SWAMPSCOTT (Podcast) NORTH SHORE (Podcast) The Moynihan Lumber North Shore Student-Athlete award is a monthly honor given to one male and one female for their excellence in the classroom and athletic competition. September recipients are Saugus football standout Braden Faiella and Swampscott girls soccer star Victoria Quagrello. They both dominate on turf fields, say math is their favorite subject, and represent their North Shore towns with class. For more on Faiella click here.
Victoria Quagrello – Swampscott High School – with Bill Newell
By Joey Barrett – Item Sports Editor
For Quagrello, her philosophy is simple: “Academics first.” “I’ve had illnesses in my family,” said Quagrello, who grew up in Swampscott. “I wanted to help create drugs and save people’s lives.”
She has since committed to the admissions process at Middlebury College to focus on biology
and pharmaceuticals, while also continuing her soccer career. When asked what differentiated the Vermont college from others, Quagrello responded as quickly as her finishing ability. “I’ve always known that I wanted to go to a NESCAC school,” said Quagrello, a three-sport captain who also plays basketball and tennis. “As soon as I stepped on campus, it just felt right.”
The All-Northeastern Conference soccer player has been playing the game since she was a kid,
and still recalls details from games throughout her career. “I just love it,” Quagrello said.
Her head coach, Jaymie Caponigro, said she “can’t wait to see all the amazing things”
Quagrello accomplishes on the field. “She brings a unique skill set to the table that sets her apart from other players. Her never-give-up attitude is infectious among her teammates, and her soccer ability helps raise the level of our team,” Caponigro said.
As for the balance between athletics and academics (103.9 GPA, No. 3 in Class of 2024),
Quagrello admitted to its challenges. “I’m on such a rigid schedule… I want to be the best version of myself and keep growing academically and athletically,” she said. Quagrello gets her homework done “either right before or right after practice” so she can prioritize other activities, such as eating dinner with her parents, Patrick and Anne. She leans on them, too. “We just bonded,” Quagrello said of her father. “I don’t think I’d be where I am today without his support.”
Item Sports Editor
Joey Barrett
can be reached at
joseph@itemlive.com
