University of Connecticut Athletics
WSOC Announce Tri-Captains for 2020-2021
9/24/2020 2:00:00 PM | Women's Soccer
STORRS, Conn. - The UConn women's soccer team announced tri-captains for the 2020-2021 year on Thursday afternoon. Seniors Vissi Rizos and Randi Palacios, along with sophomore Emma Zaccagnini will lead the team through the upcoming year.
"Our team did a tremendous job this past spring and summer to come together during difficult times," said head coach Margaret Rodriguez. "Every good team, needs good leadership and as we went through the process of naming captains, we realized that we had many great options to choose from. In making our decision, we felt that three or our players showed the most consistent leadership in almost every category. We let things happen naturally, and through this Randi, Vissi and Emma continually showed their desire to lead, their ability to lead by example, and their belief in the core values of our program – respect, integrity, and responsibility." Â
Rizos has displayed leadership qualities throughout her career, representing the University in 2019 at the American Athletic Conference Academic Consortium. The event promoted academic excellence by developing opportunities for collaboration and professional development for faculty, students and administrators from the 13 member institutions. The event brings together scholars, practitioners and students engaged in multi-disciplinary research related to student-athlete well-being, with a special emphasis on student-athlete mental health.Â
Palacios played every minute in goal for the Huskies in 2019, posting career-highs in goals against average (1.35), saves (87) save percentage (.784) and shutouts (3). She ranked second in The American with 5.06 saves per game during the 2019 campaign.Â
Zaccagnini started in 15 of the 16 matches she played as a freshman last season. The Watertown, Conn. native was fifth on the team with 1218 minutes accumulated on the pitch.Â
"As individuals, they have demonstrated a strong commitment to building a positive team culture and have helped set the standard of who we want to be. Having a 5th year senior, a senior, and sophomore as our leaders gives us a well-rounded perspective and ensures that the future of our program is in good hands," said Rodriguez.
