RHS Lacrosse MVP Makes Her Decision: Scholar-Athlete Kiana Napolitano Will Attend Framingham State

Napolitano has devoted many hours to advancing in lacrosse and the hard work is paying off.

The reigning Northeastern Conference South MVP, Napolitano holds the single-season scoring mark and every goal she scores this season, it will create a new entry in the Revere High School record books.

In the Lady Patriots’ first scrimmage of the season Monday at Harry DellaRusso Stadium, Napolitano scored three goals during the first 10 minutes against a very good Melrose team.

Everything points toward another prolific season for Napolitano, a senior attacker for coach Manny Lopes’ 2019 contingent.

And Napolitano has made a decision where she will be playing next season.

“I’ve picked Framingham State [University],” Napolitano revealed Monday. “I hope to continue in lacrosse there. I’ve met the coach and she’s super nice. The team is very good.”

Revere High Director of Athletics Frank Shea congratulated Napolitano on her decision to attend FSU and praised her contributions to the program.

“I want to congratulate Kiana who truly earned this opportunity to play at the next level,” said Shea, a former basketball player at Salem State. “Kiana has been one of our school’s most outstanding athletes over the past four years. She could have chosen to specialize in lacrosse, but instead she became a team leader and a standout in multiple sports. Kiana is also an excellent student, which factored in her having many choices for colleges.”

In a humble affirmation of what a consummate team player she is, Napolitano said her goal this season is “to get the team back to the State Tournament and win the first round-game.”

“We haven’t done that yet, but we’ve come so close every year,” said Napolitano.

Asked specifically about her individual goals, she replied, “to work hard and get better.”

Napolitano said she has enjoyed playing lacrosse for Coach Manny Lopes and former coach, Karen Atkinson, and competing alongside her four-year teammates, Jenna Wells, Emily DiGiulio, and Lilly DelloIacano.

Napolitano, daughter of Nick and Michelle Napolitano, is a three-sport captain. She is a member of the National Honor Society and recipient of the Smith College Book Award and the Academic Varsity Award for maintaining a grade point average of 4.0 and above for her freshman, sophomore, and junior years.

Napolitano is also part of the school’s record-setting indoor track sprint medley team and an NEC All-Star in volleyball.

“I’m proud of my accomplishments,” said Napolitano. “In lacrosse, we’ve all benefited by having a really great coach (Manny Lopes). Coming in as a new coach last year, he has helped us all improve by just working with us. I’m glad I attended Revere High with all my friends.”

The unsung person in her ascension to becoming one of the premier lacrosse players in the area may be her twin, Nicky Napolitano, a captain of the St. Mary’s High School boys ice hockey team and an exceptional athlete himself.

“Nicky’s brought out the best in me,” said Napolitano. “He’s helped me. We practice lacrosse together in our yard or at the stadium.”

MVP APPROACH: Revere High senior Kiana Napolitano displays her follow-through on a shot in a game against North Reading. Napolitano and her teammates begin their 2019 season next week.



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