Following the great success of our spring Senior Spotlights, UnionAthletics.com will spend the next few weeks spotlighting many of the Union seniors from all 26 Union varsity sports! Previous senior profiles can be viewed by heading to http://www.unionathletics.com/seniorspotlights.
Julia Ferrelli spent her final three seasons as a starter for the Union women's soccer team, starting 34 of her 43 appearances as a defender for the Dutchwomen. She scored her first collegiate goal as a sophomore, opening the scoring in an eventual tie with Rensselaer, and then started all 16 matches on the back line during her junior season. She added one assist during her senior season to finish with three career points as one of the team's top defensive players.
Off the field, Ferrelli is majoring in biochemistry and has been named to the Liberty League All-Academic Team.
What has been your favorite moment as a student-athlete at Union?
My favorite moment as a student athlete was my last game on our home field. We beat Clarkson 4-1 to clinch a spot in the conference tournament. It was the perfect way to finish out my career on College Park Field.
How has being a student-athlete at Union benefited you over the last four years?
I have identified as a student athlete my whole life, but being a student-athlete at Union has allowed me to grow into the person I am today. I am disciplined from rehabbing injuries to get back onto the field. I have time management skills from balancing my time on the field with my time in the lab. But most importantly, I am a better leader and have reminded my underclassmen to rise up and lead when they want to see change happen.
What has been your most meaningful experience outside of athletics?
Outside of athletics I was able to volunteer in the local community. I spent a lot of my time volunteering at Joan Nicole Prince Home in Scotia. Being able to spend my time giving back to the community that has been my home for the last four years has really stuck with me.
Do you have plans for post-graduation yet? If so, what are they?
After graduation I will be taking a gap year to work as a medical scribe in a children's hospital, and I will be applying to Physician Assistant programs next year in 2021.
What advice (if any) would you give to younger athletes about their time at Union?
I would remind the younger athletes to be grateful for every opportunity. Being a student-athlete is a privilege, and not everyone has the chance to play college sports for four years. Appreciate every moment, and every friendship that comes along with it.
