Tori Criscuolo—a varsity soccer, basketball, and track athlete—has played an integral role in Pascack Valley sports over her four years at the school. Although she takes on different roles in her respective sports, her leadership and talent have encouraged the success of her teams.

During the fall seasons, Criscuolo played soccer as a sweeper.

“For soccer, since I’m all the way in the back, I kind of just read the game,” Criscuolo said. “[I] know when to react to certain situations.”

PV Girls Soccer Head Coach Leah Jerome praises Criscuolo.

“Tori is a dream to coach,” Jerome said. “She makes the players around her better and leads by example. PV will certainly miss Tori next year. She has a legacy of excellence to be very proud of.” 

Although Criscuolo plays three sports, she has played soccer the longest.

“I’ve been playing since I was really young,” Criscuolo said. “I’ve met a lot of my close friends through the team, and I was on a really great travel team and met a lot of great people. So that will always hold a very special place in my heart.”

During the  winter seasons, Criscuolo played basketball for Head Coach Jeff Jasper.

On the court, Tori is able to use her height and inside-post moves to get around defenders and finish at the rim. Defensively, she proved to be a force in her senior season: fortifying the Valley defense and holding some of the best teams in New Jersey to under 50 points.

Jasper highlights Criscuolo’s immense impact and her loyalty to the team.

 “I have coached Tori for four years in basketball, and she is a delight,” Jasper said. “Needless to say, her work ethic is off the charts, her loyalty to her team is inspiring, and her commitment to her craft makes her a role model. She is one of those rare people who crosses all social lines, respected by all because of her gregarious personality and engaging charm. What a pure delight! And she competes at the highest level.”

After her basketball seasons, Criscuolo transitioned into her spring sport: track and field. There, the environment was different from those of her falls and winters. 

“[The] environment on track is so different because there are so many different people,” Criscuolo said. “You’re with boys and girls too, so the whole team in general is just a really cool experience.”

Head Coach Anthony Judilla not only praises Criscuolo for her accomplishments but also for her leadership and composure.

“Tori is an outstanding human,” Judilla said. “She’s kind, works hard, and does everything she’s asked. She helps the team as our leading distance scorer on the track and lends her talents to the high jump. Tori was a member of one of the only 4×400 relays for PV to make it to the State Group Championships in the last 10 years. She’ll be missed next season.” 

A high-achieving student-athlete, Criscuolo’s excellence in the classroom mirrors her accomplishments on the field, court, and track.

“Because I’ve been playing for so long, I’ve just learned [how to maintain balance] by now.” Criscuolo said. “You go home to do schoolwork… Make sure you do your homework right away before practice later. Get it done.” 

Next year, Criscuolo will attend The Ohio State University to study engineering. 

“I was thinking about [playing sports in college],” Criscuolo said. “I don’t think I’m going to do anything my freshman year just because I don’t want to jump in too hard too fast. I’m definitely going to do intramurals or something, but I was thinking about doing a club team sophomore year, but nothing right away.”

Throughout her athletic journey, Criscuolo’s twin brother Michael Criscuolo has influenced her competitive nature. 

“There’s always that competitive aspect,” Criscuolo said. “You just got to keep doing better than your brother. There were definitely times when we would play in the yard, kick the ball around in the yard, and shoot the basketball around. Seeing him succeed in sports only encourages me and pushes me to do better myself.”