New Hyde Park Lacrosse’s Graziano Headed to Adelphi

The following article was posted by Geoffrey Walter. It was written by Zachary Englis.

“When you think of women’s lacrosse and what it represents, I think of Jill,” says Lorin Wirth.

The coach of the New Hyde Park Memorial girl’s varsity lacrosse team first met Jill Graziano when she was in the seventh grade. From that moment, she could tell that Graziano was something special as she was “already playing like a varsity player.”

In eighth grade Graziano started off her long list of achievements when she received All-County Honorable Mention. From ninth grade onward, she received All-County honors, and was consistently ranked highlighted on MSG Varsity three separate times and was featured in Newsday as one of the top 10 players to watch and as player of the week.

During the 2012-2013 season, she has scored the most goals in Nassau County (75) and is also among the top four in points in Nassau County (88 - tied). Throughout her tenure as a New Hyde Park girl’s lacrosse player, she ranks as one of the best.

But who is the girl behind all the impressive statistics and achievements?

“I knew I had a skill for it and it was a challenge for me, I always wanted to be better and improve,” said Graziano on why she has pursued lacrosse. She has also played for a Long Island Elite Lacrosse Club – the Yellow Jackets – since the seventh grade, going to tournaments to gain greater experience and meeting college coaches.

“Because I was so young playing, I am glad my coaches never held me back, and kept giving me the chance to just play,” she said.

“I was very lucky to coach an amazing athlete who has a true passion for the women’s game of lacrosse,” Wirth added. “She is hardworking, kind, and she is always determined to do her best. She has a great game sense and field awareness that you cannot teach. She never gives up and is a good mentor on and off the field for her teammates. I’m sad to see her go, but look forward to watching her play at Adelphi University.”

Graziano will be a member of the Lady Panthers in the fall joining a program that won three consecutive NCAA championships from 2009-11.

“They put a lot of effort into their program,” Graziano said. “I’m excited to be going, it will be a good experience.”

When asked what lacrosse has meant to her, Graziano said that “lacrosse is just my way to truly prove everything I have to people. It shows, on the field, the hard work I put into it. My favorite moment had to be beating my record of goals this year against Jericho. I scored 10 goals and it was my mom’s birthday, and to be able to do that on that day was probably the best gift I could ever have given her.  And to know how proud she was of me, was unforgettable.”

Graziano’s supportive family has helped throughout it all. Her two older brothers help by giving her advice “with anything I need during a game,” she said. “I would like to thank my parents for always being there. Coming to every single game, screaming in the stands, very loud. It’s great.”

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