Yorktown sophomore Rilea Fusco officially committed to play for Syracuse this past week. Hailing from a rich lineage of Yorktown lacrosse lifers, family certainly played a role in Fusco's decision.
Her older brother, Austin Fusco, is currently a freshman with the Orange.
A two-time All-American one of Yorktown's all-time defensive assailants, Fusco won a New York state championship as a senior last spring.
Rilea's other older brother, Frankie Fusco, also plays Division-I lacrosse at Drexel University. An aggressive, hard-hitting middie bordered by Trevor Koelsch (Johns Hopkins), Nick Mariano (UMass), Justin Mabus (Towson), Tyler Fahey (Albany), Ty Schuldt (Hartford), and countless others in his heyday, Frankie culminated an illustrious two-year stay at Yorktown with an All-American nod.
A multi-sport athlete, Rilea Fusco has found her niche as a creator on a squad replete with high-caliber scorers. Expect a more prominent role as a game manager and catalyst on both sides of the field this season, especially with Yorktown looking to avenge a dizzying Section 1 championship loss to Somers.
Consistent movement and the swift passing attack of Syracuse helped sell Fusco, who also had interest from Rutgers and Albany.
Fusco's teammate, Casey Duff, is also headed to Syracuse.
Yorktown enters the season with either commitments or signings locked up from Emily Concialdi (USC), Nikki Prestiano (Manhattan), Emma Kaishian (Manhattan), Ashley Stilo (Virginia), Katie Comerford (Villanova), Cailegh Lampersburger (Manhattan), and a slew of other budding prospects.
Fusco on Choosing Syracuse
I basically went to their camp not expecting to like it as much as I did, but I absolutely fell in love with everything about the school. The facilities are amazing and I like the idea of a big school with a great program. I love the coaches, they're awesome. Everything about it just gave me the right vibe. I felt like I ws at home and knew it would be a perfect fit for me.
On Cuse's Identity
I recently went to one of their games in the (Carrier) Dome against Denver. I like the constant moving on the offensive side, considering I'm an attacker. The movement really caused Denver's defense to be flustered, which led to most of Syracuse's goals.
Syracuse's defense is insane as well. Seeing this really made me realize it would be an honor to be a part of this team, and have the ability to further my game to play as well as they do.
On The Coaching Staff
The coach I spoke with the most was Katie Rowan. Katie is just awesome and very easy to talk to. She's an incredible player and I look forward to learning from her. I also met coach Regy Thorpe and coach Gary Gait.
Regy is actually the father of one of the guys on the men's team, a freshman with Austin.
Gary Gait, well the guy is pretty famous to be honest. Given the chance to have him as my coach was undeniable.
Also, the fact that my brother Austin and one of my best friends, Casey Duff, are both going to be there is going to make it even more enjoyable knowing I have a little of the Y always with me.
On The Wealth Of D-I Bound Players/Prospects On Yorktown's Current Roster
Eight players on the team now are committed to play for D-1 programs, including myself. This shows that are team is filled with incredible talent. I think we have the makings of people absolutely insane this year. As long as everyone has the right mindset and the same goal this season, nothing can stop us. Living in Yorktown is a privilege and playing for the Yorktown lacrosse team is an absolute honor. The season is going to be a big one and I know we will make it worth it.