2008 Woodie Awards
IN THE CARDS: John San Filippo
Cards' goalie shows leadership qualities
Matt Rosenberg
Issue date: 10/5/07 Section: Sports
Originally published: 10/4/07 at 6:09 PM EST
Last update: 10/4/07 at 6:10 PM EST
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Imagine falling in love before ever stepping foot into your kindergarten classroom.
John San Filippo, the junior starting goalie for the Plattsburgh State men's soccer team, did just that. It was only the beginning of a life that has been all about setting the bar high at an early stage.
"My brother played soccer," San Filippo said. "I fell in love and have played since I was three years old."
He was a three-sport athlete at Division Avenue High School in Levittown - playing soccer, running track and playing lacrosse - but San Filippo couldn't help but indulge in his love for soccer.
The level at which he played helps show just that. He was all-conference and all-country as a soccer player at Division.
"I did track to keep in shape for soccer and the [lacrosse] coach talked me into playing lacrosse," San Filippo said. "Soccer was always my sport."
Although he didn't start in his freshman year at PSUC, San Filippo made the most of it when he got the opportunity to do so sophomore year. He led the SUNYAC in goals against average, save percentage and fewest goals allowed while compiling five shutouts. The numbers earned him all-SUNYAC honors and D3kicks.com all-Northeast Region recognition.
San Filippo credits his parents for constantly being a presence during his soccer career. His father took him to practices for the Albertson Red Storm Clash at St. John's University, an approximately 30 minute drive from Levittown.
"My dad is crazy," San Filippo said. "He'll come to every game and practice he can."
His father grew up playing baseball but learned to love soccer after his oldest son started playing. San Filippo and his younger sister started playing as well and soon their father had no escape.
His mother can not always make it to the games but is there whenever she can be.
"I'm very lucky," San Filippo said. "I don't take advantage and I always say 'thank you' when they come to games."
John San Filippo, the junior starting goalie for the Plattsburgh State men's soccer team, did just that. It was only the beginning of a life that has been all about setting the bar high at an early stage.
"My brother played soccer," San Filippo said. "I fell in love and have played since I was three years old."
He was a three-sport athlete at Division Avenue High School in Levittown - playing soccer, running track and playing lacrosse - but San Filippo couldn't help but indulge in his love for soccer.
The level at which he played helps show just that. He was all-conference and all-country as a soccer player at Division.
"I did track to keep in shape for soccer and the [lacrosse] coach talked me into playing lacrosse," San Filippo said. "Soccer was always my sport."
Although he didn't start in his freshman year at PSUC, San Filippo made the most of it when he got the opportunity to do so sophomore year. He led the SUNYAC in goals against average, save percentage and fewest goals allowed while compiling five shutouts. The numbers earned him all-SUNYAC honors and D3kicks.com all-Northeast Region recognition.
San Filippo credits his parents for constantly being a presence during his soccer career. His father took him to practices for the Albertson Red Storm Clash at St. John's University, an approximately 30 minute drive from Levittown.
"My dad is crazy," San Filippo said. "He'll come to every game and practice he can."
His father grew up playing baseball but learned to love soccer after his oldest son started playing. San Filippo and his younger sister started playing as well and soon their father had no escape.
His mother can not always make it to the games but is there whenever she can be.
"I'm very lucky," San Filippo said. "I don't take advantage and I always say 'thank you' when they come to games."
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