Highland's Bella Delfino to join her sister at Cleveland State

GRANGER TWP. — It has always been family first with the Delfino clan, so when Bella Delfino went looking for a college to continue her academic and athletic career, she wanted that same feel. That's why the forward on the Highland girls soccer team chose Cleveland State over Old Dominion, Cincinnati and Eastern Kentucky. When she comes to the Vikings, she won't have to look far for family because her sister Daniella will be a senior midfielder for the team. "It meant the world. As soon as Cleveland State offered, I knew that it was going to be a top option, especially since it was close to home," Bella Delfino said. "I was always really comfortable with the coaches because of Daniella. I was always on campus a lot. It felt like home. As soon as they offered, I knew I was going to be a Cleveland State Viking." One of the biggest bonuses for the junior will be coming to a university where the coach not only knows her style of play, but knows who she is as a person and student. Coach Dallas Boyer was part of the coaching staff that recruited Daniella when he was an assistant and took over the job before the 2017 season. With Delfino visiting her sister often and catching a game whenever she can, she has that extended family already in place for the fall of 2021. "You need to feel comfortable with the coach," the junior said. "That was a big part. I wanted to feel like I had a family. Just having a coach that I was instantly comfortable with and one that has already helped me I lot, I felt blessed." The three-year starter has been a standout with the Hornets, accumulating 31 goals and 13 assists for 75 points. The chance to be on the field with her older sister is extra motivation. "Being able to play with my sister in any game will mean the world to me," Delfino said. "Fighting for that spot is going to be difficult, but I'm so ready for the challenge. I can't wait to meet the group of girls I'll be playing with and can't wait to fight for playing time." Delfino carries a 3.4 grade-point average and has an eye on a business major with a concentration in marketing. Her goal is to not just play for the Vikings, but to excel on and off the field. "I work hard on academics," Delfino said. "That comes first and is the reason I'm going to college. I fight so hard and am very competitive. My goal is to make it and be the best player and teammate I can be. I feel I can achieve everything at Cleveland State." Contact Brad Bournival at bournival929@gmail.com.