AHA’s Hoover & Sirico to Continue Athletic Careers at College

Academy of the Holy Angels seniors Eliza Hoover and Julianna Sirico have signed letters of intent to continue their athletic careers during their college years. Hoover, a varsity track star, will run for Gettysburg College as she pursues her degree in business, management, and organizations. Sirico, a soccer standout, will play for Franklin and Marshall College while she studies applied mathematics.

Friends, family, and coaches Megan Delasandro (soccer) and Howard Schuman (track) attended the May 9 signing ceremony held at AHA.

“Eliza Hoover is the ultimate athlete,” AHA Athletic Director Patti Gorsuch said. “She has been a member of the varsity cross-country and track teams (spring and winter) throughout her four years here at Holy Angels. Such dedication is truly amazing.

“Julianna has been an invaluable member of our varsity soccer team for four years. Her leadership and fantastic work ethic have inspired all of her teammates. I know that she will be successful at the college level.”

Hoover is a mid-distance runner who specializes in the 400-meter and 800-meter events.

“I enjoy mid-distance because I can use my strength of speed and hold it for a long time,” the Mahwah resident explained. “I am fast, but I can also maintain that speed longer than a sprint, so I excel in mid-distance. I like mid-distance because it is a good balance of speed and endurance. I have enough time in the race that I do have time to settle in and race others, so it’s not a sprint, but it’s also not too long like long-distance.” 

Hoover has earned multiple All-League and All-County titles throughout her high school career. As a freshman, she helped the Academy’s 4×400 relay team earn Holy Angels’ first-ever Penn Wheel at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia. The same year, Hoover participated in the New Balance Nationals, where she competed at the highest level in the Championship division.

This fine athlete competed at the prestigious Millrose Games in indoor track during her sophomore year. Hoover has qualified for, and attended, several State Meet of Champions events for indoor and outdoor track. She also earned AHA’s Most Valuable Player honors.

Hoover has been involved in track for the past 11 years. She developed a love for her sport while running alongside her parents. Both of her parents enjoy running, and her father has participated in several marathons. She started out running with her family, and was soon involved in 5K events. Participating in cross-country and track at school was a natural choice.

Calling Hoover a “runner” is only part of this young woman’s story. This Angel is also a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta (math national honor society), French National Honor Society, Rho Kappa (social studies national honor society), Science National Honor Society, and National Business Honor Society. She shares her firsthand knowledge of AHA with prospective students in her role as an Angel Ambassador, and plays flute for the AHA Orchestra. She is a dedicated member of AHA’s DECA organization, and has competed at the state level. Hoover also serves her community as a Girl Scout, and recently earned the Silver Award for knitting hats and donating them to a local nursing home.

Sirico, a resident of River Vale, has been playing soccer since she was in kindergarten and joined her town’s recreational team. She plays left defense and left midfield, and occasionally plays striker.

“I enjoy playing soccer, not only because of my passion for the game, but also for the way soccer acts as a therapeutic break from the chaos of life around me,” Sirico shared. “Soccer gives me an outlet to have fun while competing against other teams on the field. I am so thankful to be able to play soccer each day.”

Sirico’s varied activities include involvement in the Angel Ambassador Program, American Sign Language Club, and Crochet Club. Her three years of service to the AHA Outreach Club include two years as a member of the executive board.

During her time at Holy Angels, Sirico has earned membership in the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta.

Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1879, the Academy of the Holy Angels is the oldest private girls’ school in Bergen County. While AHA is steeped in Catholic tradition, this prestigious school serves young women from many cultural and religious backgrounds.