DeNapoli: “Could Not be Happier” Joining Lizards

Steve DeNapoli was traded from the Rattlers to the Lizards this week, and we caught up with him to discuss it.Thoughts on joining the Lizards?

A: I could not be happier joining the Lizards.  I am a Long Island native and played my college ball at Hofstra where the Lizards play the majority of their home games, so I am very much looking forward to coming back home. I am excited to finally play with some of the guys on the roster that I have been matching up against for so long and I believe we will be successful this year.

Describe your time with Rochester
A: As excited as I am going to the Lizards, I will definitely miss my time up in Rochester.  Coach Soudan and his staff are some of the best coaches for play for and the best guys to just talk with off the field.  I am going to remember the great times we had there with our core group of guys.
What are your expectations with the Lizards?
A. Win a championship.  No doubt about it.  I think every player in this league should feel this way because any team can beat any one on any given night.  I feel that with the leadership the Lizards have in place already and some off season additions, we should strive for a championship.
How do you feel with team mates Ned Crotty and Matt Streibel joining you?
A. Crotty and Striebel are both world class players for sure.  Having them join me with New York makes the transition a little easier and the guys that are already on the roster will love having both of them.  Striebel is the guy everyone in the locker room looks up to.  He is the ultimate professional and a class act.  As talented as Crotty is, he is an even better teammate.  He is a true “team first” guy with a great competitive nature.  I am thrilled to have them join me!
Were you surprised by the trade?
A. I wasn’t real surprised to be traded.  Knowing that I am from and live on Long Island made it a pretty easy trade.  Guys in this league move around a lot so I guess you never really know where you can end up, but I am excited to be in New York.