Photo by: Andrew Fielding

Sophomore midfielder Nicholette DiGiacomo had no difficulty making the transition to collegiate athletics, stepping up during her freshman campaign to become the Sun Belt Conference’s leader in assists and assists per game.

“I grew up watching DU games and being a ball girl,” said DiGiacomo. When it came time to begin her collegiate career, she did not hesitate over the decision. “DU is all I really knew. I didn’t really look anywhere else.”

As a sophomore, DiGiacomo has continued to establish herself as a major scorer on a Denver squad, looking to reclaim the SBC conference title.

She enters the 2011 season with a long list of national accomplishments. Most notably, she was ranked 2nd in the nation for total assists (15) and 3rd for assists per game (.68) last season.

In addition DiGiacomo’s freshman year included 22 games, 35 shots on goal and four goals, one of which was a game-winner against Colorado last September.

“She had a very good freshman year,” said head coach Jeff Hooker. “She was the playmaker of the team and set up a lot of goals and goal-scoring opportunities. She was kind of the engine that helped get things going.”

DiGiacomo began her soccer career at age four after short stints in gymnastics and basketball.

Growing up, DiGiacomo played for various clubs, totaling six years with the Colorado Storm, as well as four years at Golden High School. She served as a captain for both teams.

So far this season, DiGiacomo has scored four goals, adding two assists in eight non-conference games and two SBC games.

Looking forward, DiGiacomo and Hooker share the same goal of reaching the NCCA tournament this season, while continuing to improve their skills..

“It would be great to host a game for the NCAA, or at least get into the tournament,” DiGiacomo said. “And because it’s Jeff’s [Hooker] 20th  year, it would be cool to get the 20 wins that we haven’t before.”

Outside of soccer, DiGiacomo also leads a busy academic life. She is majoring in Media, Journalism and Communications and is considering a minor in either photography or Italian. However, soccer remains one of her priorities.

“I feel myself when I’m out on the field,” DiGiacomo said. “I’m not really trying to impress anyone; I’m just trying to have fun. It has taught me a lot about responsibility and setting high goals.”

The Pioneers (7-2, 2-0) take on Louisiana-Lafayette and Louisiana-Monroe this weekend in two away games.

Their next home game will be Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. on CIBER Field as they battle South Alabama.