H-ton Senior Anna Tesoriero Bound for Stony Brook
She’s dreamed about playing college lacrosse for a top 20 program for many years and soon Anna Tesoriero will be doing just that. The Huntington High School senior has signed an NCAA Division I national letter of intent to attend Stony Brook University and play for the Seawolves.
“Many things led to my decision to attend Stony Brook University,” Ms. Tesoriero said. “Among them was its outstanding academic reputation and medical program. At SBU, I plan on minoring in business and majoring in physical therapy. I’ve always dreamed of playing for a top 20 Division I lacrosse program and it’s finally a reality.”
A wonderful goalie, Ms. Tesoriero had many college suitors, but was decisive when it came time to make a final decision. “The moment I met Stony Brook women’s head coach Joe Spallina and walked the campus with assistant coach Caitlin Defliese, I knew I wanted to attend SBU and play for the Seawolves,” the teenager said.
Ms. Tesoriero performed her due-diligence during the recruiting process. As she learned more about Stony Brook, walked around its sprawling campus and met with people, the Huntington senior was sold on the school.
“The atmosphere on campus and academic support for athletes is outstanding,” Ms. Tesoriero said. “I knew they had an accomplished athletic program and Coach Spallina had already led the Adelphi women’s program to multiple Division II championships. At Stony Brook he has led the team to two American East Championships and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament. These accomplished coaches are dedicated to their players; motivating them to be the best athletes they can be. Clearly a program on the rise, I look forward to making a contribution to its continued success.”
The teenager has played lacrosse locally since third grade. “I have been blessed with great coaches whose instruction helped me become the player I am today,” Ms. Tesoriero said. “My PAL coaches Peter Beach, Joe Soccadato and my dad, Don Tesoriero, provided a great lacrosse foundation. The countless training hours prepared me for the challenges faced on and off the field. My dad is the one individual, by far, who has been my biggest supporter. He attends all my games and without him none of this would be possible. For that, I am incredibly grateful.”
A two-time Suffolk All-County player, Ms. Tesoriero has enjoyed a wonderful run at Huntington High School. She’s been integral to the Blue Devils’ success. “My high school career has helped me form lasting friendships and created great memories that I will never forget,” she said. “I continue to compete alongside fellow teammates that I’ve played with since third grade, particularly Samantha Lynch, Alyssa Amorison, Mackenzie Maloney and Cassidie Giammarino.”
The senior has been Huntington’s starting varsity goalie since eighth grade, playing under head coaches Nancy Wilson and Kathy Wright. “They are both inspiring coaches who believed in me throughout my high school journey,” Ms. Tesoriero said.
A fine student and a wonderful athlete (she starred on the field hockey team, too), Ms. Tesoriero has participated in several high school extracurricular activities, including Huntington’s Habitat for Humanity club chapter, art honor society and Relay For Life. “It has been an incredible experience and I look forward to being a part of it again this year,” she said about the American Cancer Society fundraiser. “Relay for Life opens your eyes to life’s challenges. It helps you realize that we all face challenges and allows you to come together and make a difference as you celebrate survivors, remember those lost to the disease and fight back, taking action against the disease.”
Among the teenager’s senior year classes is AP Government and Politics, AP Microeconomics, AP Italian, Honors Physics, Bible as Literature and Pre-Calculus. “I wanted to have a nice balance of taking classes I enjoyed while still challenging myself and finishing my senior year on a high note,” Ms. Tesoriero said. “Some of my favorite teachers over the years have been Ms. [Deborah] Beck, Mr. [Peter] Crugnale, Ms. [Aimee] Antorino, Ms. [Kelly] Krysinski and Ms. [Stacey] Byrnes. I would also like to mention our librarian, Ms. [Patricia] Dillon, for always being there to help me with homework or for just being able to make me laugh.”
As she heads toward graduation and a new experience at Stony Brook, Ms. Tesoriero has some words of wisdom for incoming ninth graders. “I would give them the advice to not take anything for granted,” she said. “Time flies so join everything you can and live your life with no regrets. In the blink of an eye you’ll be where I am today; reflecting about my time at Huntington High School and wanting to do it all over again. I cherish all the wonderful times throughout these four years and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. Now I look forward to all the new memories that I will make in the next chapter of my life at Stony Brook University. Go Seawolves!”