Info@NJGRITFieldHockey.com (Grace - Resilience - Integrity - Teamwork)
Stories of GRIT: Madison Ciancitto Commits to Wagner
2022 Pompton Lakes High School Defender
Perfect Balance/Fit
All throughout high school Madison has been determined to play for a Division 1 field hockey program. When she went to a Sacred Heart clinic, where Wagner Coach Niki Miller was, Madison knew Niki Miller was a coach she would want to play for. “I loved how she coached, she was very personable and was always helping and motivating everyone. I followed her to different clinics because of how much I liked her coaching style”, Madison said about her future coach Nikki.
In September, Madison had the opportunity to walk around the Wagner campus with her family. “I loved the small, cute campus and the closeness to the city. As we walked around, I felt a really homey vibe. It was almost love at first sight, I just got that feeling.” The campus, the coach, and the opportunity to play for a newly established program is what sold Madison on Wagner College. The Wagner College field hockey program is in its 3rd season and has a brand new astroturf field hockey field. “I’ve been following the team this year and it’s so exciting to see how well they are doing. I’m looking forward to being a part of a new program with a lot of potential.” As Madison continues to connect with current players, future teammates, and the coaches she is looking forward to embracing the team environment and making lasting friendships!
Throughout the recruiting process Madison decided that location as well as academic programs were both integral in her search for universities and colleges. She wanted to ensure she was close to home, so she could continue being close to her family, and the college or university had to have a physical therapy program. At Wagner, Maddie plans to major in pre-health in order to become a physical therapist. “Being an athlete, I’ve been to physical therapy for different injuries, and I’ve always had an amazing experience. I think getting athletes back on the field or court would be a really cool experience.”
Process
Madison’s family was an integral part of her field hockey career and recruiting process. In second grade, Madison’s Dad asked if she wanted to join their town’s recreational field hockey program. “I was a very active kid. I played soccer and danced, so when my dad asked, I thought why not?” Madison immediately fell in love with the competitive sport and the ability to be creative on the field.
Madison’s Dad and family have continued to be a huge support system throughout the recruiting process. “I was lucky enough that my parents sent me to camps and clinics and provided me the opportunity to play for a club team that goes to so many tournaments and gives us so much exposure.” When COVID interrupted the recruiting process for so many players, Madison was determined to get recruited. Her and her Dad would go out onto the field and record her completing drills and working on her skills. Madison would then go home and use these videos along with high school and club highlights to create highlight and recruiting films to send to coaches. “My family was really on top of it and really involved with everything going on.”
“I worked really hard to get my name out there to coaches. There are so many talented field hockey players that you are competing with so I’m really happy with how everything worked out” said Madison.
High School/Grit History
Maddie is a determined and driven student athlete both in high school and at NJ GRIT Field Hockey Club. At Pompton Lakes High School Maddie is an experienced leader for her field hockey program. “I have played in club for many years and have gone to many different camps and clinics. This gives me the opportunity to bring my experience and different drills to my high school team.” Madison is also a leader through action. Every game day she shares quotes with her team to help boost their confidence and motivation.
As for NJ GRIT Field Hockey Club, Madison feels like she has grown as a player and leader. “I am being pushed every practice and game by some of the best girls in the state. We are always being challenged because we are being exposed to such high competition.” Madison thanks her parents, teammates, and coaches for challenging her along the way and sharing their knowledge of field hockey!
