It was a hot Friday afternoon at the UC High stadium, the first game of the season for the Girls Field Hockey Team. Two minutes in, Senior Flavia Delle Monache scored the first goal of a shutout game, 4-0. Merely one example of her vast capabilities, Delle Monache’s many admirable attributes have made her the indisputable Female Athlete of the Month.
Delle Monache has been playing field hockey for four years now and continues to constantly improve. She said, “I started playing in eighth grade on the middle school team, which at the time consisted of five players. I then joined my freshman year in the middle of the pandemic and have played consistently since.”
She was introduced to the sport through her friends and family. Delle Monache said, “My dad played on the Italian National Team for ten years.” Her dad has had a big impact on her experience playing field hockey. “Once I started the sport, he became a coach for both my high school and club teams. On our family vacation to Italy in December 2021, he got in contact with his old team and made me go to one of their practices. Overall, I am very grateful for his support and wisdom in the sport,” said Delle Monache.
“Previous to field hockey, I had never played a team sport, and I love the dynamic of working together with teammates to reach our goal.
It makes wins much more fun,” said Delle Monache. Her teammates couldn’t agree more. Senior Eryn Medina said, “Everyday on a team with Flavia is truly a fun experience. The energy when she’s present is always through the roof, making practices something we all look forward to.”
Medina, who has known Delle Monache since middle school and began playing field hockey with her during their freshman year, has lots of praise for the team’s captain. “Flavia is a very disciplined, confident, and energetic athlete. She’s a very lively player and brings the spark to the team,” said Medina.
Teamwork and communication are key in any team sport, which Delle Monache prides herself on. “I’d say my greatest strength is probably my passing. I see opportunities that set my teammates up well and have good decision-making skills on the field,” said Delle Monache. Junior Gianna Stewart added, “She is an amazing player. Whenever we’re on the field she either has the ball or is in the play.”
Her dedication is one of her most admirable traits. “Throughout the years, I’ve noticed that Flavia is a coachable athlete. She is always able to accept feedback and adapt to improve her sport performance, making her one of the best on the team,” said Medina. “She has had a big impact on our team. She is one of our best players and she dominates the middle of the field and scores or assists our goals. She is also a great captain and she helps her teammates on the field. She brings the energy and, when she’s working hard, it shows others to do the same,” said Stewart.
When Delle Monache is not on the field, she is working hard and giving back to her community. “I work at a local gelato shop, am president of Italian Club, and president of Heart to Hospital.” She also coaches the middle school team at Standley Middle School, bringing up the next generation of Centurion field hockey players.
Medina said, “Flavia has always been a critical player on the Field Hockey Team because of her beautiful goals and leadership. I truly can’t imagine leading a team without her.”