Conestoga’s Monica Borzillo is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week
The senior attacker recently recorded her 100th career assist, which is a school record. As of Monday April 18, she has 97 career goals. Last spring, she was voted the co-MVP of attack for the Central League champions, tallying 52 goals and dishing out 58 assists while compiling a .600 shooting percentage. The University of Cincinnati-bound All-Central League pick also caused 13 turnovers last spring for the Pioneers, who advanced to the PIAA state championship final.
Q: Can you describe the play on which you recorded your 100th career assist, how the play unfolded, and your role in it?
A: The play was a simple slow break. We got the draw, worked it around and got it behind to me. I did what I usually do and waited for the open cutter and that happened to be Paige Loose!
Q: What does it mean to you to hold the school record for career assists?
A: It means a lot to me and our team, because having 100 assists is always looking out for the best opportunity to score.
Q: Have you always played attack? What originally led you to that position? What (to you) is the most important attribute of a good attacker?
A: I was a midfielder and took the draw until I played varsity my sophomore year. The summer before sophomore year, my Phantastix (club team) coaches moved me to attack and I learned what it takes to be an attacker. The most important attribute of a good attacker is their patience, game IQ, and knowing their position inside and out – from working to find the perfect shot to re-defending.
Q: Last year, Conestoga made the PIAA state finals. What was your most vivid memory of last season? Can you share it with us?
A: My most vivid memory of last season was on Spring Break in Florida, we beat Vero Beach, the No. 1 team in the state. This was a huge win for us so early in the season.
Q: You wear No. 8 for Conestoga. Was there a reason you chose this number – does this number have any significance to you?
A: There was no reason why I chose this number. But I wear it with the thought of making it something to have a reason to keep it.
Q: What do you think is the best part of your game, and what are you working on most currently?
A: The best part of my game is being able to see the open cutter and get the ball to her, sometimes before they even realize they are open. Currently I am working on improving my crease roll and dodges.
Q: Who have been your biggest lacrosse mentors, and what was the most important thing each of them taught you?
A: My sister, Jackie, is definitely my biggest mentor and fan. She brought me to the game and we both improved together taking what our coaches taught us and practicing in the backyard every chance we got. The most important thing my sister taught me is competitiveness and hard work. My Phantastix coaches were also a huge part of making me the player I am today. I give a lot of credit to their program and what they teach us. The most important thing they taught was player IQ. You can tell when a player has it. And finally Coach Amy Orcutt is always pushing me to be better and try new things to get out of my comfort zone. She really has helped me with my mental toughness.
Q: As a senior, describe how you see your leadership role on the team.
A: I like to see it as leading by example and teaching the underclassmen as much as I can.
Q: What attracted you to University of Cincinnati, compared with the other colleges in the running? What do you think you’d like to major in? Is there a career path that particularly interests you at the present time?
A: In the end it was a decision between Marquette and Cincinnati. Both programs and coaches are awesome! My sister is currently at Marquette and their coach, Meredith Black, has made huge improvement with their program. The reason I chose Cincinnati was because I saw myself succeeding there the most. The goal of the lacrosse program and the school itself was exactly what I was looking for. I’m going to major in secondary education/mathematics. I would love to teach math and be a soccer or lacrosse coach.
Q: What extracurricular activities are you involved in at Conestoga other than lacrosse?
A: I also played soccer and was on a club team until high school. ‘Stoga Yoga and Habitat for Humanity.
Fun facts – Monica Borzillo
Favorite book: The Hunger Games.
Favorite TV show: How I Met Your Mother.
Favorite movie: Monsters, Inc.
Favorite athlete: Lionel Messi.
Favorite pre-game pump-up song: “Burn” by Meek Mill.
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Favorite place to visit: Italy.
Favorite pre-game meal: Chicken broccoli pasta from Bravissimo.
Person you most admire, and why: My Dad has played the biggest role in my career from start to finish. We are very close.
Favorite color: Blue.
Born: Oct. 6, 1997 in Bryn Mawr.
Family members: parents Joe and Karen, older sister Jackie.
(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)
