Drew's Fornarotto Earns All-America Status
KANSAS CITY, Kan. – One year ago Curtis Fornarotto (Ewing, N.J./Ewing) faced a decision, leave Drew for the real world or play one final season for the Rangers. His choice to come back paid off today after receiving news that he had been selected as an All-American.
Today the National Collegiate Soccer Coaches Association of America (NCSAA) chose Fornarotto to the annual NCSAA Division III All-America Team. The honor is the first by a Ranger soccer player since Dan Bonder in 2008.
"It's certainly an honor to be selected to represent Drew on this team, but I definitely would not be here without my teammates and the support of my coaching staff," said Fornarotto.
In his fifth year in Madison, Fornarotto finished his undergraduate degree in Economics and Political Science in May. He was granted an NCAA hardship waiver, given to a student-athlete who suffers an injury or hardship during his career, to play one more year on defense for coach Lenny Armuth.
In his very first minicamp five years ago, Fornarotto fractured his left foot requiring surgery that forced him to miss the entire season. Originally coming to Drew as a two-sport athlete in men's soccer and lacrosse, the Ewing, N.J. native was unable to compete in either sport his first year on campus.
"After breaking my foot, I was concerned for the next season not knowing where my place on the team was and also knowing I would be a year behind," said Fornarotto.
Two years later, Fornarotto was a regular on the Rangers back line, traditionally one of the best defenses in all of Division III Soccer. In 2009 the Rangers ranked 18th in the country in goals against average and this season allowed only .43 goals per game, good for fourth out of 396 schools.
"After coming back from the initial injury and enjoying some success it kind of motivated me to get to the next level," said Fornarotto.
Playing alongside guys he considered his family, the decision was easy to come back for another season. With the Rangers losing three starters and their starting goalkeeper from a year ago, Armuth was happy to have a player with his experience anchor his defense.
"Curtis is a leader on and off the field, explained Armuth. "He's the type of kid you want around your guys to set an example for his teammates."
When asked about the decision to come back for another year and play soccer at Drew, Fornorotto said it was a no-brainer.
"Without a doubt it was worth it. Any chance to play college soccer at high level is something you must take advantage of especially with this group of guys.
He will receive his Masters of Letters this summer from Drew's Caspersen School. The All-America honor caps a number of accolades already in the trophy case including his second-straight including his second-straight First Team All-Conference selection and his first ever NCSAA All-Region honor earlier this week.
Story provided by Drew Sports Information
