The Muhlenberg Weekly

Issue date: 9/28/06 Section: Sports

Co-captain Andrea Dello Russo '07 leads the way to victory.

Andrea Dello Russo '07, Co-captain of the Women's Soccer team, is originally from Bernardsville, NJ. Following in the footsteps of her older sister, Andrea began playing soccer in the second grade. This season, she primarily plays center midfield and has also played other midfield and forward positions in the past.

Over these past three years, she believes "the team has been placed in many trying situations, and as a result, my mental toughness in games and during practice has definitely improved." Hard matches have caused her and her teammates to "dig deep within [themselves] to push through a variety of different hurdles." She reveals, "Tactically, I have learned different playing styles and positions for strategic purposes to win games. Though my hardnosed style of play seems to proceed me, I have matured as a player and have become more comfortable in playing."

As a captain, Dello Russo not only leads her teammates, but motivates them as well. Teammate Becky Guiditta '07 says, "Andrea is one of the hardest working people on our team, and she does a great job of getting everyone fired up before practice or during game." Guiditta happily remembers the times when Dello Russo went out of her way to bake the team cupcakes. Dello Russo takes her role as captain very seriously and believes that "you need to bring a certain level of intensity and excitement that will make your teammates want to play hard and make practices effective. It is important to set the pace and keep the team working hard. It is also important to be a friend in whom your teammates feel comfortable turning to during hard times and to keep a sensor out for girls that might just need a little encouragement. Often players will turn to you for advice, which is a really good feeling that at times can be challenging."

Her role as a captain has enhanced her leadership skills. "I have become a more confident person in voicing my opinion though constructive criticism and making decisive choices for the better of the team," she reveals. She goes on to admit, "I'm no longer timid in challenging or pushing my teammates to play their best and to take control when needed." Co-captain Kristen Cioeta '07 believes Dello Russo's strong personality can be witnessed at every game. "You'd be sure to see her drive and determination from the moment she steps on the field until the moment she steps off and she truly leads by example."

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