Athlete Spotlight: Stephanie Santorella

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications 

Salem, Mass. -- Our athlete spotlight focuses on field hockey captain Stephanie Santorella from Danvers, Mass. The grad-student has played in eleven games so far this season, six of them were conference.

Santorella talked about the big conference (MASCAC) victories over Bridgewater State and Framingham State. "Both games were our first conference games. That set the tone for the season. It gave us a boost of confidence going into more conference games. It also proved to us that we can play as a team and make a name for ourselves."   

She spoke about the importance of the remainder of the season. The next four games to finish the season are all conference games. "The next four games will be huge. We need to come out ready to fight. We are feeling confident going into the rest of the season and ready to finish strong."   

She reflected on the importance of being named captain of the team with Mikayla [Mason] and Melanie [Mason]. "I was honored to be named captain for the 2023 season. It means a lot to me that the team and coaches believe in me to lead the team along with the Mason twins."      

A game that stood out to Santorella was this past Saturday when the Vikings lost a heartbreaker, 3-2 in overtime at Alumni Field. "The Worcester State game was big. We stuck with them and played as a team to bring them into overtime. Even though it was a loss, it gave a huge confidence boost for everyone and proved we can stick with a top seed in the conference."   

Santorella mentioned her pre-game routine. "Before games, I like to zone in and visualize how I want to play that day. I try to set time for myself and get in the right head space. We try to get the energy up before games as a team and encourage everyone."    

Santorella, who started playing field hockey when she was in seventh grade, mentioned how her off-season routine gets her prepared for the season. She states, "Offseason I do a lot more lifting and longer endurance cardio. As the season starts getting closer, I focus on agility, high-intensity intervals, and more game play or stick skill."   

She expressed her memorable moments so far as a Viking. "Some of my memorable moments have been during the season and being with the team. I will always remember preseason doubles. Even though it can be hard, it is a huge team bonding experience, and you spend all day playing the sport you love."   

Santorella and the Vikings will travel to Framingham State on Saturday afternoon for a MASCAC conference game. Game time is at 2:00 p.m.