Lehigh University Athletics
Senior Mountain Hawks reflect on their careers
11/4/2011 9:09:00 PM | Men's Soccer
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Lehigh men's soccer team's eight seniors have created a legacy in the Brown and White, playing a key role in the Mountain Hawks' recent success with back-to-back Patriot League Tournament appearances. They will be looking for their third straight berth Saturday night against Army. The group has excelled off the field as well, earning numerous academic accolades. The Class of 2012 reigns from four different states from as far away as Nevada to as close as New Jersey and includes four from Pennsylvania. With Senior Night set for Saturday, Lehighsports.com caught up with the eight seniors to get some thoughts on their careers at Lehigh.
Steven Avena – Midfielder – Las Vegas, Nev. – Electrical Engineering 
Avena came to Bethlehem via Las Vegas, Nev. and as a freshman, he saw time in six games before breaking out his sophomore season when he played in 14 games, starting in 12 of them. He netted his first-career goal that season and was named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll. As a junior, Avena saw a total of 427 minutes of action, including a season-high 72 minutes at Yale. He scored the game-winning goal that year and for the second-straight year was named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll. This year, Avena has played in all 16 games and started in 10 of them. Avena has a career-high 12 shots this season.
What's your favorite Lehigh Soccer memory up until this point?
SA: My favorite soccer memory was beating Bucknell in overtime my sophomore year and then doing it again senior year.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
SA: The senior class gets along really well. Everybody is really close and would do anything for one another.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
SA: Thoughts going into Senior Night are that it's been a great experience thus far. Although the end is coming closer, it's still not over.
SA: My favorite soccer memory was beating Bucknell in overtime my sophomore year and then doing it again senior year.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
SA: The senior class gets along really well. Everybody is really close and would do anything for one another.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
SA: Thoughts going into Senior Night are that it's been a great experience thus far. Although the end is coming closer, it's still not over.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Soccer?
SA: The thing I'll miss most about Lehigh Soccer is the chance to play competitively day in and day out with a group of guys I've become very close with.
SA: The thing I'll miss most about Lehigh Soccer is the chance to play competitively day in and day out with a group of guys I've become very close with.
What are your postgraduate plans?
SA: My postgraduate plans are undecided between graduate school and applying for jobs.
Jordie Ciuffetelli – Back – Unionville, Pa. – History
One of four Pennsylvania natives in the class, Ciuffetelli has made an impact on the team since stepping foot on campus. His freshman year, he played in 15 games, starting in seven, and recorded his first-career assist. Ciuffetelli also found a niche and has continued it through his four years with a long throw-in from the sideline. His sophomore year, he appeared in all 18 games, starting in 10. He totaled a career-high three assists on the year, including two in one game. Last year, Ciuffetelli started all 18 games for Lehigh as the team's everyday left back. This season, Ciuffetelli has started in all 16 games and earlier this year, was named the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week as he assisted on a game-winning double-overtime goal and had two defensive saves.
What's your favorite Lehigh Soccer memory up until this point?
JC: My favorite memory up until this point has to be our trip to Italy after my freshman year. It was an amazing experience traveling to another country with 20 of your best friends, getting to enjoy playing Italian teams and traveling throughout Italy.
JC: My favorite memory up until this point has to be our trip to Italy after my freshman year. It was an amazing experience traveling to another country with 20 of your best friends, getting to enjoy playing Italian teams and traveling throughout Italy.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
JC: The entire senior class has a great relationship with each other. We all enjoy each other's presence and love joking around with each other. We have a larger class than the rest of our team, but that helps to contribute to the strength of our relationships because we have made it through close to four years with each other.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
JC: Going into the game, all I'm thinking about is this is my last home game I'll be playing as a Lehigh Soccer player. I want to go out with a win to put us into the playoffs.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Soccer?
JC: I will definitely miss going to practice every day. Practice provides a break from the stresses of school, and to not have that every day will be tough to deal with.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Soccer?
JC: I will definitely miss going to practice every day. Practice provides a break from the stresses of school, and to not have that every day will be tough to deal with.
What are your postgraduate plans?
JC: I will be returning to Lehigh to get my Master's in Elementary Education.
Neal Melchionni – Midfielder – Marmora, N.J. – Environmental Engineering 
The lone N.J.-native in the class, Melchionni has started every game since putting on the Brown and White. He was the only freshman to start all 17 games in 2008. He scored one goal and had two assists that season and earned a spot on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll. His sophomore year, he improved to one goal and three assists and again earned a spot on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll. Melchionni had a breakout junior season, as he scored three goals and had two assists. He earned a Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week award and was named to the College Soccer News National Team of the Week the same day. This season, Melchionni is tied for the team lead in points (7) and goals (3).
What's your favorite Lehigh Soccer memory up until this point?
NM: The trip to Italy. It was wonderful to experience the culture and the soccer. California this year is a pretty close second.
NM: The trip to Italy. It was wonderful to experience the culture and the soccer. California this year is a pretty close second.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
NM: We've all been close since day one, both on and off the field.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
NM: I haven't thought about it much because our games have been much more important. I'm sure after the season is over, I will reflect on my career as a whole.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Soccer?
NM: The competition and camaraderie with teammates.
NM: The competition and camaraderie with teammates.
What are your postgraduate plans?
NM: To get a job in an environmental field.
Daniel Odenwelder – Midfielder – Pen Argyl, Pa. – Biopharmaceutical Engineering 
A local product, Odenwelder has made an impact in the midfield from Day 1. His freshman year he played in all 15 games, starting in eight and made the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll. His sophomore year, he played in 13 games, starting in seven, and notched his first-career goal. Last year, Odenwelder was the team's starting defensive midfielder and he earned his first-career assist. This season, Odenwelder has started in all 16 games and has had a breakout season with six points (2 goals, 2 assists).
What's your favorite Lehigh Soccer memory up until this point?
DO: Going to Italy after freshman year is probably my best Lehigh Soccer moment up to this point. Our team really bonded on that trip and it was just an all-around great experience.
DO: Going to Italy after freshman year is probably my best Lehigh Soccer moment up to this point. Our team really bonded on that trip and it was just an all-around great experience.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
DO: Our class loves to pick on each other. I think that's why we get along so well. We're constantly joking around and keeping things lighthearted in the locker room and at practice. My classmates have become some of my best friends and playing with them for the past four years has made my college soccer experience worthwhile.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
DO: It really hasn't kicked in yet. I'm anticipating that we still have a few games left. It is upsetting though to think that I only have a few more games with these teammates. I just really want to go out on a high note and experience winning a championship with this team. This has been the closest team I've ever been on and I will really miss playing with them.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Soccer?
DO: I'm going to miss going to practice every day with my teammates.
DO: I'm going to miss going to practice every day with my teammates.
What are your postgraduate plans?
DO: I'm hoping to get a job working for a pharmaceutical company or continue my education at graduate school.
Ayo Olasupo – Forward – Austin, Texas – Marketing 
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One of two Texas natives in the class, Olasupo has totaled 47 games played. He made his college debut in a game against Navy his freshman year. His sophomore year, he played in 15 games and recorded his first-career point as he tallied an assist. Last year, Olasupo again played in 15 games and recorded an assist in the season opener. This year, Olasupo had his third-straight season with an assist as he recorded the assist on the game-winning goal in an impressive win over Stanford.
What's your favorite Lehigh Soccer memory up until this point?
AO: The game against Berkeley in California because it was one of my best performances for Lehigh.
AO: The game against Berkeley in California because it was one of my best performances for Lehigh.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
AO: I have a good relationship with the other seniors. We always have a good laugh when we're together.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
AO: It's an odd feeling knowing that my time with this team is about to end. It's unbelievable looking back thinking about how I've played four seasons here.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Soccer?
AO: The postgame tailgates.
AO: The postgame tailgates.
What are your postgraduate plans?
AO: I plan to either start working or stay in school to get a further degree.
Joe Puleo – Forward – Preston, Pa. – Mathematics 
Puleo has made an impact as a striker since putting on the Brown and White. His freshman year, he saw time in 16 games and scored his first collegiate goal that season. His sophomore year, Puleo saw action in 14 games, starting in nine, as he had two goals and one assist. One of his goals came against nationally-ranked Charleston. Last year, Puleo started all 18 of Lehigh's matches. He totally nine points (4 goals, 1 assists). Two of his goals came in the season-opener against Rutgers and Puleo notched the game-winning goal against Princeton to help Lehigh earn its 500th program win. This season, Puleo is tied for the team lead in points (7) and goals (3) and leads the team in shots on goal (21).
What's your favorite Lehigh Soccer memory up until this point?
JP: My favorite moment as a player at Lehigh was our trip to Italy. It was an amazing experience and something I will never forget.
JP: My favorite moment as a player at Lehigh was our trip to Italy. It was an amazing experience and something I will never forget.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
JP: Our Senior class has become very close over the last few years. The relationships I have with them will continue to grow and I am grateful to have spent four great years with these guys.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
JP: It's going to be an emotional night, for sure. Going into the night, I will try to treat it as any other game and feed off of the energy that we show as a team.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Soccer?
JP: I am always going to miss game day - everything from the pregame meal, to the game itself and our tailgates after. It really is a special thing.
JP: I am always going to miss game day - everything from the pregame meal, to the game itself and our tailgates after. It really is a special thing.
What are your postgraduate plans?
JP: I plan on pursuing a job in a Business/Math related field.
Christopher Rabey – Midfielder – Houston, Texas – Architecture 
One of two Texas natives in the class, Rabey has played in nine games and started two for the Mountain Hawks. His sophomore season, in a match against Delaware, Rabey played all 90 minutes as Lehigh won the match 5-1. Rabey is also a two-time Patriot League Academic Honor Roll member earning a spot in 2009 and last season.
What's your favorite Lehigh Soccer memory up until this point?
CR: My favorite memory up until this point was the Italy trip. It was a great experience and really helped our team (especially my grade) bond.
CR: My favorite memory up until this point was the Italy trip. It was a great experience and really helped our team (especially my grade) bond.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
CR: We all have a great chemistry. Coming in freshman year with a recruiting class of 12 and being a majority of the team, we were forced to bond quickly to make it in the Patriot League. And through our four years, we have developed a unique friendship that I will always remember.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
CR: Shocked that it is already over. You never realize how quickly things go by until they are gone. It makes the game against Army that much more important for us seniors.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Soccer?
CR: My teammates
CR: My teammates
What are your postgraduate plans?
CR: Take a year off, work (hopefully), and prepare for grad school
Kevin Strunk – Back – Downingtown, Pa. – Marketing 
Strunk has been a force on both sides of the ball since putting on the Brown and White. His freshman year, he scored his first career goal and earned a Patriot League Rookie of the Week award. Strunk has started every game starting with his sophomore season and he recorded his first-career assist that year. Last year, Strunk was named the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year. He also earned three assists on the season. This year, Strunk is tied for the team lead in points (7) and goals (3). Two of his goals have been game-winners. Strunk earned a Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week award this season and before the season started, was named the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and was named to the Missouri Athletic Club's Hermann Trophy Watch List.
What's your favorite Lehigh Soccer memory up until this point?
KS: Going to Italy after our freshman year. It was an unbelievable trip to share with my fellow seniors and something I will never forget.
KS: Going to Italy after our freshman year. It was an unbelievable trip to share with my fellow seniors and something I will never forget.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
KS: We've become a really tight-knit group. Everyone gets along with each other and our relationships have grown immensely over the past few years.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
KS: It's hard to believe that my collegiate career is coming to an end. The Lehigh soccer program has given me so many memories that I will cherish forever.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Soccer?
KS: I'll miss interacting with my teammates the most - all the jokes and banter.
KS: I'll miss interacting with my teammates the most - all the jokes and banter.
What are your postgraduate plans?
KS: Continue my playing career in MLS or Europe.
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