N.C. State’s midfield has been the team’s best unit all season. State’s midfielders have consistently dominated possession of the ball, giving the Wolfpack’s opponents little chance of creating scoring opportunities.
At the heart of State’s midfield lies senior midfielder Danny DiPrima.
Since transferring to State from St. John’s University after his freshman year, DiPrima has played in 49 of State’s 55 games during the last three seasons. Head coach Kelly Findley said that the senior is one of his most dependable players, both in practice and games.
“The biggest thing that Danny [DiPrima] brings to the field are his intangibles,” Findley said. “He teaches some of the younger guys what hard work looks like in practice and how hard you can push yourself. He helps filter his hard-working mentality down to our younger guys.”
“His hard work and his ability to maintain his focus allows him to play well regardless of the situation. As a coach, you can always trust guys like that because you know they’re going to give you everything.”
DiPrima, a central midfielder, has played in a multitude of positions for the Wolfpack this season, including winger and attacking midfielder. He said that although he prefers playing centrally, he’ll play anywhere to help his team win.
“I’m one of those types of guys who will do whatever needs to be done so our team can be successful,” DiPrima said. “I definitely prefer playing in the middle of the field, but if I have to play out wide, then that’s fine too. The most important thing is that we win.”
DiPrima’s versatility came in handy when senior midfielder Nazmi Albadwai suffered a foot injury at the beginning of October, leaving a gaping hole at the heart of State’s attack. But DiPrima filled in admirably. DiPrima scored a goal against No. 2 Notre Dame and helped the Pack battle to a draw with No. 10 Wake Forest.
DiPrima said he was confident in his ability to conduct the Wolfpack’s attack.
“I feel like it was definitely something I was capable of doing,” DiPrima said. “Coach Findley gave me an opportunity to show that I could, and I think I stepped up and did well.”
DiPrima helped the injury-riddled Wolfpack to a 3-2-3 record since the beginning of October. But this isn’t the first time the senior has helped the Pack in crunch time.
In last season’s match at Virginia Tech, DiPrima’s game-winning header gave State an invaluable 1-0 win. Going into the game, the Wolfpack had lost six of its last seven games and was desperate for a win.
DiPrima said that his goal against the Hokies was his favorite moment as a Wolfpack player.
“We were struggling with injuries, and we really needed to win that game,” DiPrima said. “Scoring the game-winner for me personally was a culmination of all the work that I’d put in to get to that point. That win really gave our team a lift when we needed it the most.”
In his free time, DiPrima said he enjoys playing golf. He also said he’s been playing since he was too young to know the rules of the game.
“I started playing when I was probably like seven or eight,” DiPrima said. “I remember I would hit the ball in the fairway, and then I’d still tee it up in the fairway to hit my next shot.”
DiPrima said he enjoys watching National Hockey League games too.
“I’m a major Philadelphia Flyers fan,” DiPrima said. “But I love watching ice hockey in general though. Stanley Cup Playoff games are some of the most exciting games you can watch.”
DiPrima will undoubtedly play a huge role in State’s final two games of the season. The Wolfpack will hit the road to take on No. 12 Maryland on Friday, followed by its final game at UNC-Chapel Hill on Nov. 8.