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08/06/2024 10:53 AMAliza Giordano works tirelessly both year-round and day in and day out to become the best lacrosse player she can be. And for the speedy and determined attacker, she has used speed to quickly nab a big career milestone.
Aliza, who will be entering her junior year this fall, started with a lacrosse stick in her hand all the way back in kindergarten. Throughout her youth, she also played field hockey, swimming, and softball. As an attacker this past spring, Aliza was a sensational sophomore in surpassing the 100-career goal threshold, while in the process, helping the Hornets to net a state tournament berth.
“My coaches have really taught me everything I know about lacrosse. My love for the sport came from them. Then through club lacrosse, I was able to prosper more as a player, and it made me into the player I am now,” says Aliza. “My success has come through practicing as much as I possibly can. I also have been sticking with my skills and practicing them consistently. It was great to hit 100 career goals, and it is something I am very proud of.”
Aliza gets a good view of the action from her perch in the offensive unit at the X slot. She loves the challenge and responsibilities of the job, and she adds that it may have given her a bit of an advantage, thanks to her vantage point.
“I love to play crease attack, and it can be a more challenging position,” says Aliza. “I found, though, that I love it. My love for it comes from being able to see the whole field and getting a good view of the goalkeeper. It is a view of the field that has given me the upper hand I feel.”
When it comes to her prowess between the ears, Aliza recalls that she would put herself on ice whenever she found herself in a tight spot. Though she learned that the best way to spur on a thaw is to simply slow everything down, take in some oxygen, and reset the table.
“I used to get into my head and freeze up in a game,” Aliza says. “But then, I learned to stop and take a breath during the game and re-gather my thoughts. It helps me a lot. I just focus on the play and that moment. I like to just realize where I am at that moment.”
While Aliza admits she is not the most imposing physical force of stature on the turf, she more than makes up for it with her uncanny evasiveness. She explains that she will look to use her elusiveness to her benefit while focusing on improving her defensive skills after giveaways in the offensive zone.
“I think my finishing skills are my strengths, especially speed and dodging,” says Aliza. “I am not the biggest player, so my speed can be helpful. My speed and quickness help me beat my defenders. I think I can improve my defensive skills after turnovers and between the 30s to get more opportunities.”
There was quite a youth movement for the Hornets in 2024, as they welcomed many newcomers into the fold. Branford also bolstered its playbook on both facets of the game and revamped its whole defensive strategy.
“This past year was really interesting because we were able to bring a bunch of freshmen on,” says Aliza. “We stayed working hard daily and implemented some new plays on offense. Even on defense, we went from a man defense to a zone, which I think helped us going into states.”
While Branford girls’ lacrosse Head Coach Caitlin O’Brien certainly expresses gratitude for Aliza’s physical gifts, she also praises her for some incredible intangibles that construct her drive as an athlete.
“Aliza is a dedicated and hard-working lacrosse player whose talent shines through every game. Her commitment to the team and the sport is unwavering, always showing up ready to give her best,” says O’Brien. “Whether in practice or on game day, Aliza exemplifies reliability and drive, making her a crucial player we can count on. Her understanding of when to push her limits and leave everything on the field demonstrates her deep passion and focus. Aliza’s presence and performance are a testament to her dedication, consistently elevating the team with her skill and perseverance.”
Aliza and the Hornets would like to double down on their postseason gains in more ways than one when looking ahead to the team objectives of 2025. As the Hornets look to field a program big enough to add a JV club, Aliza looks to start setting her sights on the next tier of her personal lax career and look at things from a collegiate point of view.
“Next year, we want to make SCCs as well as states; we came close to making SCCs last year,” Aliza says. “We also want to go further in states. We will have a young team coming back, which I think will be helpful. They can hopefully become great lacrosse players, especially with a JV team. For myself, I would love to play Division I lax in college. It is something I am working so hard towards. I am excited to start being able to talk to coaches beginning in September. It is super scary but also super exciting.”