Lyons High school senior Maureen Paliotti has been accepted to tour and play soccer in August in Holland and Germany, with the Stars and Stripes soccer team based in Penfield.

She is a three-year varsity starter and letter winner, and a goalkeeper who has racked up over 700 saves in the tough Wayne county league.

'Maureen is one of the most intense players I have ever coached,' said Lyons Varsity soccer coach Sue Mack. 'I think she will benefit greatly from this program, and come back to play her senior year here as a dominant member of the team on the field.'

Paliotti also played varsity basketball on the Lyons Wayne County championship team. 'Mo is without doubt the toughest defensive guard we have had,' said Coach Jim Miller. 'I used Mo as my utility 6th man player because she would take on anyone. She is only 5 ft. 3, but doesnt know it.

Baseball is another passion. After playing in the Lyons Youth Baseball League for two years, she played two years in the Newark PAL league, where she started as a second baseman, and outfielder for the Indians.

Paliotti was a three-year starter at third base for the Lady Lions varsity softball team and helped her team to its second Wanye County League Championship in two of the last three years. The Lady Lions also reached the semi-finials for the third year in a row.

'This year, Mo helped us out more offensively, as well as her good glove on the comer. Her speed and knowledge of the game makes her one of our top base stealers,' said Coach Colleen Cook. Paliotti had over 20 stolen bases for the second year in a row.

Paliotti just returned from the prestigious 'Soccer Plus' national school in Deerfield, Illinois. It is run by USA women's soccer coach Tony Dicicco. Maureen would like to play soccer at the college level, when she attends college in the fall of 2000. One of her top picks is Keystone College in Pennsylvania, and several local schools. Paliotti is trying to raise some of the money to help offset the cost of these two summer programs.

'With practice time, games and School, it is very difficult to have a job and save enough money,' said Paliotti. 'I am really excited about this opportunity. I really wanted to do this by myself, but I am getting worried I will run out of time.'

Paliotti and the team leave for Europe on August 9. She is the daughter of Marge and Michael Paliotti, 2 Orchard St. , Lyons 14489.

top of page

Copyright © 1999
Courier-Gazette, 613 S. Main St. Newark, N.Y. 14513
All Rights Reserved