Senior Spotlight: This Q&A series will feature the Cedar Crest College student-athletes of the Class of 2021 and the impact COVID-19 has had on their season. Over the next couple of weeks, we will continue to give the Falcon student-athletes proper recognition and let them explain it from their perspective.

Erika D'Angelo (Jackson, N.J./Jackson Memorial) of the Soccer program.

Q: When you first heard of the news of postponements & cancellations, what were your initial thoughts? Where were you?
When I found out I wasn't going to have a senior season, I was at home surrounded by my parents and sisters. Initially, I felt devastated, because I was coming off a huge injury that prevented me from playing almost all of my junior year. After working hard for almost a year to get back, I was so excited to have the best senior year with my team, but I had to accept the fact that we couldn't play, and get ready for a 5th year!

Q: Prior to the season being canceled, what was the team's expectations & goals for the upcoming season?
Our goal through the years has been to win a CSAC championship, and we all really felt like this was our year.

Q: What has been your favorite memory while being a Falcon?
My favorite memory as a Falcon would be winning the semi-final game against Cairn in 2018 and rushing the field with pure happiness and excitement on all of our faces!
 
Q: What are your thoughts about the NCAA granting another year of eligibility for you?
I am so thankful that we will have another year of eligibility. This gave me a reason to stay here and get my masters done with my best friends.
 
Q: What are your personal career goals? Jobs, internships, interests moving forward?
In 2022, I plan to graduate with my Masters in Education and get a job as an elementary education teacher. In the short term, I am preparing to student teach in the spring, and I cannot wait!

Q: Do you have any advice for your younger teammates or recruits that are looking at coming to Cedar Crest?
My advice for my younger teammates would be to cherish every moment on and off the field because it goes by a lot faster than you would expect.

Q: Is there anything else you'd like to say? Would you like to say something to your coach, staff, athletic department?
Thanks to the Cedar Crest Athletics Department, I have had the best experience as a student-athlete. I have always felt supported and welcomed by all of the coaches and staff, and I couldn't thank them enough. More specifically, I want to thank both of my coaches Sarah Wolcott and Mikaela Malofiy, as well as our strength and conditioning coach, Kristin Karat. All three of them have pushed me to be the best version of myself on and off of the field. When I tore my ACL last year, Coach K did not leave my side until I left for dinner with my family. During the first couple of months of my recovery, Coach Sarah was always a shoulder to lean on, and constantly reminded me of how strong I was. Last year was our first season having Coach Mikaela as our assistant coach and she made practices and games so enjoyable for me, and got me through a lot of the season. I could never thank them enough for everything they have done for me, and our team over the last four years!