Women's Lacrosse | 10/23/2026 11:31:49 AM
Violet Piccinini begins her senior season as a member of the SUNY Geneseo women's lacrosse team. Piccinini, a defender, has started 36 games for the Knights. She has 63 total ground ball pickups and 41 caused turnovers to go along with 117 total draw controls. She earned Empire 8 Second Team All-Conference honors in 2026.
What Drives Me - Violet Piccinini
Hometown/High School: Bethlehem, NY/Bethlehem
Class Year: Senior
Insitution: SUNY Geneseo
Sport: Women's Lacrosse
Major: Communication & Marketing
GPA: 3.68
What is your most memorable collegiate athletics moment?
My most memorable college athletics moment was our comeback win over nationally-ranked Roanoke College in Virginia on spring break my sophomore year. This was a huge turning point in not only our season, but for everyone's mindset. We finally got to see all of our hard work and sacrifice pay off in real time and I will never forget how rewarding the final buzzer felt.
What motivates you to keep pushing yourself as an athlete?
I am motivated by the feeling of validation that comes from seeing tough practices and unseen reps turn into wins and improvement. I am constantly working to beat past versions of myself and set the bar higher for my future self.
What gets you excited to show up to practice every day?
My teammates. Our team culture is so special it feels more like a sisterhood than just a team. There is no group of people I would rather copmete with and play alongside day in and day out. I look forward to the laughs we have and hard work we get to do together.
When you're having a difficult day, what keeps you going?
The reminder that college athletics is a gift. Not everyone gets to experience this. Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to push themselves to the limits that we do. I like to play with that feeling of gratitude driving me. I don't have to do any of this, I get to!
What makes all the time and effort you put into your sport worth it?
The little things. It's easy to only chase big picture moments but to focus on the small victories and the personal wins mean so much. To achieve small scale goals in training and games pushed me toward larger goals down the road. I know that by choosing the hard and choosing to play for the girls alongside me, I am making every version of myself proud. That makes it all worth it.
What does success mean to you?
Success means pushing past doubts, mental limits, physical limits and obstacles. I think to be truly successful means to make a positive impact on those around you. And of course winning! Who doesn't love to win?
What is your favorite aspect of being a student-athlete/favorite most rewarding aspect of college life?
The community and opportunites that being a student-athlete have presented me with have made this experience so rewarding. I am forever grateful for all of the friendships I have made while being an athlete at Geneseo, as well as leadership opportunities and the work experience Geneseo Athlets has provided me.
What are you working toward right now?
I am currently working toward my fourth and final spring lacrosse season here in Geneseo, as well as working toward my future career post-grad!
Career goals after college?
My goal is to work in Athletic Communications/Sports Marketing after graduation. I have loved my time here as both an athlete and an athletic communications intern. I am so excited for what lies ahead!
Empire 8 Quick Hits
Pregame ritual: Morning walk, gameday playlist, wallball, green banana, and a bow in my hair
Song that gets you hyped before a game: Joker and The Thief - Wolfmother
Favorite sports movie (or movie in general): Cars
Favorite professional athlete: Anthony Edwards - Minnesota Timberwolves Guard
Favorite professional sports team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Favorite meal: Sushi
Biggest sport "ick" or pet peeve: Untied strings on the head of a stick
What is your most unpopular opinion about your sport: I don't care for the sixes format
Guilty pleasure: Reality TV