Mahopac senior field hockey captain Anastasia Villani has a booming personality—and a rumbling stroke to match. The ball just sounds different coming off some sticks, and Villani’s strike not only sounds thunderous off the smack, it carries the distance to enable the surging Wolf Pac to get out in transition. With the ball, Villani uses quick restarts, combined with one of the hardest drives in Section 1, to trigger the Wolf Pac offense; without it, she steps up on D to stop multiple fast breaks by opposing attackers.
As a hybrid defender/midfielder, Villani is asked to do a little bit of everything by coach Jess Ascencao, who has tried to mold the Mahopac senior in her own All-American image. Sighting communication with her teammates – on and off the field – as well as a strong field hockey IQ, Ascencao knew she had captain material on first sight in the summer of 2024.
“Anastasia truly embodies leadership for our whole program,” Ascencao said. “She is a player who can be looked up to by those younger than her. She is constantly supporting all the players in our program by helping them with new skills and providing advice.
“On the field Anastasia has a strong presence offensively and defensively,” the coach added. “She has one of the most powerful shots and also makes big impacts on defense, tackling low and strong. Her high hockey IQ enhances her own abilities and the whole team. She communicates her knowledge across the field and guides her teammates offensively and defensively.”
As one of the leaders behind a strong senior class, Villani and her teammates have Mahopac relevant once again on the field hockey circuit after a prolonged period of rebuilding. At 8-5 overall, the Wolf Pac are within striking distance of a top-five seed for the upcoming sectional tournament. A three-year varsity standout, Villani is a primary reason for the emergence—so let’s get to know more about her.
What’s been the most challenging part of high school for you? The most challenging part of high school for me was taking college chemistry. It was very challenging and difficult.
What’s your favorite memory of your time at Mahopac High School? Being able to assist with the summer budget doing an engineering project for the school.
It’s been a while since Mahopac was considered a serious Section 1 field hockey contender, what’s made that change this season? The biggest change this season has been the chemistry. Most of the girls on the team this year have been playing together since the modified season. We all know each other well enough to know each player's strengths and weaknesses, which allows for us to thrive on the field. We are able to work as a unit to bring the ball up the field and create various scoring opportunities.
How do you see your role as team captain? To be a role model and leader. It’s not just about what you do on the field or how you play, it’s about how you lead by example on and off the field and even in the classroom. Making sure everyone is included and working well together.
How do you contribute to team dynamics? By being very vocal. The team even calls me a field general because I make sure that everyone is aware of what is taking place on the field. I make sure that everyone is in the right place for us to be successful.
What do you see yourself accomplishing in five to 10 years? Being an alumni from Stevens Institute of Technology with my master’s degree in biomedical engineering. I would be working in a hospital and helping many people by making personal devices for them.
Has any Mashopc faculty or staff made an impact on you? Mr. [Patrick] Keevins has made a big difference in my life. He is my principal and has helped me with my college journey.
People are so divided these days, what trait do you possess that might unify us? Compassion. I am very compassionate towards others and try to put myself in their shoes to understand the situation that they are currently in and try my best to bring everyone together.
Name a chore that you hate. I personally hate cleaning. I am not one who will willingly clean on a daily basis.
Favorite place to visit? Turks and Caicos. I went with my family to the island, the water was beautiful. The beaches were gorgeous, and I got really tan.
College decision, college major intentions? To play field hockey in college at Stevens Institute of Technology, where I plan to study biomedical engineering.
What are you hobbies outside of sports? A hobby that I have that I do with my family is that I hunt. Both my dad and grandfather hunt and they taught me from a very young age about it and how to hunt. Now it’s a family tradition.
Is there an adult, coach or athlete that you look up to as a role model and why? My dad. He was an athlete in high school. He wrestled and played baseball. He went to states in wrestling and baseball. He always made sure that I wouldn’t put myself in any bad situation.
Best slice of pizza in Mahopac? I personally like Frank's Pizza. It might not be considered a Mahopac pizzeria, but it’s one of the closest slices to the city I have ever had.
Favorite local restaurant? Arturos. I love their pasta and other foods they have to offer.
Favorite birthday meal? My grandparents make homemade lasagna and eggplant parmesan.
Hoe do you spend your downtime from school or practice? I would normally lay on the couch and binge watch TV on my days off. Give myself a break from going in a million different directions normally.
What are you an expert at? I am really good at being on time to everything.
What are you not nearly an expert at? I am not really good at not being clumsy. I tend to drop things a lot and leave things in different places.
Favorite pre-game ritual? I always braid my hair before every game.
Favorite music/band? Country music, particularly Laniey Wilson.
What’s your favorite sport to play and to watch? To play is field hockey. To watch is ice hockey.
Who’s you favorite professional athlete? Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers. He’s one of the most composed players on the team, but yet he's aggressive to always take the shot.
Favorite pro and/or college team? New York Yankees.
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