Racioppo honored in senior season

Defending the field hockey program is nothing new to captain Michelle Racioppo. Being recognized, however, is a whole new experience.

Racioppo was recently selected to the second team All-SUNYAC team. She served as the anchor of a defense that surrendered just 31 goals in 16 contests.

“I am very grateful that people recognized me, my hard work and determination on the field,” Racioppo said.

A senior defender from South Setauket, N.Y., Racioppo is the daughter of Paul and Terry Racioppo. She has two siblings, older brother Jimmy and younger brother Chris.

“Being a middle child and a girl between two brothers, I got pushed around a lot,” Racioppo said.

Ten years ago, she began her field hockey career as a forward. As a freshman at Ward Melville High School she made the transition to the midfield. Finally, as a senior, Racioppo became a defender.

“The change was easy, but I always had an offensive mindset after [the] switch and kept trying to score goals,” Racioppo said.

She wasn’t too heavily recruited coming out of high school, but attended recruiting trips to Oswego State, SUNY Cortland, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Oneonta and SUNY Brockport. In the end, Oswego State’s teaching program, field hockey team and Lake Ontario backdrop won her over.

The team posted a 16-49 overall record during her career at Oswego State. In her third year she was introduced to a new head coach, Brandi Ostrander. But the attitude of this three-year captain has remained the same.

“We never gave up,” Racioppo said. “We always believed in our team and we have improved so much.”

The one memory that Racioppo will never forget about her playing days at Oswego State is when the Lakers scored an early first-half goal against rival and field hockey powerhouse Cortland this season.

In 2008, Ostrander took the head coaching position for the Laker field hockey team.

“We were really grateful for the new coach, and very optimistic,” Racioppo said. “As the captain I felt like I could help the team since she relied on us more than previous coach.”

Racioppo thanked Ostrander for making her feel like she could make a difference on and off the field, also for making her feel like an important player and an asset to the team.

Her teammates are her best friends. Racioppo has been influenced by the three other seniors, Kimm Hiffa, Eileen O’Neill and Hannah Chevalier. She also thanked junior Sara Budde.

“Her optimism and determination to make the team better is very inspiring,” Racioppo said. “She is the hardest worker I have ever played with.”
Outside of field hockey, Racioppo enjoys working out, spending time with her housemates and playing with her puppy, Riley. She is also a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. In high school, she played softball and briefly considered playing it at the college level.
“My heart was just set on field hockey,” Racioppo said.

Along with her family, Racioppo was influenced by her high school field hockey coach Nancy Cole. Her field hockey days may have expired, and the clock is ticking on her remaining time at Oswego State. But there is one thing that will not run out on Michelle Racioppo, and that is her work ethic.

“No matter how hard or challenging I find something I will never give up until I succeed,” Racioppo said.