Syracuse Field Hockey Welcomes Newest Member
11/17/2020 4:44:00 PM | Field Hockey
The Syracuse University field hockey team announced its first signee of the 2021 class, Angelina Facciolo, Tuesday evening. Facciolo has joined the team through Team IMPACT, a Boston-based non-profit organization that focuses on improving the quality of life for children facing serious and chronic illnesses through the power of team. Facciolo met her Orange teammates for the first time Tuesday through Zoom meeting.
"I feel like this is a great opportunity for me because I have always dreamed of being on a sports team and I think this will change my life," Facciolo said.
The nine-year-old Verona, N.Y., native, was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) at nine months old but hasn't missed a beat of enjoying her childhood. Facciolo has taken dance classes, is an active Girl Scout and took an adaptive rock-climbing class last summer.
"I am excited to introduce our 2021 signees," Syracuse Head Coach Ange Bradley said. "I am thrilled to announce our first new member of our Syracuse field hockey family. Angelina has tremendous heart, intelligence, determination, work ethic and grit that defines our team. She hails from Verona, N.Y., and I hope that Orange Nation can help us welcome Angelina to our 'Cuse family."Â
Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a rare genetic disorder characterized by weakness and wasting (atrophy) in muscles used for movement (skeletal muscles). It is caused by a loss of specialized nerve cells, called motor neurons that control muscle movement. SMA primarily effects basic functions of walking, eating, and breathing but as Facciolo's mother Erin describes, "She's smart as a whip and very observant."
Facciolo resides in Verona with her parents Frank and Erin, and three-year old sister Rosalie, who is described as her sister's helper. Rosalie helps her parents with caring for Angelina and in return Angelina says she gets to experience things vicariously through her little sister – like jumping off the couch onto the floor.
Due to COVID-19 social-distancing precautions, Facciolo and the Orange will have to wait to meet in person but will continue to build their team bond through virtual practices.
Â
"I feel like this is a great opportunity for me because I have always dreamed of being on a sports team and I think this will change my life," Facciolo said.
The nine-year-old Verona, N.Y., native, was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) at nine months old but hasn't missed a beat of enjoying her childhood. Facciolo has taken dance classes, is an active Girl Scout and took an adaptive rock-climbing class last summer.
"I am excited to introduce our 2021 signees," Syracuse Head Coach Ange Bradley said. "I am thrilled to announce our first new member of our Syracuse field hockey family. Angelina has tremendous heart, intelligence, determination, work ethic and grit that defines our team. She hails from Verona, N.Y., and I hope that Orange Nation can help us welcome Angelina to our 'Cuse family."Â
Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a rare genetic disorder characterized by weakness and wasting (atrophy) in muscles used for movement (skeletal muscles). It is caused by a loss of specialized nerve cells, called motor neurons that control muscle movement. SMA primarily effects basic functions of walking, eating, and breathing but as Facciolo's mother Erin describes, "She's smart as a whip and very observant."
Facciolo resides in Verona with her parents Frank and Erin, and three-year old sister Rosalie, who is described as her sister's helper. Rosalie helps her parents with caring for Angelina and in return Angelina says she gets to experience things vicariously through her little sister – like jumping off the couch onto the floor.
Due to COVID-19 social-distancing precautions, Facciolo and the Orange will have to wait to meet in person but will continue to build their team bond through virtual practices.
Â
Highlights | Field Hockey at Princeton | NCAA Quarterfinals
Sunday, November 16
FH | Highlights Syracuse vs Liberty
Friday, November 14
Media Availability | Field Hockey Head Coach Lynn Farquhar
Tuesday, November 11
Highlights | Syracuse vs. Wake Forest
Wednesday, November 05
