Samantha DelGaudio, a third-year attack player on the SUNY New Paltz Women’s Lacrosse team, set the programs all-time record for career points reaching 113 on March 30 in a loss to the University of Scranton.
DelGaudio, from Northport, N.Y., has been on the team since her freshman year when the program was restarted after its retrenchment in 2003. In 2009, they finished 2-13, and last year they finished 4-11.
This year, however, their record is 5-5. As the team has improved, head coach Heather Semelmacher said DelGaudio has matured as well.
“As a freshmen, Sam was more timid and couldn’t stand alone,” Semelmacher said. “She has gotten more mature and now the pack follows her.”
Semelmacher knew DelGaudio was a special player, even when she recruited her in 2008.
“I didn’t know she would set a school record, but I’m not surprised in the least bit that she did,” Semelmacher said. “I could tell that she has that in her.”
DelGaudio played basketball and lacrosse growing up. Her high school, Northport High School, was a lacrosse power-house, so she was only able to start on the team in her senior year. She credits her high school coach, Carol Rose, as her biggest motivation.
“She forced us to give 100 percent,” DelGaudio said. “She was very intimidating, but she made me the type of player that I am today.”
DelGaudio chose to come to SUNY New Paltz because she was able to play on both the Women’s Basketball and Lacrosse teams.
“I really just enjoy playing sports,” DelGaudio said. “So I really just came here to have fun.”
DelGaudio loves the atmosphere the team has had in her three years here. Even when they were losing, they were a close knit family and still are.
Her favorite teammate on the field is Julia Donato, a third-year midfielder.
“She is a very aggressive player and does everything well that I don’t do good,” DelGaudio said. “We mesh really well together.”
DelGaudio is not a captain, but she feels that she is a leader and would love to become a captain next season.
“I think I already am a leader and can help this team win,” DelGaudio said. “My teammates listen to me.”
Semelmacher sees the same qualities in DelGaudio.
“Sam is very passionate about the game and this program,” Semelmacher said. “She has improved greatly and turned into a leader, and her hard work has resulted in her all-time record.”