HEADstrong Quaker Anthony Tarquini Commits to Neumann University

By: Jennifer Hoffman

Anthony Tarquini grew up just a few minutes down the road from where the HEADstrong Foundation planted its roots.  He’s been familiar with the lime green laces and the Colleluori’s story his entire life. Growing up surrounded by HEADstrong, it was only fitting that once he got older he would play for their lacrosse team.

Tarquini is a senior at Ridley High School and is a member of the HEADstrong Quakers Lacrosse Club where he is a midfielder on the team. Anthony has committed to Neumann University where he plans to major in business and play lacrosse. 

As a kid, Anthony would always go to HEADstrong’s tournaments that were held at Ridley High School, the same school that Nick went to many years before him. It was instilled in him from a young age what HEADstrong was all about. 

The HEADstrong lacrosse program is dedicated to shaping student athletes into better players by helping them improve their lacrosse skills and helping shape their character off the field. 

“I’d have to say my favorite thing about HEADstrong was the coaches. They were great not only on the field telling me what I can do better and how I can do it better,” said Anthony.

The coaches were instrumental in the recruitment process for Tarquini and were there to assist him every step of the way, making sure his film was up to date and just showing their overall support. “They also took time out of practice to help me and talk to me about the recruiting process by giving speeches to the team, when I asked them questions in person, on the phone they always answered; they were awesome” Anthony said.

One of Anthony’s biggest influences is another local Delco lacrosse player, Ryan Kinnard. Kinnard is a senior at Hofstra University and was selected this year to wear #27. The two men met through their moms, as Anthony’s mom and Ryan’s mom are best friends. The two families have always considered each other family. Anthony has a younger sister so Ryan is like the older brother he never had. 

“He was always there to help me whenever I needed it I could shoot him a text, one summer he even took time out of his day to do lacrosse drills with me. I was super excited to hear that Ryan will be wearing #27 for Hofstra Lacrosse!” stated Anthony. 

“Anthony is a workhorse on and off the field and has been a blast to coach through his HS career. He’s an excellent player and better person, and we’re all really excited he found a great fit. Neumann is getting a great addition to their program and Tarq has a bright future at the next level!” remarked HEADstrong Quakers Coach Dave Page. 

Anthony is excited to finish out his senior season at Ridley and with the Quakers all while being excited for what the future holds, but he knows all of this wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for his support system along the way. “I would not only like to thank the rest of my Coaches, but also my parents for always being there for me and believing in me regardless of what happened; they were there through it all no matter what.”