At Division One Signing Day, Giordano commits to Mercer

By Leila Verzella

Branford High School held a Division One Signing Day this week, and Aliza Giordano, a senior at BHS, signed to play lacrosse at Mercer University next year. 

Giordano officially committed last spring, but Wednesday’s signing ceremony was a way for the school to officially recognize her. 

Signing Day ceremonies are typically held to recognize student athletes committing to compete in their sports beyond high school. Last year, the school recognized several athletes who signed to Division l schools, including students Sailor Plourde (Colby-Sawyer), and Akiel Lomotey (Harvard).

During the brief ceremony, Aliza posed for dozens of photos with her family, friends, coaches and teachers.

Aliza was supported by her mom and dad, grandparents, many field hockey and lacrosse teammates, Mr. Panagoulias, lacrosse coaches Caitlin O’Brien, Joe Allessi, and Jim O’Connor, as well as teachers like Mr. Corbett and Mr. Miller, said BHS Interim Athletic Director Brian Zaklukiewicz.

As attacker, and junior captain of the lacrosse team at BHS, Girodano has helped carry the team to many victories. Last year the BHS varsity girls lacrosse team made it all the way to the SCC Championship where they fell to Amity. Giordano was named First Team All State and First Team All SCC last year, as well as leading assists on her club team, being named on the CSE- All America girls watch list, and scoring almost 200 career goals. 

“Many people have told me this wasn’t possible to achieve based on my size, since I am only 5 ‘3″ and I didn’t go to a private or boarding school,” she said. “This doubt never deterred me. Instead it made me work even harder.” 

Giordano said she is excited to be added to the Mercer roster next year, and to be “achieving everything her younger self dreamed of. 

“I am most excited to be part of and living with a close knit team who already feels like a family to me,” she said. “I am also really excited to be moving down south, to play lacrosse which being a spring sport the season starts in February, and the temperatures down in Georgia are a lot warmer in the beginning of season than Connecticut. Also, going down south and experiencing “Big South” school spirit and football games where Saturday is an all day event at the stadium.”

Last year, the Mercer University lacrosse team had a strong season finishing with a 12-8 record and qualifying for their 7th NCAA Tournament appearance. The college, based in Macon, Ga., competes in the Southern Conference.

Giordano also wanted to mention how her academic dedication and hard work at BHS has paid off, and has earned her academic scholarships from her educational achievements during high school.

At Branford High School, signing day is recognized as a day to celebrate student athletes who have shown dedication, commitment, and perseverance in their sport but also in the school community, as they take their next step forward, Zaklukiewicz said.

“It’s a moment for the school community to honor each student’s hard work, highlight their accomplishments, and recognize the values of commitment, teamwork, and excellence that define our programs,” he said.