Former Johnnies Virtually Connected with Current Squad

The St. John's women's soccer team recently connected with the Johnnies of yesteryear over a series of virtual zoom calls.

The former Red Storm players shared with the current team their stories, lessons, and advice on life after college.

Alexis Urbanski, a 2016 graduate who was part of the Red Storm's first BIG EAST Regular Season Championship, kicked off the series. Urbanski saw success both on the field and in the classroom over her time with the Red Storm. Following graduation, Urbanski spend time as an assistant Coach at Fairleigh Dickinson before recently making a career shift. Urbanski now works for a financial fraud investigation's team.

Current St. John's defender Samantha Gordon saw encouragement in Urbanski's recent career change. "It is never too late to do what you love and make a change," Gordon said. "She helped relay the message that the unknown is okay, and to not be afraid of your future."

The second series introduced Tacoma, Wash., native Pristina Alford. Alford came to St. John's to gain first-hand experience in the business capital of the world. Following her collegiate career, Alford has spent over 10 years working in New York City and still resides there today, serving as the VP of Lifestyle at DKC Public Relations.

"Everyone needs to work or live in New York for at least 1-5 years," Alford said. "Just to experience the lifestyle and grind of the city."

Junior defender Alexis Casella expressed that the team's talk with Alford was extremely beneficial because it emphasized how important it is to network and make connections early on.

"Whether they are at St. John's, or outside in the business world, having these relationships will be helpful in attaining one's goals," Casella said.

For the squad's third series, Head Coach Ian Stone welcomed in 2010 St. John's graduate Nicole Canning. Canning was part of the Johnnies' first NCAA Tournament team in 2009, and has gone on to make a name for herself in the field of physical therapy. In addition to being a physical therapist, Canning is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist who works with high level athletes.

Red Storm goaltender Naya Lipkens, who also wants to enter the medical field after her collegiate career at St. John's, noted that "hearing her [Canning's] perspective and story was reassuring and inspiring."

Another member of the 2009 NCAA Tournament team, Jessica Simonetti, wrapped up the four-part virtual zoom series. Simonetti, a former St. John's midfielder, currently resides in Los Angeles, working as a post-doctoral resident at the West Los Angeles VA. Following three years with the AmeriCorps service, Simonetti went on to complete her Masters of Science before earning her Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology.

St. John's defender Brooke Boyd felt inspired to help others after talking with Simonetti.

"I learned a lot about what an empathetic leader looks like," Boyd said.

Rising Senior Annie Wysong also gained a great deal of insight from her discussion with Simonetti.

"I think the thing that was most encouraging about her journey was that at no point did she fall victim to the difficulties of the process," Wysong said. "She never lost sight of her goals and always gave 100 percent of what she had. The most important message she relayed was that being comfortable wasn't going to ignite personal growth or change."

Although all four alumnae took different paths to get to where they are within their fields, their success in the professional world mirrors all that they achieved at St. John's. The alumnae involvement is a testament to the women's soccer culture and community that Coach Stone has established over his 20-plus seasons at St. John's.

"A big shout out to our speakers for emphasizing to the team it is not just what you do in your four years that matter, but it is what a degree from St. John's can do for you for the next forty years after graduation," Coach Stone said. "These women made it clear that they are available for guidance, networking, or simply an extended support system as our current Johnnies navigate through life."

St. John's University Athletics

Former Johnnies Virtually Connected with Current Squad

Players Mentioned

Brooke Boyd

Alexis Casella

Samantha Gordon

Naya Lipkens

Annie Wysong

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