As the nation gears up to recognize National Student Athlete Day on April 6th, the spotlight shines on the invaluable contributions of student athletes not only on the playing field, but also in their academic pursuits. In anticipation of this momentous occasion, we sat down with five outstanding alumni of Long Island Soccer Club (LISC) to glean insight into how their experiences at LISC have paved the way for their success in collegiate athletics and beyond.
For Robert Patrissi, a student-athlete at the University of Scranton and a member of LISC Blue 2005, the coaching staff at LISC played a pivotal role in preparing him for the demands of college soccer. “LISC prepared for the demands of college soccer with the great coaching staff that they have with all the college coaches and these coaches always challenging you in practice and treating you like you are one of their college players,” remarked Patrissi.
Natalie Medugno, a standout athlete at Cornell University and a former member of LISC 2004 Girls Academy team, highlighted the emphasis on discipline at LISC as instrumental in imparting time management skills, responsibility, and accountability. Medugno emphasized the competitive environment at LISC, which instilled within her a strong work ethic and inculcated the importance of enjoying the journey for aspiring soccer players looking to pursue college athletics.
Sean Fitzgerald, currently excelling at Binghamton University and an alum of LISC Boys Academy 2003, underlined the critical role that LISC played in fostering adaptability and coachability, which proved instrumental in his collegiate journey. He also emphasized the importance of embracing every moment while navigating the pressures of a soccer career.
Rena Kalargiros, a rising star at New York University and part of LISC 2004 Girls Academy, credited LISC for preparing her for the demands of collegiate athletics through an intensely competitive environment, as well as emphasizing the crucial life lessons of teamwork, communication, and time management.
James Castoro, an accomplished athlete at the United States Merchant Marine Academy and a former member of LISC 2005 Boys Academy, reflected on the coachability instilled by LISC and offered sage advice to aspiring athletes to cherish their time at club soccer, as it lays the foundation for future success.
The stories of these remarkable student-athletes not only highlight the pivotal role played by LISC in shaping their collegiate journeys but also underscore the enduring impact of the core values of discipline, adaptability, resilience, and teamwork imparted by the club.
National Student Athlete Day serves as a poignant reminder of the indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication exhibited by student-athletes as they continue to excel both on and off the field. The success stories of LISC alumni stand as a testament to the invaluable influence and guidance provided by the club, propelling these student-athletes to reach new heights in their collegiate endeavors.
