When Lockport’s Lexi Cozzi looks back on her four-year career, the senior points to one area that transformed her from an average high school player to one of the best in Illinois.
“Once I became confident on the field, it helped me grow so much as a player,” said Cozzi, who was inducted into Lockport’s Hall of Fame on Wednesday night. “I became confident on the ball, and I knew what I could do. I wasn’t scared to attack.”
The St. Xavier-bound forward has attacked the goal and been successful quite often. Over the last two seasons, Cozzi has recorded 29 goals and 17 assists. She has 15 goals and eight assists in 19 games this spring.
Cozzi’s confidence and leadership have Lockport on the verge of capturing its first conference title and breaking the program record of 13 wins in a single season. The Porters (13-6) have three regular-season games to play, beginning Friday against No. 2 Naperville Central.
“Lexi has been a force in every game we have played this year,” Lockport coach Todd Elkei said. “She finishes and creates opportunities for her teammates each and every game.
“After every game this year, each coach has commented on Lexi and has been impressed with her play. She is a huge reason for the turnaround at Lockport and deserves to be recognized.”
Cozzi’s play helped the Porters advance to the Elite Eight of the Pepsi Showdown. The 5-foot-8 senior recorded seven goals and two assists in five tournament matches.
“My teammates did a great job of getting the ball to my feet during the tournament,” Cozzi said. “I did a good job of changing direction when I was going to goal, and that helped me score some goals. I played with confidence, and that’s what it’s all about.”
Lexi Cozzi
file
High school:
Lockport.
Class:
Senior.
Position:
Forward.
College:
St. Xavier.
