Greg Danseglio Interview

Greg Danseglio finished his high school career with back to back CHSAA champions, which is something that very few players from either side of the Chaminade-St. Anthony's rivalry can say. He was also named CHSAA Defenseman of the Year, Under Armour All American and to the US U 19 National Team.

LI Laxbeat decided to catch up with the recent St. Anthony's graduate and current UVA freshman. We wanted to find out what it is like to play fall ball as a freshman for the super talented defending national champion, Virginia Cavaliers.

We hit Greg with a few questions. Check em out:

Laxbeat: Greg, how has the adjustment to college been going so far? Has it been difficult managing classes, practice, team activities, studying and a social life?

GD: The adjustment from high school to college was quite challenging the first few weeks. At first it was difficult managing my time and getting from place to place, because I was unfamiliar with the bus system and where everything is. Every day during fall ball was long as I had multiple classes in the morning followed by practice, tutors and mandatory study hall. In regards to team activities and social life, all of the guys are great and brought me in to the team the moment that I stepped on campus. We always get together on weekends.

LB: When you chose to attend UVA, you knew that there would be a ton of talent and competition down there. Has that level of talent met or exceeded your expectations?

GD: The level of talent has definitely exceeded my expectations. I knew that everyone was going to be good, but I didn't know that they were going to be THAT good. Everyone on the team was an All American or received high honors in high school. All the players can play at the highest level. This makes practice that much better and more fun every day.

LB: What is the biggest difference from high school that you notice on the field?

GD: The biggest difference that I notice on the field would have to be the physical play and the speed of the game. You constantly have to work on being stronger and quicker than your opponent.

LB: Have you been playing more long stick midfield, close defense or is it a little of both?

GD: Coach Starsia has had me playing close defense from the first day of fall ball, so I think that I will be staying there for a while.

LB: How do you rate the talent of the other freshman in your class?

GD: My freshman class is very talented. We have a strong defensive group and very productive attack men and middies. Coach Starsia told us that we all have an opportunity to play. I think that each of us had a good fall, so hopefully we will get some time in the spring.

LB: Who are the freak athletes down there?

GD: The freak athlete would definitely be Chris Lapierre. He crushes weights in the weight room and is a complete beast on the field. He runs over, through and by people every day in practice.

LB: Are there any team goals for the fall?

GD: The team goals for the fall were just to get better, get the freshmen accustomed to the system and to play well against Army and Princeton.

LB: Have you set any personal goals for your freshman year?

GD: I have not set any specific goals for myself, but I do intend on doing whatever it takes to see some time in the spring.

LB: You made the US U19 team. What was the talent level like at the tryout? When does the team get together to practice? How do you feel about making the US team?

GD: The talent level at the U 19 tryout was off the charts. Every player there could have made the team and represented the US in great fashion. We are practicing in Dallas, Texas the weekend before Thanksgiving, a couple of times in January and we have training camp in the summer. All of this leads to Turku, Finland where we will attempt to win a gold medal. It is a tremendous honor to represent and play for my country.

LB: What food from home do you miss the most?

GD: Honestly, I miss all the food from home. Mass produced cafeteria food does not compare to my mom's home cooking, but if I had to pick one thing, it would be pizza. Nothing compares to Long Island pizza.

UVA senior goalie, Rob Fortunato says that "Dan" has impressed with his strength and physical play. Fortunate says, "Dan can definitely be counted on to maintain his match up." He feels that Danseglio has a good chance to be a contributor when the spring rolls around.