Lakeland senior striker Gianna Pace tallied her 50th-career goal in a 2-2 tie against visiting sister school Walter Panas on Sept. 29.
Her career totals through a 1-0 victory at Yorktown on Oct. 1 also include 29 assists.
She is one of the Hornets’ girls soccer captains this year, along with Margaret Keating, and Amelia Calisi, and has been a varsity starter at Lakeland for all four years of her high-school career.
As a junior, she received All-Section and All-League honors and had 22 goals, a single-season Lakeland record, and 10 assists.
As a sophomore, Pace received All-Section and All-League awards, registering 13 goals and 8 assists.
As a freshman, she tallied All-League honors as a midfielder, was the Yorktown Tournament MVP, during a season in which Lakeland won the league title. She scored 7 goals and dished out 8 assists that fall.
What did it mean to score your 50th-career goal? It really meant so much to me. I am truly blessed to reach that milestone and I couldn’t have done it without the girls around me.
Our constant fight and grit as a team — no matter win or lose — was what drove me to be able to reach that achievement. It was such a special moment, and to be able to make it happen on senior night was even better.
How old were you when you started playing soccer and what got you started? I was 3 years old when I started playing soccer in the SOAC (Shrub Oak Athletic Club) program. What drew me to soccer was the fact that I always would like to dribble the soccer ball.
My parents told me that the daycare workers would say I had a soccer ball on my feet at all times when we were outside playing. I was always just really drawn to learning different dribbling patterns and would work on my technical skills as much as I could.
What is your favorite part of being on the Lakeland girls soccer team? The bonds I have with all the girls. Every time I’m with the girls, whether it's at practices, games or team bondings, I always have so much fun.
I made so many memories that I will cherish forever. I’m also glad to have coach Greg Doell, coach Shawn Sullivan, and coach Dan Kelly as my coaches because practices and games wouldn't be the same without them.
They have always pushed me to be better, challenged me to reach my full potential, and believed in me. I’m grateful for all the support and encouragement they have given me throughout my time at Lakeland.
What is your favorite team activity or pre- or post-game ritual? I always have to drink dragon fruit vitamin water before every game.
Who has been your biggest role model(s)? My parents because they always try to push me to be the best I can be.
What’s one thing about yourself that most people don’t know? I have a pontoon boat on Lake Mahopac that my family and friends go on every summer. I love going out on the lake all day. I paddle board and listen to music on the lake with my friends.
What do you plan to do after high school? I will be attending the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) to play Division 1 soccer and continue my academics. As of now, I’m planning to major in biology.
Who's your favorite professional athlete and pro sports team? Carli Lloyd and the U.S. Women's National Team. From a young age, I would read books with my parents before going to bed and my favorite book growing up was Carli’s “When Nobody Was Watching.” I loved her message and took it to heart to always train on my own.
My parents signed me up for training with Carli Lloyd at Manhattanville College (now University) when I was about 10 years old. I not only got to train and meet Carli, I also was able to take a picture with her and have a conversation.
What’s your go-to warm-up music? If I listen to warm-up music, my go-to is always songs by John Summit.
What is the go-to app on your phone? Snapchat, to talk to my friends and take pictures.
What’s one place you’ve never been but would love to visit? Italy, because that's where my family is from. I have heard many amazing things about Italy and I would love to learn more about where my family came from.
Best place to eat in Yorktown and why? Yorktown Diner. I love to go there with either my family or friends any time of the day, but specifically for breakfast.
What would you say to a young athlete thinking about trying out for the Lakeland girls soccer team? To always work hard and never give up because you will regret it if you don't. The four years go by way quicker than you may think so enjoy every second of it.
The bonds that you make from a team are stronger than any friendships you will ever make. The friendships I've made with the girls on my team are ones that I know will last forever.
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