College-Bound Athlete: Julianna Violette

Julianna Violette, a dual-sport athlete at Rocky Hill High School, couldn’t decide which sport she wanted to continue to play in college. 
           
So she decided to do both.  
           
“I am so excited to announce my commitment to the University of Saint Joseph for swimming and lacrosse,” Violette announced on Instagram in the spring. “I would like to thank all of my coaches, teammates, and family for making this all happen. Go Blue Jays!”
           
Violette said her desire to stay close to home, along with the fact that her mom previously attended the West Hartford-based University, went into the decision.
           
Those factors, combined with her desire to continue both sports sealed the deal. .
           
“It was the right fit and the best choice for me,” said Violette.
           
Along with her success in the pool and fields at RHHS, Violette also was the 2022 Class Secretary and was part of Best Buddies, a unified program that encourages school involvement. 
           
Violette said she will miss the positive environment surrounding the swim teams at RHHS and the connections she made during away games with the lacrosse team in the springs.   
           
At USJ, she will join a pair of programs that will allow her to maximize her skills. 
           
The swimming program has been a consistent contender in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC). The aquatic Blue Jays are led by head coach Brenda Straker, who coaches both the men’s and women’s programs at the university and is going into her ninth season in West Hartford.
           
USJ’s lacrosse program is up-and-coming and is guided by head coach Karen Nell, who also coaches the field hockey program at the university. 
           
Swimming and lacrosse will take up a good chunk of Violette’s time at the next level, but the 2022-graduate is most looking forward to a fresh start.   
           
​“I’m excited to start something new in a new town,” said Violette, who will study elementary education. “It will be fun to be around new people and branch out.”