Building a Legacy with Samantha Falasco
10/11/2016 | Soccer
Tucson, Ariz. – A freshman out of Newport Beach, Calif., Samantha Falasco has a passion for soccer. She's a four-year varsity letter that joined the Wildcats this year after captaining her high school squad, Estancia, for the last three years. Falasco was recruited by several schools, but the pull from Arizona was too strong. Having earned the start in seven of the eight matches she's played in, Falasco is working towards an important spot on the team.
"When Arizona came up, some of my friends who go here for school told me how much they loved it, and on top of that I really like Tony [Amato], Paul [Nagy], and Kylie [Louw]," said Falasco. "They made me feel like I was a very special player and I could tell they care about me as a person. It's also nice having Arizona so close to home, because my family can come and see me all the time. It was the better decision for me and that's why I picked it."
On the flip-side, head coach Tony Amato had some thoughts to share about one of his newest defenders.
"Sam is a quality center-back with a ton of potential," said Amato. "She has continued to develop this season as she has gained experience playing at this level. She has done well so far and will contribute greatly moving forward."
Coming to Arizona was a tough decision to make, but Falasco claims that the support from her father was integral in her decision.
"My dad has always been the person to take me to practice or go on trips with me," said Falasco. "He's always been so supportive with everything I've done."
Life has changed a lot for Falasco over the last couple months. The adjustment to college can be a tough one, but she doesn't seem to be having any problems. She's earned 527 minutes of play already this season, and also has one assist in the Wildcats game against Utah Valley.
"There are so many more people!" said Falasco. "It's definitely more stressful than high school. It's kind of weird being on my own and having my own individual responsibilities rather than having my family be around me 24/7, but it's a really cool experience at the same time."
Fortunately for Falasco, she has a strong support net from her team. She points to her roommates for helping her out with the adjustment off the field, but on the pitch she claims her support from senior Laura Pimienta, who also plays on the back line.
"Laura [Pimienta] is always there to help me out or give me advice in case I'm struggling," said Falasco. "She is also very encouraging, especially if she sees that I'm feeling down about something that happened in the game."
Goalkeeper Lainey Burdett has also been integral to helping out Falasco, especially from a defensive position. At matches, fans can hear Burdett directing her defense for a full ninety minutes.
"She tells me where to go if she notices that I'm not seeing something," said Falasco. "She is also very helpful at helping me direct others on the team, too."
But Falasco gives Burdett more credit than that, she also points to her for keeping the team atmosphere light.
"Lainey (Burdett) is probably the funniest girl on the team because of her hilarious little comments throughout the day," said Falasco. "I think everyone on the team has a great sense of humor, but Lainey might be the funniest."
It's your turn to Experience It Yourself at Arizona's home matches this season. You can pick up tickets at ArizonaWildcats.com or purchase tickets at the door.
The Arizona Wildcats continue their regular season this Thursday in Tucson, Ariz. when they host No. 14 UCLA at 7 p.m. MST on the Pac-12 Networks.
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