Sept. 5, 2007
The 2007 La Salle University Women's Soccer season got under way last weekend with a pair of wins over Wagner and Monmouth. Getting back into the action was one of the three captains of this year's squad Jenna Guagenti.
The senior, who was named Atlantic 10 First Team and an all-regional player by two separate organizations, returns for one more season in the Blue and Gold, hoping to get the Explorers back to the A-10 Tournament for a third time in her career.
A recent sit-down with the center back revealed among other things, her reason for choosing La Salle, her favorite soccer moment, and some of her thoughts on her teammates.
Why did you choose La Salle?
As soon as I stepped on campus, I knew this is where I wanted to come. I really connected right away with the girls and that really sold me. Paul and his coaching staff just made me feel really welcomed, too, which completed the deal.
What improvements have you seen in the program since coming here?
I think the biggest thing from Paul's first season (when they finished 3-13-1) to now is that now we are all his recruits. He basically brings in all his style of players and we all know the game so well and are all on the same page. Our first season (which La Salle went 10-8-2 and advanced to the A-10 Championships) we had great captains who led us, but three of the four freshmen on the team started (Guagenti, along with Kristin Hextall and Kim Lisun) and that has really helped us since, getting
What was your greatest memory of your soccer career so far?
When I was a sophomore playing for my Club Team - PDA Galaxy - we won the regionals and went on to nationals. Well, that and scoring the game-winner last year at Dayton on a free kick from 50-yards out. That was pretty amazing.
Last season, the staff showed you "Dare to Dream", what did you take from that?
It was a very inspirational video that showed that they all had heart and the will to win. Those players wanted to go out on top and they did whatever they needed to do to make that happen. Watching them play just makes you want to go out there and do it too.
Who is your biggest inspiration/role model?
I really never had one that was a famous athlete or anything. So, I would have to say my older brother Greg, because he is the one that kind of got me into soccer. He would play and I would go watch him and travel around with him. He wore number 16, so when I started to play that's the number I wanted, so I would have to say him.
Word Associations
Soccer: What I love to play.
La Salle: A great experience.
Practice: Much needed, very intense.
Paul Royal: A very genuine person.
SprintTurf: Our amazing field.
David Beckham: Very hot; there is a poster of him on my wall.
Getting to know her teammates.
Who is the funniest? Simone Canfarotta
the serious? Melanie Gamble
the smartest? Amy Grant and Michelle Verzi
the hardest worker? Kristin Hextall
the best dressed? Not really sure
the person who overpacks for trips? Me
