Antonio Colacci on Senior Day with his parents Jackie and Giacomo, his girlfriend Shannon, coach Hubbard and Wild E. Cat
Determined to Make an Impact
11/16/2019 11:21:00 AM | Men's Soccer
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By Ashley McManus Special to UNHWildcats.com
Senior Antonio Colacci (Bradenton, Fla.) was determined to make a positive impact on the UNH men's soccer team after playing eight games as a freshman. He worked very hard pushing himself in the off season to get the chance to prove himself on the field as a Wildcat. Prove himself he has. Colacci was just recently named the 2019 America East Midfielder of the Year and has had an outstanding career as a Wildcat as he ranks first on the team in goals (7), assists (9) and points (23) this season. Colacci looks to lead the No. 18 nationally ranked Wildcats to their second straight America East Tournament championship on Saturday, Nov. 16 at Wildcat Stadium at 6 p.m.
Colacci has been a key player through his career but he had to work extremely hard to get where he is. Soccer has always been an important part of Colacci's life, as his father played collegiate soccer at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and would take him out all the time as a child to practice. Colacci was born in New Jersey and moved to Bradenton, Florida for high school where he was a leader on his high school team. Soccer has always been a part of Colacci's life.
But his first year at UNH was a challenge.
"Freshman year I did not come in fit, and failed the preseason Beep test, I had to do it three times and I had to work my way up to getting playing time. I did not want to sit on the bench, so by playing in summer leagues I gained my confidence and it really helped me progress."
During his tenure as a Wildcat, the team has hosted two NCAA Tournament games, made the round of 16, won an America East regular season and tournament championship and have been ranked in the top 20 in the nation for all four of his years. For Colacci, being a part of history at UNH is something he'll never forget or take for granted.
"It feels so amazing to be a part of the history of this program and continue making history. It is a great feeling to be a part of something bigger than yourself, and one of the best parts is to accomplish it with your teammates." Colacci and America East Commissioner Amy Huchthausen
Looking back to his freshman year and coming into college, he credits former UNH player Chris Wingate as someone he looked up to for helping him find his place on the field.
"I learned a lot coming in as a teenager and playing with older guys such as Chris, they taught me a lot of things to work on such as my fitness. I'm one of the smaller guys on the team so I would always have to spend extra time in the gym. When I would go home in the offseason, I would focus on the gym and getting stronger. Now I'm still small, but it's a huge leap for me from back then, and now I am probably in the best shape of my life."
Head coach Marc Hubbard has been impressed with how hard Colacci has worked. "Antonio has been a player that keeps improving every season and his impact in the final third has shown very well this year," said Hubbard. "He is quiet-natured but nothing is unassuming about his game. He does a lot of off the ball work that really helps our team defensively. Due to his tactical awareness, when he is able to get on the ball, he hardly loses it and is able to immediately put the opposing team on its heels. I have seen very few in the college game that have his vertical passing ability in attacking half. He will be very hard to replace."
Other supporters in Colacci's life are among his family and friends who even though they live in Florida, still manage to see him play. "Both my parents are my biggest supporters. My grandparents and aunt watch all of our games from their house in Florida. Everyone in my family supports me and it's great to know I have that support back home. They sometimes brag about me, and though it can be annoying it's nice to know how much they really care."
Colacci has a few certain things he wants to make sure to accomplish before he leaves UNH. As a Communication major, he looks to get his degree and put it to use after his soccer days run out. Being a Wildcat has meant a lot to Colacci and he hopes to bask in the little time he has left with his team.
"With a short time left for the soccer aspect I want to win a national title; and in school I want enjoy my last days here with my friends and all my teammates. It's really amazing because they are my best friends now. I never had a best friend growing up so being able to live with these guys and be around them and hang out for the past four years has been great before I go home to Florida, and memories I will never forget."
Colacci believes there is something special about this team, from the chemistry together on the field to their bonds off the field. Being a four-year member, and seeing the program grow into a top 20 team, Colacci reflects on his favorite memory in his career thus far.
"My favorite moment would definitely be winning the America East Tournament last year, and a goal I have is to end my career would to be winning the national championship, as that would be an amazing and the best way to go."
After graduation, Colacci has plans to continue to be involved in soccer any possible way he can.
"I want to continue to play soccer for as long as I possibly am able too, and after I am done with that, hopefully I stick with the sport somehow whether it be in coaching or some other involvement in the operations side of things."
While he closes out his career as a Wildcat, there is still so much effort and time Coalcci can give to the team. The chapter in his Wildcat career is not complete. He looks to go all the way to a national championship in his final days on the field and leave his mark on this team's legacy.
Support UNH on Saturday, Nov. 16 as the Wildcats compete for the America East championship at Wildcat Stadium at 6 p.m.
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