Staten Island's Fiosa Begai
Staten Island women's soccer junior forward Fiosa Begai (Susan E. Wagner/Staten Island, NY) has been a leader on and off the field for the Dolphins this year. Through the first month of the season she leads the CUNYAC in scoring (13 g, 2 a, 28 pts.), and owns a 3.809 cumulative grade-point average in History. It is because of these accomplishments that Begai has been named the CUNYAC/Hospital for Special Surgery Scholar-Athlete of the Month for September, 2007.
"(Begai) works extremely hard at everything she does, and she deserves (the award)," said fourth-year Staten Island head coach John Guagliardo, whose team stands at 6-4 on the year (2-0 CUNYAC) following a 3-0 shutout over St. Elizabeth (Oct. 2). "She is always conscientious of what she is doing no matter where she is - in the classroom or on the field. She is a complete collegiate package."
Begai has been a vital cog to the Dolphins' recent success (6-2 record in last eight matches). Not only has she scored four game-winning goals to date, but Staten Island is also 6-0 in games which the Susan E. Wagner High School alumna finds the back of the net.
"(The season) is going very well," said Begai, who notched three hat tricks in a four-game stretch during the middle of September. "Having so many new faces, we are really blending well with one another and getting used to each other, on and off the field. The results are definitely showing."
As successful as Begai has been on the field, she is even happier in having her academic accomplishments recognized.
"It is an honor knowing the my school work is getting acknowledged in this way," commented the junior. "That is why I am here, to get a quality education, and to be honored for it feels great."
Begai has been on the mark all season long, as 26 percent of her 50 shots have resulted in CSI goals. However, she was quick to credit the time management skills that she has acquired in her last two-plus years with the team in helping her to achieve her well-rounded accolades.
"I am learning how to manage my time to the best of my abilites. Having the advantage of spending my time in between classes in the student-athlete study lounge, using the computers, has been a big help. Having the ability to stay on campus and concentrate on my studies allows me to get my work done while staying committed to soccer."