Marquette University Athletics
Incoming Freshman Anthony Colaizzi Named Illinois Player of the Year
2/20/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Feb. 20, 2007
CHICAGO - Anthony Colaizzi, a national letter of intent signee for the Marquette men's soccer program, was named the Gatorade Illinois Boys Soccer Player of the Year.
Colaizzi, a senior at Warren (Ill.) Township, adds this to numerous awards he has received this postseason.
"It was an honor to be considered and it is humbling to have been selected. I have been fortunate to have been surrounded by talented players and coaches at Warren and with the Chicago Wind," Colaizzi said.
Colaizzi scored 25 goals in his senior season at Warren Township. Of those 25 goals, 12 were game winners. He also had 20 assists this season, leading his team to a 20-3 record and a spot in the Illinois AA state championship match.
"He's terrific, exciting and electric. You name it, he's that type of player," said Warren Township head coach Jim McNamara. "He took it to another level this year. He's by far the best player I have ever coached."
Colaizzi has also been involved in the community, volunteering at a homeless shelter, assisting with the Toys for Tots program and coaching youth soccer. He is also a member of Teen Court, a program that is run by the Gurnee, Ill., Police Department, which matches juvenile offenders with a peer mentor.
The senior signed a National Letter of Intent to play at Marquette University and will be a freshman on the 2007 team. As the Gatorade State Player of the Year winner, Colaizzi is a finalist for the Gatorade National Player of the Year award.
