Padua Academy Athletics caps off year with 5th state championship
WILMINGTON, Dela. — A Friday night win for the girls’ soccer team on June 3, capped Padua Academy’s 5th State Championship Title run for the 2021-2022 school year. The other State Championship teams are Cross Country, Indoor Track, Spring Track and Field, and Competitive Cheer (Large Varsity and Game Day Divisions).
The Pandas (12-4) went into the DIAA Division I Girls’ Soccer final against an undefeated first-seed, Middletown. The third-seeded Pandas took the win with a final score of 4-3 (won in penalty kicks).
First-year head coach, Justin Romano said, “It’s not just about getting to the state title game, it’s about preparing along the way to have success in that game. We traveled to Virginia and lost two games. We played all the state’s best teams in the regular season. We wanted to challenge ourselves. You learn more from losses and get better when challenged with adversity.” He continued, “The resolve of the team, specifically the seniors, was unmatched. This is a game and a season they can take with them forever.” The 12-time State Champion Soccer team is coached by Justin Romano, Pete Hayes, Nick Cocco, and Avery Hopkins.
The Cross Country and Track & Field programs all have had years of success. Coach Marnie Giunta is quoted as saying, “Just be the best version of yourself…” and with the records below, they are doing just that.
This year marked the Cross Country team’s 9th Division I State Championship win in a row and 22nd overall. The Pandas outpaced the second-place Charter team by 49 points for the win.
The Indoor Track & Field team competes against ALL teams in Delaware and won its 10th State Championship in a row (18 in total) defeating runner-up, St. Marks, 134.67 to 113.33.
The Division I Spring Track & Field team notched its 10th State Championship in a row and 20th overall. (There was no competition in 2020.) Padua set a record for most team points ever scored in a state meet in Delaware history with 211.50 points. Smyrna placed second with 93 points.
Padua’s Competitive Cheer Team placed 1st in the Large Varsity AND Game Day Divisions at the Delaware State Cheerleading Championship in March. Coach Maria Catalina stated, “I am so happy and proud of this team. Their dedication, determination, and teamwork speak volumes. They are truly the definition of the word team.” Padua’s Cheer program has been around for 11 years, winning 8 state titles in the Large Varsity Division and back-to-back titles for Game Day (which they just started competing in 2 years ago.)
Coach Catalina noted the success of the program, “We have several girls who go on to cheer in college. Two of my seniors made the Monmouth University and West Chester teams. I also have girls currently cheering at Alabama, U of DE, Villanova, St. Joe’s, James Madison, Widener, and University of Pittsburgh.”
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