On Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, Neshaminy seniors Francesca Donato and JoAnne Mamie were recognized for committing to play lacrosse at the collegiate level. To view photos of the signing, please visit the Photo Gallery.
Francesca Donato – St. Joseph’s University (Lacrosse)
Major: Criminal Justice
Final list of colleges: St. Joseph’s, University of Connecticut, JMU
Reasons for choosing St. Joe’s: “I picked St. Joe’s because I kind of got a feeling I didn’t really want to be that far away because I have younger siblings. It’s far enough away to get the college experience, but it’s also close enough that if I really needed to come home and see my family for a weekend I could. It’s also a great school. They were all great schools though, so I couldn’t make a bad choice.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in lacrosse at the collegiate level? “Once I got to high school, I was really torn between soccer and lacrosse because I love them both. My sophomore year I started getting e-mails from colleges. My dad played in college, and I don’t want to say it, but I kind of favored it over soccer a little bit. It worked out for me.”
Coach Ashley Belmonte says: “Fran came to Neshaminy with experience and great stick skills and became a player to watch from the beginning. She has truly played an important role in helping our team to improve each year. She has always been a leader on the team; however, as captain her junior and senior years, she was really able to assume a leadership role and lead her team to victories. We definitely had our share of tough games, but when our team struggled, she was always positive and continued to work hard.
“We will definitely miss Fran next year. I believe, however, that she has left the team feeling confident. She has helped to lay the groundwork of what it takes to be a winning team. Now we need other players to step up and follow her lead. Fran is just a powerhouse athlete. She is fast, she’s strong and has a wicked shot.”
About Francesca:
Favorite food: Dorito Chicken
Favorite movie: Silver Linings Playbook
Favorite music: Alternative
JoAnne Mamie – Holy Family University (Lacrosse)
Major: Nursing
Final list of colleges: Holy Family, Gwynedd Mercy, Temple, Bloomsburg
Reasons for choosing Holy Family: “I wasn’t considering any schools with lacrosse, but I was going to apply to Holy Family anyway because I heard it had a great nursing program. Their coach contacted my coach and said she was looking for girls, and my coach put in good things about me. It worked out perfectly.”
What was the progression that led you to playing lacrosse at the collegiate level? “I was always looking at bigger schools, and I was always planning on continuing sports, whether it be through a club program or something else. I started lacrosse in ninth grade, so I was discouraged a little bit because I always thought, ‘I’m not good enough to play college sports.’ Going through the recruitment process with the coach from Holy Family and with the girls, I realized – I could do this, which would be awesome.”
Coach Ashley Belmonte says: “JoAnne began playing lacrosse as a freshman. It has been so exciting to watch her grow into a lacrosse player. I think the biggest compliment that I can give to JoAnne is that she is so coachable. She would always take redirection as a positive and put it into action.
“JoAnne led our defense this year and was always a key player in our clears out of our defensive end. She was co-captain with Fran this year. Both players will be missed next year. I wish them the best of luck with their collegiate lacrosse careers.”
About JoAnne:
Favorite food: Mac ‘N Cheese
Favorite movie: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Favorite music: Country
- Log in to post comments
