Hometown: Providence, Rhode Island
Major: Vessel Operations and Technology
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2022
What made you come to Maine Maritime Academy?: The unique Vessel Operations and Technology program grabbed my attention with the hands on experience and opportunities it will provide going forward in my career as a process mariner.
What first got you interested in your sport?: I would say my mom really, I tried a lot of sports growing up but, it was always soccer that stood out. My mom knew that and continued to keep me playing.
What has been your favorite class at MMA?: Terrestrial Navigation.
What is the best advice your coach has given you?: "Take care of the little things and the big things will come"- Billy Shannon, this can be interpreted on and off the field but to me it's just something that's helped me grow as a player and in the class room.
What motivates you to succeed?: My Mother.
What is your prized possession?: A watch gifted to me by my grandfather.
What is your favorite book? (Non-academic): To Kill a Mockingbird.
What is something that people would be surprised to learn about you?: Something interesting to learn about me is that I love to sail, something I've been doing since I was 10.
What are your hopes for the future?: In the Future I hope to work on a deck of a tug boat for a while then work up to become a mate on a ocean going tug.
What is your favorite spot in Castine/on Campus? Why?: Ritchie Field, whether I'm out there alone, at practice or on game day the field is somewhere that I've had some good times.
What is a cause that is important to you?: The cause of the importance is the bond between my team and I, all sharing the field to play a sport we love. It's interesting to think that it's one of the places I spend the most time at, is pretty cool to consider.
Tell us about a summer experience related to MMA?: This past summer I worked on a tug boat to earn sea time for my 200 Ton license that I passed last year. I was involved in one trip going from Massachusetts, to New York harbor. It was my first time being in the wheel house and using what I learned in the classroom to a real work situation. It is nice feeling being able to translate what you learned in the classroom over to a a real work environment, during this trip it really made me realize all the work I put in is paying off.
What advice do you have for incoming freshman?: Take advantage of the resources the MMA offers, tutoring, Nav Lab, career center, the waterfront. All are great ways to learn more outside of the classroom.
What is your greatest challenge?: Myself, I set the bar. Therefore, I must hold myself to greater expectations to overachieve my goals.
What has been your favorite moment so far while playing at MMA?: Favorite moment was the comeback win over Mass. Maritime when I was a sophomore. It was a great experience to come back from being down three goals at the half, amazing experience.
What are three things you have with you at all times?: Phone, Air Pods, water bottle.
How has the InCommand Leadership Programming helped you as a student-athlete?: What I've taken away the most from InCommand is goal setting. Something I've started doing a lot more recently in and outside of the classroom.
Which teammate has had the biggest impact on you? Why?: Ryan Holmes, one of the smartest players I've played with. I've learned a lot just watching him honestly, being able to play with him for three years and grow with him I've learned a lot to improve my game.
Tell us about something outside of MMA and athletics that you are really interested in: I really enjoy cooking. Growing up in a Italian household you see how serious my family takes cooking. From the ingredients you choose to use and the recipes I've learned, helping out in the kitchen is something I always enjoyed.
Who is your favorite professional athlete? Why?: Kobe Bryant, Kobe's work ethic, mentality, and competitiveness, is amazing. Growing up watching Kobe take over the NBA was truly amazing, and being a Celtics fan you hate see it however, you have to respect the work he put in day in and day out.
