Sept. 24, 2003
Senior defender Melissa Leonetti dropped by odusports.com to give fans an insight on her experiences as both a Lady Monarch and a student. Last season as a junior, she was named Second Team All-American and as well as a First Team All-South Region, First Team All-CAA, and Acadmeic All-American selection.
What Did You Do Over Your Summer Vacation?
Over the summer break I was basically here at ODU the entire time. I took one class called Health Methods that's a part of one my major requirement in Health and Physical Education. I also played field hockey for two teams. The first one was Red Rose, a club team that my teammates Tina Walker, Angie Loy, and Lynn Farquhar also played on. I also played for the Tidewater Tempest in the USFHA summer league that was coached by the University of Richmond's Angie Bradley. This was my second year playing with the Tempest and we came in second losing in the championship game. I also spent time working field hockey camps here at Old Dominion.
What Is A Typical Day For You?
My typical day is pretty usual. I wake up, eat breakfast, go to class, come home, go to practice, shower, and then watch tv. I do manage to eat in there several times throughout the day.
What Can You Be Found Doing On A Day Off?
On our days off, I'm usually playing catch-up with my chores like doing laundry and food shopping.
What Are Your Plans For After Graduation?
I am on schedule to graduate in May with a degree Health and Physical Education, but it is kinda up in the air as to what I am doing. Eligibility wise I still have an extra year and I am possibly going to play lacrosse in spring for Old Dominion. Right now I'm playing by ear to see where hockey takes me. I'm going to wait to see how everything pans out.
What Are Your Goals For This Season?
First of all, we want to win CAA's again and then get back into the final four and this time, win it. Personally, I want to provide good leadership on the field and help defensively shutdown the other teams.
What Can Fans Expect From The Lady Monarchs This Season?
I have to say we are vastly improving with each game. We continue to get better and better as the season goes on working hard each game.
How Did You Start Playing Field Hockey?
I picked up field hockey when I was in middle school. I played three sports, which also included basketball and lacrosse, and field hockey was available to play in the fall.
Why Did You Choose To Come To ODU?
It's actually a strange and unexpected story. I was originally planning to play lacrosse. In fact I came to several Old Dominion field hockey camps, but never thought of playing field hockey, let alone playing at Old Dominion. In fact if you would have asked me my junior year of high school, Old Dominion wasn't even a thought. But when Beth (Anders) recruited me, she made me believe I could do it. Her passion for field hockey and her love of the game really inspired me. I wanted to be led by somebody that embodied the characteristics she had. Even though Old Dominion wasn't in my original plans, I have been very happy with my choice.
Who Do You Look To For Inspiration?
I am very close to my family and each person in it has so many qualities that I can draw energy from. They are a big part of who I am and are so supportive. In fact, my family has been at almost every game in my career. They missed a game at North Carolina my freshman year and I don't think they've missed a game since. They've been to Michigan, Kentucky, North Carolina, Massachusetts...basically everywhere we've gone. To come to ODU games here, they travel five and half-hours from Erdenheim, Pennsylvania.
What Is Your Most Memorable Moment At ODU?
The National Championship in 2000, that was pretty crazy. The NCAA championship is the most coveted prize and that's what you come here for and to see a team accomplish that is amazing.
Melissa and the rest of the Lady Monarch field hockey team continue to push ahead in the 2003 season. Watch Melissa and her teammates tackle one of the toughest schedules in the country at Foreman Field. Admission to all home games are free.