Athlete Spotlight – Chris Ciraco, Lakeland Boys Soccer

Lakeland keeper Chris Ciraco sends it up the field against John Jay.
By MIKE SABINI

SHRUB OAK, N.Y. – Lakeland goalie Chris Ciraco recently completed his third year playing varsity soccer for the Hornets.

That included making 7 saves and shutting out visiting No. 20 Pelham, 3-0, in the out-bracket round of the Section 1 Class A Tournament on Wednesday, Oct. 20.

Ciraco spent this past season for the No. 13 Hornets as one of their three senior captains, along with David Pinkowsky and Bobby Hernandez.

What was it like to record a shutout in a sectional contest, a 3-0 victory against Pelham, which was your final home game as a Hornet?

It was a very special moment with my teammates. Our fans showed up and really rallied behind us, which got us motivated and helped us on to the win. It was my final home game as a Hornet and one that I will never forget.

How old were you when you started playing soccer and what got you started?

I was 5 years old when I first started playing. My family is very into soccer. We played a lot with kicking the ball around and decided to give it a try. I’ve been playing ever since.

What is your favorite thing about being on the soccer team at Lakeland?

Being a part of a team with great friends, lots of laughs, good memories, and family atmosphere.

What is your favorite team activity or pregame or postgame ritual that you share with your teammates?

To hype up my team before a game.

Who has been your biggest role model over the years and what have you learned from them?

My parents are my biggest role models because they taught me to never give up, always stay humble, be respectful and to care about others.

Tell us one thing about yourself that not a lot of people know.

I almost decided to play football in high school over soccer, but I know I made the right choice.

Do you plan to continue to play soccer in college? Tell us about where you are going to school and why you chose it?

I am still deciding whether I will continue to play in college. I have a few colleges in mind but still researching the best option for me.

Who is your favorite professional athlete and pro (or college) sports team?

My favorite team is Roma and my favorite player is the goalie Gianluigi Buffon.

What is your favorite music to listen to warming up for a game?

Rap music.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

I would want to be able to fly because I can get somewhere faster and also have a great view.

If you could pick one place to visit on vacation that you’ve never been to, where would you go and why?

I would like to go to Greece because of the food and how beautiful it looks.

What is your favorite food to eat before or after a game?

After a game I like to go to Salsa Fresca.

Best place to eat in Yorktown and why?

Peter Pratt’s Inn and not because I work there. The food and history of the restaurant is amazing.

What’s the go-to app on your phone and why?

Snapchat because it’s a good way to stay connected with my friends.

For a young athlete growing up in the Lakeland district, what would you tell them about the experience of being part of the soccer team and why should they go out for the team?

I would tell them that it’s a great program, committed coaches (Tim Hourahan, Nick Jerussi and Tim O’Driscoll), and not only do you get to play competitively as a team but also for charity events like breast-cancer awareness. You also get to help develop younger players during summer-camp programs, which is a great way to get involved with the community.