Published: September 30, 2008 11:45 pm      

GIRLS SOCCER: Starpoint's Delabio is a scoring sensation

PENDLETON — Teresa Delabio can’t explain it. She insists she’s doing nothing different. It’s just happening naturally.

The Starpoint High School senior is scoring goals at a pace that none have seen in the history of the school. Only 12 games into the season and she’s already amassed 28 tallies, which puts her just five behind the school record of 33, set by current Buffalo State standout Mindy Wendt in 2005.

“My teammates have just been giving me some good balls I guess,” she said this past week.

While that’s certainly a big part of her success, it’s far from the only reason she’s become one of the area’s most prolific offensive players, according to coach Beth Couch.

“She’s extremely fast and she’s got very good ball control,” Couch said. “She makes one move to get by the defender and they can’t catch up with her.”

By moving from midfielder to forward during the latter stages of last season, Delabio’s talent was maximized, the coach said.

Delabio agreed.

“I’m more comfortable up there,” she said.

While leading the attack, she’s often working hand-in-hand with her younger sister Kristi, a freshman. The siblings have a good rapport with one another on and off the field, although it’s clear that Teresa is more mature both mentally and physically.

She’s developed into a team captain who is constantly leading by example.

“I used to look up to the older girls, but now I want to be the person everyone looks up to,” Delabio said.

Couch added, “She’s being more vocal — constantly encouraging her teammates.”

Physically, Delabio has increased her strength during all four years she’s been on the varsity. She attributes that mostly to her work during the track and field season. Delabio is an all-league sprinter for the Lady Spartans in the spring.

With a build that’s always improving and an extremely unique skill set, Couch is confident that some college will be thrilled to get a player of Delabio’s caliber. Delabio said she’s currently interested in D’Youville College and Niagara University.

Contact reporter Nate Beutel at 282-2311, ext. 2262.



TERESA DELABIO

• SPORT: Girls Soccer

• GRADE: Senior

• POSITION: Forward

• STAT: 28 goals

• STORY: Has grown into one of the area’s elite offensive players

• COACH’S QUOTE: “She’s extremely fast and she’s got very good ball control.”