“When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” is a popular proverb that accurately describes Iona College women’s soccer senior co-captain, Samantha Fiorenzo. Despite every adversity and challenge thrown her way, Samantha has persevered and conquered hardship with positivity and class.
Prior to her career as a Gael, Fiorenzo attended Northern Highlands Regional High School in New Jersey, where she was a four- year varsity player. During her sophomore year, she had ACL reconstruction, in addition to having her medial and lateral menisci fixed. Unfortunately, more upset came her way when in her junior year, she re-tore all three.
With time, patience, and proper rehabilitation, Samantha prepared to step onto Mazzella Field by her freshman year at Iona. As a rookie, she worked her way onto the field and eventually found herself in the starting eleven. Sadly enough, time did not prove to heal all wounds. Towards the end of her first season, Fiorenzo once again re-tore her medial meniscus. After months of physical therapy, Samantha went into her second year of collegiate soccer, unaware that this would be the last time she would be able to step onto the field and play the game she loves.
Fiorenzo played center and outside forward, filling a large offensive role on the team. She was an attacking force on the field, leading the team with four goals during her sophomore year.
The end of the season brought about the same injury in her knee, but this time, a much more disturbing result. After medical examination, it was determined that if Samantha were to continue to play, there would be serious long term damage, including the possibility of a knee replacement. Accounting for the arthritis already developing in her knee, the doctor concluded she could no longer run, or play the game.
This news provided a true test of character, and Fiorenzo delivered, but quitting was not a term present in her vocabulary.
“At first I said I’m done. I cannot be around it,” Samantha said. “But after a week or so, I decided I really wanted to be involved.”
Since her career-ending injury, she has spent hours running and training to restore the strength back in her right leg. Miraculously, her legs are now equally as strong. Samantha also actively involves herself at practice by pushing her fellow teammates to their limits.
Fiorenzo does behind the scenes work for the team, such as hanging up each player’s uniform in the locker before every game, or gathering food before games. Although the gestures seem small, they do not go unnoticed.
“I laugh when people call me a manager,” she said. “I am a player who does a lot on the side because I care about the team.”
Sophmore teammate Erika Flowers commented on Samantha’s presence, “Her dedication and loyalty to Iona women’s soccer says a lot about her personality,” said Flowers. “Her leadership has been extraordinary for this team’s success. We wouldn’t be the team we are today without her.”
Fiorenzo ’s ability to step up and lead by example was duly noted when head coach Linda Hathorn named her one of the team’s three captains prior to the start of the season.
Fiorenzo is a mass communication major. After graduation this spring, she would like to pursue her dream of becoming a film editor. This rising star is already ahead of the game, having held internships with NBC and the New York Giants.
During these two internships, Samantha handled behind the camera roles and recorded both sports and news clips. One of the more astounding parts of her experience occurred while she worked with the Giants, as she was able to edit media veils and final cuts that were sent to ESPN to be aired on television.
Fiorenzo’s presence on the sidelines has helped create a positive and enthusiastic aura that helps the women’s soccer team. It reminds not only athletes, but people in all fields of expertise that any opportunity could be the last, and it is up to them how to approach it and cherish it. Hopefully, if faced with adversity like Samantha’s, we too can face it with her kind of strength, and a fighting smile.