In its 80-year history, the NJCAA has been known to provide second-chance opportunities. In the case of Linnea D'Acchille, a rare opportunity to become a two-sport athlete at Hudson Valley (NY) has turned into a reassurance that she made the right decision.

"I am very grateful that I was able to come to a football team that has never had a female player and be able to kick."

What started as a longshot, D'Acchille is now a current member of both the Hudson Valley women's soccer team and men's football team where she has suited up for both Viking squads in each of the last two seasons. As if a two-sport athlete's schedule was not enduring enough, D'Acchille has challenged herself as an individual studies major with a focus on the dental hygiene program.

D'Acchille's opportunity began at Greenwich High School, where a 'Powder Puff' game turned into an exhibition of field goals that caught the attention of curious onlookers. With recommendations flowing, D'Acchille's skillset seemed to be a fit at the collegiate level.

"I am forever grateful to Coach Linnett at (Greenwich) for agreeing to allow me to join the football team, and giving me my first opportunity, which led to an amazing season and even a successful PAT kick in the Carrier Dome."

Upon graduation and after a successful senior season of splitting the uprights for the high school football team, D'Acchille opted for a potential future as a student-athlete at Utica College. With a goal in mind, the opportunity to play collegiate football at Utica was never awarded, but the dream never vanished.

"I knew I always had Hudson Valley as a backup plan if things didn't go well, and I'm glad I did."            

Now, a sophomore, D'Acchille's resiliency to create her own second chance has led to a roster spot each of the last two seasons for both programs. "The best part of being a two-sport athlete are my teammates. The football team including all of my coaches are very accepting about having a girl on the team and I love being at all of the practices and games with everyone. I also love being on the soccer team so that I have friends of my own gender and I enjoy still having a chance to play soccer."

Despite the logistical planning of being a student-athlete on two teams, D'Acchille attacks the time management challenges head-on. "I have to make sure I am very organized to make all my classes, football practices, study tables, and go to soccer practice and games when I do not have football."

"The NJCAA has definitely helped me more as a student- athlete then I thought it would. Being a student-athlete helps me stay organized, social, and in shape. I have to manage my time better because I have practice, games, and meetings but I absolutely love playing both sports and being a part of two teams."

D'Acchille's path to success as a student-athlete has had its fair share of supporters along the way. "I would not have been able to do two different sports in the same season without both of my coaches being extremely flexible and understanding. After my experience at Utica College without being given a chance to play, I am very grateful that I was able to come to a football team that has never had a female player and be able to kick. I would not have been able to do that if it wasn't for Coach Muehling and all of the other coaches at HVCC."

"I would not have been able to do that if is wasn't for Coach Muehling's willingness to do something many coaches are unwilling to do- take on the responsibility of having a female on the football team. And of course the flexibility of my soccer coach, Coach Pokines." 

As for her future as a student-athlete at the four-year level, D'Acchille's past is a clear indication that no goal is out of reach.

Article was featured at NJCAA.org.