PITMAN--The NJAC Student-Athlete Spotlight for the week ending March 29th comes from Montclair State University. A sophomore women's lacrosse player from Sewell, NJ, Aviana Paraggio is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Sports, Events, and Tourism Marketing.
 
Name: Aviana Paraggio
Instituion: Montclair State University
Year: Sophomore
Sport: Lacrosse
Hometown, State: Sewell, NJ
High School: Washington Township High School
Major: Business Administration, concentration in Sports, Events, and Tourism Marketing
 
What made you choose your institution?
When looking at colleges I did not want to go to school in New Jersey, I wanted to go down South. So it wasn't until my visit when coaches gave me a tour of MSU in the summer going into my senior year of high school that I gave it a chance. Within 5 minutes of being on campus I knew it was the school for me and have loved it ever since! 
 
What made you want to become a DIII collegiate athlete? 
I got the best of both worlds by playing lacrosse and studying what I love. I feel DIII gives you a balance and that was what I was looking for when I was visiting colleges. 
 
What was your first memory of playing your sport?
My first memory playing lacrosse has to be my dad teaching me how to throw and catch in the back yard. He spent so much time searching on the internet and watching YouTube videos to learn how to play the game so he could teach me. 
 
What has been the greatest or most memorable moment of your experience as a collegiate athlete?
The greatest, most memorable moment being a collegiate athlete has to be scoring my first collegiate goal. I can remember everything that happened so vividly to this day.
 
Do you have any pre-game rituals? If so, what are they?
My pre-grame ritual started my senior year of high school. I wasn't able to get a lot of varsity playing time, so when I started my senior year I was very nervous about making a mistake. To get over that, I started writing "Fearless" on my left wrist to remind me that I shouldn't be afraid of making a mistake and to trust myself. I still keep that tradition to this day!
 
What famous athlete do you look up to?
I look up to Kelly Berger because growing up she was always in the US Lacrosse magazines. I would read all the articles about her. She is not only amazing at lacrosse, but she is also so motivated and driven to succeed her goals. Also, she is married to Paul Rabil! 
 
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In 5 years I see myself working for a major league sports team planning events for the marketing side of the company.
 
What is your favorite part about being an NJAC student-athlete?
My favorite part about being an NJAC student-Athlete is that the NJAC is one the most competitive conferences in DIII. Every game is a challenge and none of our wins are handed to us. We earn our wins because of our hard work we put in the off-season and during season.
 
What is your biggest accomplishment OFF the field, court, etc.?
My biggest accomplishment off the field would have to be my grades and how I manage my time playing lacrosse and studying for my classes.
 
Quick facts about Aviana…
Can't live without:  Friends, food and my phone
Favorite movie: Kicking and Screaming
Favorite class you've ever taken: Ethics 
Favorite food: My mom's recipe for chicken cutlets
Biggest Fear: Spiders
Favorite musical artist: All Time Low 
 
*The NJAC Student-Athlete Spotlight deadline is every Friday by 10:00 AM. Fill out the survey and you could be selected!