Athlete Spotlight: Danny DiLisio
Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications
Salem, Mass.- This week our athlete spotlight features men's golfer Danny DiLisio from Swampscott, Mass. DiLisio was named the MASCAC Golfer of the Week after a top-ten NEIGA finish last week.
The Swampscott native was surprised that he was named golfer of the week. "I was definitely a little surprised when I learned I won the award. I had a great week on the Cape and was very happy with my performance. It means a lot to me. On 18 I knew if I made birdie I could sneak into the top ten, but I didn't know it would lead to be player of the week so it was really cool. I didn't have the greatest beginning to my fall season, so it really meant a lot to play well in one of our bigger tournaments."
The business management major talked about the trip the Vikings took to Nevada earlier this month. "Vegas was a really cool experience for all of us. We got to go on such a fun trip and play an awesome course where they are playing the national championship. The competition was awesome, we played with four really good teams that had some really good players, so for us to go out and compete was awesome and a really beneficial experience."
DiLisio, who was inspired by his grandfather when he was five or six years old, spoke about some of the things he wants to improve upon for the spring semester. "I was definitely disappointed with how I started the season off, my first two tournaments. I didn't break 80 so I was very upset, but as the season went on I started to piece things together slowly and it all kind of poured out into ¾ of my last tournament rounds, even in practice. I noticed my game start to really kick up. I'd really like to see myself get more consistent this spring. I'm an up and down player so it can really be frustrating at times, but golf is such an up and down sport. I just have to learn how to limit my mistakes and get a little more consistent with my game."
The junior student recalled a couple of memories that really resonated with him as a Viking. "I'd definitely have to say the entire trips to nationals in Orlando and Kentucky. They were both just so much fun, from playing pickleball to playing a random course on our last day, both trips were a blast. We also were able to play in the national championship and those experiences are some I will never forget."
He talked about a few of the tournaments that really stood out to him. "I've had a few, but two that come to mind are my rounds in Kentucky and then obviously this weekend. In Kentucky my first day was solid, could have been better, but I wasn't upset with how I played. The second day I just kind of had everything going. I made a lot of difficult shots and I really only made one mistake. This past weekend I just really had it going, I started off really hot and kind of cooled down, but still put up a solid score. The second day I had a really frustrating front nine. I couldn't do anything right, but I kind of just hung around and really pieced it all together to finish top-10."
DiLisio explained how difficult it is to be a golfer. "There are so many factors that go into golf, and to succeed especially at the collegiate level is very hard to do. There are so many variables to the game so you have to practice everything so much to keep yourself tuned up. Its not something you can just take a ton of time off and expect to comeback and be what you were prior to taking time off. Every course has different conditions so being able to adapt to them is very important. It's also such a mental game, you can't let things frustrate you no matter what happens, it's very difficult."
He expressed his routine in the winter compared to the summer and how it is different. "Over the winter my teammates Colin [Richmond] and Henry [Stonehouse] and I really grind at the driving range, just using the time to improve and keep in shape. Over the summer I play in tournaments and use that time to improve. I also play matches with my teammates Ethan Doyle, Colin Richmond, and Henry Stonehouse. It's really good practice and we all have fun and get a lot out of it."
DiLisio expressed the adjustment he made between Vegas and the NEIGA tournament. "In Vegas I walked away very disappointed, I felt that not only could I have played a lot better, but I felt that my score didn't show how good I felt I was playing at the time. I made so many uncharacteristic mistakes that just kept adding up. I felt that my scores both days should have been 5-6 shots better and ask any golfer it is the most frustrating feeling. I just knew as soon as I left the course it was behind me. We practiced on Thursday, and I felt really good about my game so I just knew I had to go into the weekend confident in my game."
He mentioned two of his idols. "A couple of my idols are my grandfather and my dad. They have been two of my biggest influences in golf and my biggest supporters. Before my grandfather passed away he taught me so much about golf and also just life itself. My dad has done the same, so I'd say they are definitely my biggest idols."
His uncle is someone special that has inspired him in a unique way. "Like I said before, my grandfather and my dad have definitely shaped me to be the person I am today. My Uncle David also has been a big part of my golf career. He has played so many rounds with me, practiced with me and really pushed me to be a better player."
DiLisio express his go-to meal. "We usually go to places like Dunkin Donuts or Honey Dew, so I'll get a donut and a coffee. Whatever I'm feeling."
An interesting fact about DiLisio that we don't know is that he loves to watch UFC. "I am an avid UFC fan. I started watching it during covid and just really love watching it."
He mentioned a professional player he would love to see. "I'd have to say Will Zalatoris, over the last couple of years he's become my favorite golfer. I just love watching his game (except his putting), and he's just such an easy guy to root for."