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09/26/2019 12:00 AMChristina Fazzino is looking to make the most of her final season with the East Haven girls’ soccer squad. The only senior on the team, Christina was named one of the Yellowjackets’ captains for the 2019 campaign. However, Christina knows that she didn’t earn that title simply based on seniority.
“I believe it was something you have to work for. [Head Coach Jake Hackett] didn’t have to choose me,” says Christina. “The honor of being captain means taking responsibility. It’s not just caring about myself, but for my fellow teammates. I think it’s very important to keep everyone’s opinions in mind, not be one-sided, and help everyone you can.”
Christina is a natural defender who has transitioned into more of a winger’s role in the midfield for the Easties. Coach Hackett feels pleased about what Christina is bringing to his team this season.
“As the only senior, she’s done a lot on and off the field to make the younger players on our team feel comfortable, getting them to ask the right questions, and showing them how we play,” Hackett says. “She’s a good leader on and off the field, and I couldn’t be prouder. Even if there were 10 other seniors, she’d still be one of my captains.”
Christina is proving a perfect fit in her leadership role. Since her sophomore year, Christina has been the only player in her grade on East Haven’s roster. As a result, she’s always gone out of her way to form relationships with her teammates.
“It was a challenge at first being the only sophomore and not having another friend on the team that was my age. I had to make friends with the older girls and take the freshmen under my wing,” says Christina. “I feel like doing team bonding activities made everyone closer no matter what grade.”
Christina continues to take that same approach, although she now has an entire team following her lead.
“If a new player joined, I’d try to help make them feel comfortable,” Christina says. “As you get older, there is always a new responsibility to take on. Whether it’s carrying supplies, making sure people know bus times, grabbing the medical kit—there are many important roles to take on being a captain or just a part of the team.”
Christina has played soccer throughout her life, following in the footsteps of her older sister Giana. After playing along the back line for several years, Christina needed a little time to adjust to her new position as a midfielder.
“I believe [Coach Hackett] put me on the outside wing because I’m very defensive minded and always get back to the ball,” says Christina. “When I first started, it was very difficult. Through hard work, he coached me to where I am today. I’m much more comfortable taking the ball up field now.”
Last year, East Haven qualified for the Class L State Tournament and took a loss in the first round. Christina wants the Yellowjackets to get back in the bracket and go a little further this fall.
“I’m hoping we can win a couple more games than last year,” Christina says. “I want our team to make states again this year, but make a further advance into the tournament.”
Christina has hopes of continuing her soccer career in college. Christina believes that her ability to play multiple positions on the pitch could help her land a roster spot at the next level.
“I think because I played in the back for so long before moving to mid, that makes me a dangerous player. I think a player is better when they can be on the defensive side and make an attack,” Christina says. “As of right now, I’m looking at schools and what their soccer programs look like to see if it’s a fit for me.”