Padilla looking to anchor TCNJ to another conference title
The College of New Jersey is one of the premier field hockey program’s in the nation and one of the players who best characterizes the Lions is Sidney Padilla.
A senior and two-time All-New Jersey Athletic Conference first team selection, Padilla is a tireless worker, relentless defender, consummate team player and one who believes you can’t take anything for granted.
Padilla, who has started every game the last two seasons, will be anchoring the Lions defense on Saturday when they meet Rowan for the conference championship.
The Lions (14-3) are the No. 3 seed in the NJAC playoffs and advanced to meet No. 1 unbeaten Rowan (19-0) with the start set for 1 p.m. in Glassboro.
TCNJ defeated No. 2 Montclair State after 11 rounds of strokes to gain the shot at their fifth straight NJAC title.
“Post season is a special time,” said Padilla. “Teams play harder than ever because everyone wants to win. I believe that every game we have something to prove. Nothing is given to you, you must earn it and that is how’s it’s going to be every game.”
It’s only four goals that separates TCNJ’s from an unbeaten mark. The regular season defeats came at the hands of three nationally ranked teams in No. 2 Messiah, No. 9 Montclair State and No. 3 Rowan.
The Lions entered the playoffs ranked No. 5 in the nation.
“This team is made up of so many hard working and strong girls,” said Padilla. “We need to play our absolute hardest and give our all if we want to be successful during the playoff season.”
Padilla along with Cayla Andrews, Tori Tiefenthaler, Allentown’s Kayla Peterson and Jackie Schwartz were all named to the 2018 All-Conference team. The Lions’ Lauren Cammarata was named the conference Rookie of the Year
It’s the second straight season for Padilla and Peterson.
While every season the Lions have visions of a Final Four appearance, Padilla prefers to take it one game at a time.
Being a senior, Padilla knows the importance of every practice and every game as the last thing she wants is to leave the TCNJ program.
“This program means the world to me,” said Padilla. “It has truly changed my life. It has given me friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. It has taught me how strong I can be and if you set your mind to something you won’t be disappointed. It has taught me never to take anything for granted and that nothing is given to you, it is earned. I will cherish being a part of this program for the rest of my life.”