BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- The next alum in the Moravian College Department of Athletics & Recreation's Get to Know Series is former women's soccer student-athlete Hannah LaFronz the Class of 2017. LaFronz had two goals and two assists in her career, and she was named to the Landmark Conference All-Sportsmanship Team as a senior in 2016 and was a three-time member of the Landmark Conference Fall Academic Honor Roll.
Hannah LaFronz
Class: 2017
How did you choose the sport you played when you were growing up? I started playing soccer in kindergarten when my mom signed me up and I loved it and continued through college. I have no hand eye coordination, so soccer was perfect for me.
Why did you choose to come to Moravian College? Moravian College had the small school feel that I needed for strong personal relationships with professors, coaches, clinical instructors, and deans. The campus itself is beautiful and from the moment I toured it, I felt supported by everyone who I met. The nursing program as well as the soccer program were huge deciding factors for me.
What experiences as a student-athlete at Moravian helped prepare you for life after college? The discipline and commitment that comes with being a D3 collegiate athlete have helped me immensely in my life after college. I have learned time management and dedication during my time at Moravian. I learned that I am mentally and physically tougher than I ever thought possible- thanks to the many off-season lifts at 4 am :)
How did you get into your current occupation? I currently am a Trauma ICU nurse at LVHN-CC and was fortunate enough to have been hired prior to my graduation at Moravian College. February of my senior year, I went through the application process with LVHN, with the help of Moravian's nursing program, and was offered a tentative position contingent on passing my NCLEX boards that summer. All went according to plan and I began the July after graduation.
As a nurse, how has your job changed since March? Since March, my job has become more stressful than I ever thought possible. The PPE requirements have changed, our nurse-to-patient ratios have changed, and the overall fear at work has increased. Through the stress of such uncertain times, my coworkers are a constant source of strength and happiness for me. The daily struggles of this pandemic at work are unimaginable and indescribable but a strong support system makes the hard shifts more bearable.
What was your favorite place on campus? My favorite places on campus are the cafeteria and John Makuvek Field; some of my favorite memories happened at both!
What activities/organizations were you involved in at Moravian College as a student-athlete? I was the President of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority, as well as a member of The Leadership Honor Society (Omicron Delta Kappa), The Women's and Gender Studies Honor Society (Iota Iota Iota), and National Academic Greek Honor Society (Gamma Sigma Alpha)
What was your most memorable moment at Moravian? My most memorable moment at Moravian was the semi-final conference game against Catholic my senior year that we played at home on John Makuvek Field under the lights. My best friend, Valentina Margiotiello scored the game winning goal and the crowd of over 600 people stormed the field to celebrate with us! It was the feeling of a big school victory but had the charm of a small school we personally knew every person celebrating with us.
What advice do you have for prospective student-athletes looking to attend Moravian College? My advice to prospective student athletes looking at Moravian College is to get to know the coaches and players on the team as much as you can during your visit on campus. They will be the best indicator for how your next four years will be. They will become your family away from home!
What advice do you have for current student-athletes as they approach graduation? My best advice for current student athletes as they approach graduation is to appreciate every moment- the early lifts, the long practices, the bus rides, the locker room fun, even the sacrificed plans for sport commitments are well worth it because you will miss it all so much as soon as it is over. Soccer memories at Moravian were some of my favorites!
What is the best piece of advice you've been given? The best piece of advice I've ever gotten is "Do what is right, not what is easy." Even when there is an easier path or easier options, doing what is right shows true strength of character.
Who are your role models/most influential people? The most influential people in my life are my parents who have shown me how to work hard and succeed.
Which three people, living or dead, would you like to share a meal with? If I could, I would love to share a meal with Michelle Obama, Hannah Brown, and Eliza Hamilton
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise most people. I have three cats, and the only thing hindering me from getting more is my roommate's severe allergies.
Quick Hits:
Favorite Color – yellow
Favorite Food – sushi
Favorite Restaurant – McDonalds
Favorite Movie – Mamma Mia
Favorite TV Show – Desperate Housewives
Favorite Musical Artist – John Mayer
Favorite Athlete – Sydney Leroux
Favorite Pro Team – Philadelphia Eagles
Hobbies – Skiing, Traveling, Beaching
Most Prized Possession – My cats
Ideal Travel Destination – Italy
Your Spirit Animal – Marmoset
Superpower you'd Like to Have – Mind Reader
