back pain I had from my condition (spondylolisthesis: the forward displacement of a vertebra, especially the fifth lumbar vertebra, most commonly occurring after a break or fracture), I would
Then, I made the courageous decision to get back surgery to correct this problem my senior year of high school, so I could eventually play soccer at Albertus. I sat out the whole fall season of 2014 because I was not cleared yet to play as the recovery was one year, and that year was not up yet. Sitting out of soccer for so long made me realize how much I missed sports in general. I decided to play basketball, a sport that I love but was forced to quit in high school by my back doctor. He said it was too much for my back to handle. So being able to play basketball again was such an amazing feeling. not be able to continue to play sports in college.
Although I didn’t physically play soccer this past season, I was still a part of the team. I came to the realization that being a part of two sports teams really helped me to stay motivated in school and organize my time. I knew that if I didn’t play another sport during the spring, that my grades would definitely suffer. Then I learned that the lacrosse coach here at Albertus was looking for players, specifically soccer and basketball players. I played both so I knew this would be perfect, even though I’ve never played lacrosse before. Going from thinking I wasn’t going to play any sports in college to being a three-sport athlete has been very shocking to all of my friends and family – and a surprise to me. I wouldn’t have changed this decision for anything. Playing three sports definitely keeps me in line, and I plan on continuing to play all three of these sports for the rest of my time at Albertus as it has and will continue to improve me as a student and person.
Victoria Lavery
Albertus Magnus College Freshman
Women’s Soccer, Women’s Basketball and Women’s Lacrosse Player