Cristian Vitti, the Stamford High Soccer goalie and two-year captain, has led his team to both the FCIAC and state championship this past season. While the boys fell to Trumbull and Hall, respectively, in the league and state tournaments, Vitti’s defensive skills along with the smooth offense and tough guarding of the group created an unmatched chemistry between the players. Vitti has received numerous awards and recognition for his success, so we interviewed him in order to get an inside look on what the past fall season was like for him and his team and how he’s gotten to where he is today.
The Round Table: What sports do you play?
Vitti: I play soccer.
TRT: Why did you choose that sport?
Vitti: I chose it because of my dad. He was the first person to get me interested in it and it just stuck with me. It’s a big part of my family as it’s so popular in Italy. It’s always playing on the TV when I walk into the house and even if it’s not, we’re still talking about it; any news that happened, any teams playing that day…
TRT: How long have you been playing?
Vitti: I’ve been playing since I was little. Maybe 4 or 5 was the first time I played and I haven’t stopped since. I used to play on the field but switched over to goalie when I was around 12 and I’ve played it ever since. I used to play a couple of different sports too, but nothing ever stuck like soccer. It was always the thing I would look forward to the most.
TRT: What are you going to miss most about your sport?
Vitti: I’m going to miss playing with my friends. The feeling of running up the field and celebrating a goal to win a state semifinal game is amazing especially when it’s with amazing friends. It’s something that I’ll never experience again but it is great while it is happening.
TRT: Do you want to continue playing in college? If so, a division or just club?
Vitii: Yes I’m going to keep on playing in college. I’m not sure yet if I’m going to play club or for the actual team. I have some offers to play at division 3 schools or I might try to walk on to some bigger schools. If not, I will definitely be playing club.
TRT: Do you only participate in that sport at SHS, or also outside of school?
Vitti: I play outside of school too. I play as much as possible. Winter and summer I do individual training with coaches and play in summer and winter leagues. In the spring I play club soccer. And whenever I’m not doing any of that, I’m just going to the field and playing with my friends.
TRT: What’s your favorite experience from your sport?
Vitti: My favorite experience from soccer is hearing my name being chanted during the FCIAC Final. There’s no better feeling than making a big play, and when you do it in such a big game and you get rewarded with hearing all the fans at the game chant your name, it’s a great feeling. I’ve never played in front of a crowd that great and hearing my name being chanted really was great.
TRT: Have you received any rewards or recognition playing your sport? If so, what are they?
Vitti: I’ve received a few rewards/recognition for it. Last year I was voted onto the All-FCIAC West team. This year i’ve received a little more, I was named a top-25 player in the State of CT, was voted onto the All-FCIAC First team, was voted to play in the CHSCA Senior Bowl, was Gametime CT Boys soccer performer of the week 3 times, I had a Gametime CT article written about me, and I was put as a top player in both the FCIAC and CIAC post-season watchlist.
TRT: How has this past season been like for you? Was it any different from years prior?
Vitti: This year has been completely different. We’ve finally started winning. We came into the season with a winning mentality knowing how good we were and it showed on the field. Everyone was excited to go to practice every day and get better and that’s what made us different. We wanted to be one of the best teams in the state and we knew we could be.
