The view isn’t all that bad from the back line, if you ask Lauren Iaccio.
The Camden Catholic High School junior enjoyed being part of the Irish’s field hockey scoring surge over the last two seasons. But after several key players graduated from the two-time defending state champs’ roster last year, Iaccio was moved to the back line. It’s considered a significant promotion.
“I played in the back for my club team, so I’m pretty used to it, but it’s still kind of a new position for me,” Iaccio said. “For high school, it’s different because I have a different view of the field. Now I can see how to help everyone and tell them if they need to move right or left, or give them positive feedback.”
Iaccio played in the midfield the last two years and scored 12 goals during that span. She also led the team in assists last season with 20. Although Iaccio’s offensive productivity was valuable, her steady hand and well-rounded game were welcomed on the back end. Iaccio had already proven she could handle the task for her Spirit of USA club team, which is also coached by Camden Catholic’s Mark Vittese.
“We knew last year that she was going to move back,” Vittese said. “In club, she was playing center back, so the move was really nothing for her.”
Iaccio had a chance to learn the position last year from one of the best – Reagan Stauts, who is now a freshman at Temple University in Philadelphia.
“I always looked up to Reagan, and I loved watching her play,” Iaccio said. “I definitely learned a lot.”
It takes time to master a craft.
“I’m still learning, like when I can go up the middle or when to play more simple and pass it around the back,” Iaccio said. “Our goalie [Madelyn LaForm] helps me a lot and gives me advice. As far as adjustments go, it’s a little harder getting used to staying back because you want to be a part of the offense and help everyone. But defense is just as important.”
Camden Catholic hasn’t skipped a beat, as the Irish were 16-2-1 after a convincing 11-0 win over Holy Spirit High School in the quarterfinal round of the Non-Public A playoffs Nov. 7. Iaccio and LaForm have largely been in sync in shutting down the opposition.
“I trust her a lot,” Iaccio said of her junior goaltender. “She’s a great goalie, and she had to fill really big shoes after Emily Nicholls graduated; she really stepped up, especially in these close games.”
Iaccio is committed to play at Rutgers University in two years, where she plans to study marketing, with an eye on possibly marketing sports teams. She’s gotten a taste for it at Camden Catholic already.
“I’m getting a lot of experience for my major,” Iaccio said. “Recently, we had an open house, so we all made videos to promote the school.”
She also helped out with a project to honor school alumni.
“We had an All Saints’ Day Mass, so we found photos of alumni who had passed away and made a slideshow to honor them,” Iaccio said. “I love being able to be creative and honor our alumni.”
When Iaccio arrives at Rutgers in two years, she will likely be greeted by a few friendly faces. Nicholls and former forward-turned-defender Olivia Stazi are both freshmen on the Scarlet Knights’ roster.
“I’m so excited,” Iaccio said. “Liv was also a defender, so I learned a lot from her. Emily taught me a lot, too. Off the field we are best friends, so it will be great to play with them again.”
Right now, she’s enjoying playing with her current teammates as they strive for a third straight state title. Iaccio is two-for-two so far.
“It would mean a lot, especially since every year we lose so many important people [with graduation], but everyone always steps up,” Iaccio said. “I’m excited. It’s always such a great game.”
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