DiGiovanni Signs With Hofstra on Lacrosse Scholarship

In the third grade, Stephen DiGiovanni picked up a lacrosse stick and knew at that moment he had found his sport. Nearly eight years later, that little kid decided to take on the big boys by signing a letter of intent to attend Hofstra University on a lacrosse scholarship.

"It was straightforward, exactly what I wanted," said DiGiovanni. "I didn't want to go to a big school like Ohio State. Hofstra is close to my family, and I just thought, that with the facilities and athletics, this was the school for me and I could keep up academically while balancing my athletics."

His parents, Albert and Stephen DiGiovanni, couldn't be happier about the process and about Stephen's college selection.

"We were really excited about the overall process and Stephen's decision to attend Hofstra," said his father Albert. "They have great facilities, we were really impressed with the coaching staff, the academics, and the opportunity for him to take a lot of different classes."

"I knew when he got back from the first visit, that was it," said his mother Denise. "He saw some schools, he got letters from great schools, but he just knew that this was it. I believe that he has to make the best decision for himself."

DiGiovanni, who stands at six feet, 185 pounds and owns a shot speed of 88 miles per hour, scored 65 goals last season for the Cranford High School varsity team, compiling 153 goals during his first three seasons wearing the blue and gold. Head Coach Al Reinoso expected big things right from the day he entered ninth grade in 2007. Needless to say, the coach was right on the money when his young star stepped in and led the varsity squad in points that season.

"Right from the get-go, when he came in as a freshman, physically, he was a junior," said Coach Reinoso. "He's got a tremendous build and he had the skill set to go along with that when he was a freshman. We knew about him when he was younger than that. Since then, he's just continued his development, he's a lacrosse head 24/7. He works at it and never stops. That's been able to fuel his progression from year to year."

DiGiovanni owns a long list of accomplishments, including being named first-team all-conference and all-division for three straight years, making first team all-state in "C" Conference and third-team all-state in Group 1.  He was also a member of the Garden State Games team and a member of the Team N.J. Adidas All-American National Lacrosse Classic. Last season, he finished No. 18 in New Jersey by scoring 90 points and is the all-time leading scorer in Cranford lacrosse history.

"My three years so far has been very rewarding," said DiGiovanni. "I'd kind of been on the border of going to Seton Hall Prep and Cranford. What really drew me in was the school itself. It was the right choice. I'm having a great time."

"Steven has been a key factor in putting Cranford lacrosse on the map and has been a tireless worker both in the classroom and on the field for four years," said Athletic Director Marc Taglieri. "He was clearly dedicated year round to his physical conditioning and to his skill development.  I am not surprised by the level of success he has had and am truly excited for him and his family."

DiGiovanni found his passion and has stayed dedicated to being the best student-athlete he can be. He became even more focused after his sophomore season when he realized he wanted to play at the next level.

"Junior year, I said to myself 'I want to play in college'... I'm going to go out every day, even when no one else is working. I set up painting lights in my back yard and just whipped the ball all night. I'd work out constantly just for this game."

"He's always had a knack for the net," said Reinoso. "He's always had an outstanding shot. He's been able to work on his shot selection, his shot placement as he got older. He's also got the ability right now to play both attack and midfield. His college coaches really like that versatility."

DiGiovanni, who owns a B to B-plus average in school and has been honored with the Kindness and Justice Award, couldn't be happier where life, and lacrosse, has taken him.

"Lacrosse has been more than just a game. I go out there and try my hardest every time. Lacrosse keeps me on task. You have to find something passionate about whatever you want to do. If you love something, you'll never work a day in your life."