Oct. 10, 2007

To say junior infielder Danielle Signorelli keeps herself busy is an understatement. Signorelli's picture might be in the dictionary next to the words `time management', as she balances an internship with the Philadelphia Eagles, an honors curriculum as a member of La Salle's `Business Scholar Co-Op', and playing on the Explorer softball squad. Not to mention a history of injuries that has earned her as much time in doctors' offices as on the diamond.

As a student selected for the Business Scholars Co-op Program, Signorelli has proven herself as a highly motivated academic achiever, and has demonstrated that she is a leader in the classroom and on the field. Students in the program generally possess the following: a SAT score of 1200 or higher, a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale and strong leadership qualities, according to La Salle's website.

The Jenkintown, PA native is an aspiring certified public accountant (CPA) and she seems to be on the fast track to success as an intern with the Eagles accounting staff.

"The Eagles staff definitely makes accounting more interesting," said an enthused Signorelli.

The junior worked for the Eagles over the summer, and has continued her work at Lincoln Financial Field into the fall semester. Life as a student athlete at La Salle has helped Signorelli transfer her work ethic to business.

"Right now I'm working there once a week combined with a regular load of classes, and also working game days," she said. "The night games are long- everyone puts in a lot of hours; I get there a few hours before the start of the game, and won't leave until about 2 AM."

Back at 20th and Olney, Signorelli is focusing on getting back in top shape for the spring season. She had a promising rookie campaign in 2005 playing and starting in 43 games for the Explorers. She led the team in doubles with seven, triples with two and smacked three round-trippers. At the end of that season however, her luck took a downward spiral.

"During my freshman year I thought I tore my groin, but I played on an acetabular labral tear (hip injury)."

According to medical references, up to 22% of athletes who complain of groin pain have a labral tear in the hip.

"I also tore my meniscus (knee joint) right before the start of last year's season. I've put in a lot of time flying back and forth to my doctor in Tennessee, and then rehabbing my injuries," she continued.

Signorelli's string of injuries kept her out of action during the 2007 season. When pressed as to why she continues to work so hard to get back in top physical condition, Signorelli responds:

"Sports are just my life, I couldn't stop playing softball. Mentally you've got to be tough to rebound from these types of obstacles."

Mental toughness is not the only kind of strength the Explorers will need when heading into the 2008 season. Last year the blue and gold made huge strides, going 8-11 in the Atlantic 10 and missing the team's first playoff birth in recent memory by just one game. This was the best conference record the La Salle softball program has had in a decade.

The Explorers need players like Signorelli if they plan on moving up the ranks in the constantly challenging A-10. Road trips for the 2008 season include a spring opener at the University of Arizona Tournament March 7th-9th, a face-off with Georgetown on March 25th, and an end of the season visit to A-10 opponent the University of Charlotte on April 26th.

With just over four months until the start of the spring season, Signorelli is staying focused.

"The team will be ready for the spring, and I'm confident with all the work we put in over the winter in the weight room and the training room- we'll be a force to reckon with," said a smiling Signorelli.

Explorer fans will have to wait and see.