February 1 2012
Congratulations

SHS senior signs National Letter of Intent Wednesday
Gabrielle Santorio earns soccer scholarship to Tennessee

Gabrielle Santorio, Schenectady High School senior, signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer at the University of Tennessee on Wednesday afternoon at school. 

Surrounded by her family, coaches, friends, and wearing a Tennessee
t-shirt, Santorio took the pen, signed her paperwork and said she is “relieved.”  She will be attending the college on an athletic scholarship.  

Steve Boynton, athletic director for the Schenectady City School District  commended Santorio.  He said at time when most students battle “senioritis,” Santorio took on more.  “She didn’t back away from activities,” said Boynton.  Instead, she went out for two new sports .... varsity tennis and basketball.  “And she did well at them,” he added. 

“Gab dedicated many years of hard work to soccer,” said Eric Obman, her high school soccer coach.  He recited many of her accolades. 

She was a four year varsity starter with 124 goals and 81 assists in high school and more than 250 goals and 250 assists for club.  She was NYSSWA All State Player (twice), named to Section 2 First Team (three times), Big 10 First Team (four times) and Big 10 Most Valuable Player (three times).  Santorio was also named one of ESPN High School Girls 2012 Top Prospects. 

“Gab deserves all of this,” said Obman.  “It has been a privilege and an honor to have her at Schenectady High School and a part of our program.”  

Santorio said she was first drawn to Tennessee because of the coach.  “And then it was the environment and all of the people there,” she said.  “They have a big program, a women’s sports facility.  It’s huge down there.” 

Santorio said she connected with Tennessee and the coach through her “club coach.”  “The college coach came to practice to look at me and other girls,” she said.   

She later made a visit to Tennessee and has favored the school ever since. 

Santorio said she feels confident that she will succeed at the college.  “Soccer is something I really enjoy,” she said.  “It makes me happy.  If it can take me far, that is what I’ll do.” 

Looking even further ahead, Santorio said it would be a dream to go into a national program or play in the Olympics.  “Yes, I’d say that would be a dream,” she said with a smile. 

Giulio Santorio, her father, quickly pointed out her modesty and noted that his all-star daughter was selected twice to play in a U.S. Soccer League for a national program. 

Santorio’s family and friends sat proud and watched her field questions from members of the media.   

After the media event came to close, Santorio’s classmates entered the room waving small orange flags with the Tennessee "T" on them.  “You go Gab,” said one of her classmates. 

Despite the attention and pressure that comes with a big signing day, Santorio was calm, cool and a natural under the bright light.

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