Senior Spotlight: Jacquie Greco

At the age of three, Jacquie Greco found her passion. Fast-forward to her senior year of college, Greco, a senior defenseman on the women's ice hockey team, can't believe how fast it's gone.

"When I was young, my mom told me that I was always trying to try on my brother's hockey equipment," Greco said. "One day she put it on me, threw me on the ice and I guess I have loved it ever since."

With her drive and talent, Greco never stopped playing the game she came to love at such a young age. From elementary school to middle school, it seemed effortless. In order to play on a women's ice hockey team in high school, she attended the Nichols School in her hometown of Buffalo, NY.

"I loved played other sports in high school, but ice hockey always took priority," Greco said. "My family and I dedicated so much time and money. I believe it was what I was meant to do in college."

As the end of her final season in Orange approaches, Greco isn't ready to say goodbye just yet. The team has seen many achievements across the board this year, including winning the most conference games in SU history since 2009-10.

"I don't think its hit me just yet," Greco said. "We've been doing really well and I want to leave on a high note. Every year we get so close to a national championship. I think this will be the year we make it happen."

Through all her personal accomplishments including 120 games played, 18 career points off of ten goals and eight assists, one game in particular stands out. It was the first time the defenseman was moved up to forward this season.

"The game against Robert Morris on December 1^st, I will always remember," said Greco. "I scored my second goal of the night. Everyone was yelling 'shoot it' so I went for it and we ended up tying and finally winning the game."

Greco's leadership abilities have been demonstrated both on and off the ice throughout her time in Orange. The Buffalo, NY native was named assistant captain as a junior and then voted to be a captain by her teammates again for her senior season.

"Jacquie's been so dedicated to this team," head coach Paul Flanagan said. "All the things she does both on the ice and off the ice and the time she puts in. She's always thinking about this team. She's like having another assistant coach. There's a lot to be said about leadership and things you do away from the ice and then for someone that translates that leadership and those qualities on the bench and on the ice, it's great to see."

With all of her success, Greco believes it couldn't have been done without the support of both her teammates and Syracuse University.

"We have amazing academic and athletic support," said Greco. "We have so many things to be successful. And this is just the year that's starting it all. We are so ready to get in that top ten and make things happen."

Sticking to a strict schedule takes determination and motivation, which the team takes very seriously. Practicing six days a week, this team's dedication shines through. Skating, lifting and sprints are just a few of the activities the team does to stay in competitive shape.

"We do a lot to prepare for game days," Greco said. "Thursday, we review special teams and watch videos on our upcoming opponent. On Friday there is a pregame skate, meal, and a cool down after the game. On Saturday, we repeat. The same thing happens the following week."

In order to be a successful athlete, there is a certain mentality a person needs to have. With that certain dedication, there is nothing that Greco regrets about the experience she has had playing for the ice hockey team.

"It's a building process," Greco said. "You need to come here knowing the time commitment and what it takes be successful. I was the first recruited class so leaving this program on such a high note makes me proud of my team."

Greco plans to continue to stay involved with ice hockey following her final season at Syracuse.

"There aren't a lot of options for women's hockey after college," Greco said. "I am looking to work for USA Hockey because not only have I played it, but I understand the whole process. It would be a great experience to be a part of it."

With a successful career about to come to a close, Greco has grown a lot from the past four years. With her passion and ambition for the game, she believes that if you are going to play this sport, you need to be confident in yourself.

"Start your freshman year strong," said Greco. "Make a name for yourself your freshman year and go from there."

Greco and fellow senior Holly Carrie-Mattimoe will be honored prior to Saturday's game against Lindenwood at 2 p.m. at Tennity Ice Pavilion. The Orange and Lions face off first on Friday night at 7 p.m.

Syracuse University Athletics

Related News

Related Videos