Russo Moves On To Northwestern

 
Jessica Russo was a girls lacrosse star for the Friars.

BY MIKE GANCI

For Jessica Russo, the dream of playing lacrosse on the USA Team began when she was a little girl, watching her brother Scott who played for Virginia. Ever since she was in second grade, Russo’s been carrying a lacrosse stick as if it were an extension of her body. As the years went by, she got better, and for the past four years, she has been the cornerstone for St. Anthony’s lacrosse. Now, she is moving on to Northwestern.

At the St. Anthony’s award dinner, both  Russo and Scott Vallone (who played football for St. Anthony’s) were given the Dellicave Award, which is given to athletes who exhibit the best grades, community service, and of course, production for their prospective teams.

“It’s an excellent honor,” said Russo. “I can’t believe I am done with St. Anthony’s. This school has really helped me grow as both an athlete and a person.”

Russo hasn’t just been limited to lacrosse in her tenure at St. Anthony’s.  She spent time playing basketball as a freshman, (point guard) and Soccer as both a freshman and sophomore (defense/midfield/attack). For soccer, she was awarded the team’s defensive MVP for 2007.

“My favorite sport has always been lacrosse,” said Russo. “Following my brother around while he played for Virginia made me realize how much I love the game.” Russo has developed a pretty impressive resume of her own.

Russo’s accolades for lacrosse are off the charts. She was on the New York State Empire team for lacrosse for three years, and even served as the team’s captain in 2007. She also was an All Long Island player for three years, and was even bestowed as an All American in 2007. As a multiple-time CHSAA player of the year, Russo proved that she was ready for the next level.

Also, Russo almost made the Under 19 USA team, but was cut in the last round.

“The coach told me that I was the last one cut. That still didn’t make me feel any better, but at least I know that I was capable of playing with the best.”

Russo is moving on to a situation in which her accolades at St. Anthony’s mean absolutely nothing. Although she was recruited to play lacrosse at Northwestern, (as well as Duke, Georgetown and many other colleges) she is going to need to start from scratch and prove herself once again.

“Northwestern has one the National Championship the past four seasons,” said Russo. “I am going to have to work very hard to get playing time, and I am going to do whatever I have to.”

Russo seemed fired up about moving on to the next level, but she knows it is not going to be easy.

“I know there are going to be good times ahead, but I am going to have to be determined. I want to eventually be able to start, and then one day, maybe I will fulfill my dream to play for the USA team.”

For Jessica Russo, it seems like the sky is the limit.