Wantagh grad embracing end of Hofstra lacrosse career

Wantagh native April Iannetta has compiled numerous individual accolades playing for Hofstra women's lacrosse the last four years, but a team accomplishment is now front and center as her collegiate career hits the home stretch.

The two-time Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) defensive player of the year has helped lead Hofstra to the top seed in the upcoming four-team conference tournament from May 1-3 at the University of Delaware where the winner receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. After falling in the CAA playoffs the last three years, Iannetta and her senior teammates are focused on creating a different ending that will extend their Hofstra playing days deeper into spring.

"All these records are great, but we're all focused on that team goal which is a CAA title," said Iannetta, a 2011 Wantagh High School graduate who through her first 14 games was seventh in the nation in caused turnovers and ninth in ground balls. "We need to play with confidence and up the level of play that will get us to where we want to be."

Iannetta's lacrosse roots date back to fourth grade when she started playing in the Wantagh/Seaford PAL. Following a standout career at Wantagh High School, where she also shined a soccer and basketball player, Iannetta chose to play college lacrosse in her backyard where family and friends could readily see her in action.

Following a successful freshman season as a midfielder where Iannetta tallied 21 points and was named to the CAA All-Rookie team, new Hofstra head coach Shannon Smith decided to switch the former Wantagh standout to defense after being impressed by her aggressive play in practice. Smith, a former standout player at Northwestern, said she was impressed by how Iannetta embraced the position switch while also continuing to contribute on the offensive end of the field due to her conditioning efforts.

"Her work ethic is tremendous," said Smith, who led Northwestern to three national titles and captured the 2011 Tewaaraton Trophy awarded to the sport's top player. "She can do it all."

Iannetta led Hofstra in caused turnovers with 40 as a sophomore and tied for fifth in scoring with 18 points while helping the Pride reach the CAA championship game before falling to Towson 9-4. The Wantagh product followed up in her junior year by leading Hofstra in draw controls with 64 and 26 caused turnovers, which earned her a second straight CAA defensive player of the year award. She has saved her best for last as through the first 14 games of her senior campaign has caused 30 turnovers, registered 15 points and picked up 50 draw controls while leading Hofstra to a 10-4 record.

"This is April's breakout year in putting everything together," said Smith. "She wants that CAA title in the worst way and will do whatever it takes to get it."

In addition to her on field success, Iannetta is also a star in the classroom as a Dean's List student and was named a CAA Commissioner's Academic Award recipient her first three seasons. The exercise science major is planning a career in physical therapy after graduation, but for now is concentrating on making her final season of women's lacrosse a memorable one.

"I know I have to play each game like it’s my last and give everything I can to help my team turn those into victories and extend our season," said Iannetta. "I want as much time on the field as I can get with my teammates."