Huntington senior Isabella Piccola has signed an NCAA Division II letter of intent to play lacrosse at Pace University in Pleasantville.
“I chose Pace because it was a perfect fit for me academically and athletically,” Ms. Piccola said. “I am able to play lacrosse while also being able to study within the medical field. The coaching staff is incredible and I can’t wait to contribute to winning a national championship.”
Ms. Piccola has been accepted into Pace’s Pforzheimer Honors College. The teenager considered Marist College, George Washington University, Boston University, Franklin and Marshall College and Bucknell University before committing to Pace.
Huntington senior Isabella Piccola.
The historian of the Nathan Hale chapter of the National Honor Society at Huntington High School, Ms. Piccola earned All-Division honors with the Blue Devil lacrosse team last spring after tallying 24 goals and 21 assists.
“I’ll being playing attack,” Ms. Piccola said. “More specifically, goal line right. Running the offense and goal scoring/assisting.”
Treasurer of Huntington’s Class of 2018 as well as the high school’s Science National Honor Society chapter, Ms. Piccola is also a member of both the Social Studies and English honor societies.
“My years spent at Huntington have been amazing,” Ms. Piccola said. “I’ve made so many lasting memories in the classroom and on the lacrosse field that will always stay with me. I’m sad that I’m going to leave Huntington soon, but I am excited with what awaits me in my future.”
Pace compiled an 11-6 record last spring. The team includes many players from Long Island. Tricia Molfetta was named Pace’s new head coach on October 30 after three seasons at Manhattanville College. She replaced Michael Spinner who left Pace to become assistant athletic director at Westchester Community College.
Ms. Piccola’s friends believe she shouldn’t be underestimated when it comes to achieving academically or athletically.
“I have been best friends with Isabella since kindergarten,” said classmate Lindsay Saginaw, president of Huntington’s Class of 2018. “And that same motivation that she had while learning our times tables or writing stories has carried over into high school, making her one of the most hard working and passionate individuals that I know. I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes at Pace and beyond.”
Ms. Piccola has compiled an enviable academic record over the past four years and she is well positioned for success in Pace’s classrooms. The teenager has completed many of Huntington High School’s most challenging courses and earned stellar grades.
“Since 1906, Pace University has produced thinking professionals by providing high-quality education for the professions with a firm base in liberal learning amid the advantages of the New York metropolitan area,” according to the university’s website. “A private university, Pace has campuses in New York City and Westchester County, enrolling almost 13,000 students in bachelor, master and doctoral programs. Pace Institute began its transformation after World War II into a modern university with emphasis on the liberal arts and sciences. It grew from rented facilities and few resources into one of the largest universities in New York State with a multimillion dollar physical plant, an endowment of more than $100 million and a reputation for excellent teaching and talented, ambitious graduates.”
