Madison, N.J. (February 7)- In celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, the FDU-Florham Athletics department will be highlighting the experiences, opinions, and excitement of our head female coaches.
 
The Women's Sports Foundation encourages those to celebrate a vibrant movement and honor the achievements of girls and women in sports, in hope that they continue to lead forward by acknowledging the power of sports to unlock her limitless potential.
 
Here at FDU-Florham, we are thankful for the amazing women's presence that we have in our Athletic Department. The Department hosts 12 women's programs that include over 150 student-athletes with around 25 of them being dual-sport athletes. We are also thankful for the presence of women in our staff that include 29 members, 22 coaches with seven of them being head coaches, three athletic trainers, two administrators and two athletic communication staff members.
 
Helping the Devils celebrate and acknowledge this annual day are Kristin Giotta (Director of Athletics/ Head Women's Soccer Coach), Kendall Luy (Head Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track & Field Coach), and Rosamaria Riccobono (Head Women's Lacrosse Coach).
 
Q: What does sports mean to you?
Giotta- "A place of belonging among those who share similar interest and a passion for athletics".
Luy- "Sports has always been a part of my life. I grew up the daughter of a coach, so I spent a lot of time on cross country courses and at track meets. To me sports is a way to connect with people and build lasting relationships. Some of the best people I know were brought into my life via sports".
Riccobono- "Sports have an opportunity to impact someone's life in such a positive way. It allows individuals an opportunity to develop confidence, learn valuable life lessons, and the power of confidence".
 
Q: Why is girls' participation in sports so important?
Giotta- "There is so much visibility, opportunity, and growth to occur".
Luy- "Girls Participation in sports is so important because I think it helps in so many facets of life. I think it helps breed creativity; build self-confidence; help with time and stress management. But I think it also helps build relationships and forge lasting friendships".
Riccobono- "It is important for young girls and women to participate in sports because it provides them with an opportunity to develop confidence, leadership skills, and the value of being part of a team".
 
 
Q: Growing up, what women in sports did you look up to?
Giotta- "Unfortunately, not many. Growing up I had to look hard for women role models as women's sports were not recognized as they are today".
Luy- "Flo-Jo- She brought more attention to women's track & field, and she did it with style and grace. She brought energy fashion to track & field. I'd also have to say Kerri Strug based on her perseverance, confidence, and strength she exemplified at the Olympics, as it was astonishing".
Riccobono- "While growing up, I looked to my cousin Theresa. My cousin played Division I Women's Soccer and started her own soccer academy. She showed me that through hard work, dedication, and kindness anything is possible".
 
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