Patch.com: Former Wantagh High Standout Now a College Record-Setter
By Jim Furlong
Patch.com
Many athletes start their college careers with big dreams.
When Jackie Sileo graduated from Wantagh High School, she wanted to stay close to home, and she dreamed to become a college starter. So far, she has surpassed her dreams and excelled during her first collegiate season.
With 53 assists, Sileo has already achieved a freshman single-season record for the C.W. Post women's lacrosse program. In addition, she's scored 26 goals in 14 games for the eighth-ranked Pioneers, who are 11-3 with three regular season games remaining.
"When I step back and think about it, it is unreal," said Sileo. "I didn't expect it."
The former lacrosse, soccer and basketball standout for the Wantagh Warriors ranks second nationally in assists among all NCAA Division II players.
"Ever since I have been playing lacrosse, I have been the unselfish one," said the 18-year-old Sileo, whose older sister, Nicole, is a junior defender on the 2011 C.W. Post roster. "I usually play with people who want to score, but I want to be the one passing the ball."
Three times in the last month Sileo has been named the East Coast Conference Rookie of the Week. Her latest award came after she produced seven assists in a 19-11 conquest of West Chester (Pa.). Earlier, the freshman attacker sparkled with seven goals and 13 assists in two games, including a season-high nine assists during a 18-5 romp over Molloy College.
"I see the open space in front of (her teammates) and I lead them. They do a lot of the work, too," said Sileo. "It is all about anticipating the play and seeing what is going to happen before it happens. I try to pick and choose what pass I make and I try not to force it too much. . . . My focus is I want the team to play well and win."
C.W, Post coach Meghan McNamara first saw Sileo play during her sophomore season at Wantagh.
The Pioneers needed a new feeder for the 2011 season.
"We recruited (Sileo) to be stepping into a big role," said McNamara. "We lost an All-American and we recruited her to step into that role. . . . She is selfless in all aspects of the game. She is a playmaker. Her teammates enjoy her style and the team took to her right away."
Many times this spring, Sileo has combined with senior attack Michelle Fucich, a former Seaford High standout. Fucich totals 20 goals and 24 assists for the Pioneers, who own a 10-3 record and have four regular-season games remaining following a loss against top-ranked Adelphi.
Sileo proved impressive in practices last fall, said the coach, and soon joined the starting lineup.
"She earned it with her hard work, dedication and fight," said McNamara. "She loves to pick apart defenses.
"She brings a lot of spirit to the team. She is vocal. She is confident. She wants to get better and figure it out. . . . She can handle the pressure."
As her scoring totals and reputation grows, Sileo draw more attention and more contact from opposing defenders.
She's spent more time in the weight room to increase her strength, and she is proving tougher to knock down.
Sileo, who attended Wantagh Elementary School and participated in the Girl Scouts, started playing lacrosse when she joined the Wantagh/Seaford PAL in the third grade.
At Wantagh High School Sileo became a three-year starter and the 2010 MVP for coach Bobbi Colavita's program. Sileo recalled she scored about 100 points her senior season.
"Lacrosse is why I am in college," said the likely front-runner for the 2011 East Coast Conference Rookie of the Year award. "Playing has made me the person I am, the player I am. It means a lot to me. (Lacrosse) teaches you a lot about patience, hard work and dedication. Those are the qualities I try to apply to my life outside sports."
Folks in Wantagh may also recall that Sileo started three varsity seasons as a defender for the girls' soccer team and a quick point guard in basketball.
For her college choice, she considered Hofstra, but chose CW. Post.
"I knew I would be comfortable and happy here," she said. "My sister is a junior here. I knew a lot coming (to the Brookville campus) and this is close to home and my family."
Her parents, Julie and Albert, have a 15-mile drive to see her college games. Her grandparents, Mildred and Arthur, also support the Sileo sisters. Their younger sister, Danielle, is a sophomore at Wantagh High School and plays three sports.