Senior Thank You: Santa Clara
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The senior class of 2020 had their season stolen from them.
For reasons outside of their control, they will never be able to pursue goals for which they worked so hard.
As part of a recurring segment for the remainder of this spring, coaches have the opportunity to thank their seniors one last time.
Continuing the series is Santa Clara coach Greg Hollingshead honoring his 11 seniors.
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To put into words how disappointed we all are to have our season cut short is frankly hard to do.
People underestimate the amount of work these men put in, day in and day out, to perform at a high level in this league. We, as a team, get to come back and fight again next year. But for the seniors, that moment was taken from them.
Seniors, I want to thank you for not just the hard work and dedication on and off the field, but for leaving a legacy for years to come. Thank you for making our job as coaches easier (most of the time), knowing we could rely on each of you for doing your job as teammates and captains.
These seniors were part of history at SCU through their four years on campus. Having the highest ranking in school history (#13), making it to nationals for the first time in club history and making Santa Clara's first WCLL appearance in 10 years, 1st WCLL Championship game in 25 years. This year's seniors will not be forgotten.
#1 Kaleb Pattawi, Midfield
Seaside, Calif. (Stevenson)
14g, 4a in 42 GP
Kaleb was one of the most dedicated players on the field. During his four years, he took faceoffs, played defensive middie, offensive middie and attack.
Whatever was needed or asked of him, he would always do. His character will be one that is hard to replace.
#4 Liam Villano - Long-stick Midfield
Madison, N.J. (Delbarton)
2g, 5a in 42 GP
Liam was a captain for us this year and led by example on the field. He was reliable on the wings and always got the GBs we needed that led to the fast breaks.
He was a leader on and off the field. We will never forget his stick check against Cal Poly 2018.
#8 Emmett Graham, Midfield
Mundelein, Ill. (Carmel Catholic)
17g, 9a in 15 GP
Emmett was a very hard worker and his own hardest critic. He would put the time in at practice so he was ready for the games.
We could rely on him to start our breaks and move the ball down the field. He was a workhorse.
#10 Henry Godfrey, Attack
Aspen, Colo. (Aspen)
28g, 17a in 44 GP
Henry was one of the most dedicated and loyal players during his four years. He also served on the team board and was a team captain.
While shuffling in and out of the starting lineup, Henry had solid contributions in some of Santa Clara's biggest games the last few years, including a hat trick in our upset of Cal Poly 2019.
#13 Jack Margolis, Attack
Carmel Valley, Calif. (Stevenson)
15g, 4a in 38 GP
Jack was the silent leader on the team. He led by example in practice and made sure guys were focused.
He took the game in stride and scored in the opportunities given to him. He encouraged his team and made every moment count.
Jack had somewhat of a breakout year in 2019 (12g, 3a), and it's too bad we didn't get to close out the 2020 season to see what he could do.
#20 Connor Lencioni, Midfield
Alamo, Calif. (De La Salle)
54g, 10a in 23 GP
Connor was a true talent on the field. He was one of the most crafty players who I have coached.
In only 23 games played, he made a huge impact for us out there. If injuries did not affect his time on the field, he was on pace to break records at SCU.
Nobody played harder than Connor did when he was on the field. A major difference-maker. All this while having the best attitude out there.
#22 Johnny Van Der Velden, Midfield
Mercer Island, Wash. (Mercer Island)
48g, 14a in 21 GP
Johnny played the game at one speed and that was FAST. He never stopped moving on the field and was a nightmare to defend.
He kept the team fueled and forced everyone around him to push. Also, check out his DJ skills on Soundcloud.
#23 Matt Lencioni, Goalie
Alamo, Calif. (De La Salle)
349 Saves, 1G in 39 GP
'Mr. Reliable'' Matt was truly the guy on the field the whole team knew would keep us in the game. He came in clutch in so many games giving us chances to score on the other end.
He was a captain, team president and leader. He loved to take runs out of the cage in every game; I guess that means no more heart attacks for me.
Another guy whose constant positive attitude deserves a mention. Some huge games on the playoff stage, against Cal Poly last year as well as South Carolina.
#29 Scott Lewis, Defensive Midfielder
Alamo, Calif. (Berean Christian)
Scott started his career at SCU only two years ago knowing nothing about the game, but was an athlete. He took everything in like a sponge and turned out being our go-to guy on defense.
He ended up starting for us in the second half of his rookie campaign getting good time. Other teams feared going against him and his footwork was second to none. He will be a huge loss to the team.
#41 Charlie Fay, Defense
Denver, Colo. (Cherry Creek)
This year Charlie came out of retirement to suit up with the boys one last time. He always wanted to improve and show why he deserved to play.
Played defense all year, but almost had a goal to end his year as a midfielder.
#42 Shea Danforth, Midfield
Moraga, Calif. (Campolindo)
15g, 27a in 40 GP
This year, Shea came into the season ready to compete. He was the first out on the field shooting before every practice and setting an example for the other guys.
He battled through adversity and injuries through the years to get to this point. He was making a push when the season ended. Another guy who's unselfish attitude resulted in him playing multiple positions, wherever he was needed. Big time team player.
He passed former Coach Greg Mengis, and moved into the top 20 on the All-time Santa Clara assist list as a senior.