The WPI field hockey program enjoyed tremendous success in the
early 1990s and a major contributor to the Engineer juggernaut was
Danielle Luongo.
Danielle's burst onto the collegiate field hockey scene in her
freshman year was highlighted by eight goals and three assists
which launched WPI's squad to an 18-1 record and the NEW-8
championship. For her first-year efforts, she earned the Coach's
Award, given to WPI's top freshman athlete.
With a year of experience under her belt, her sophomore campaign
was arguably her best season on Boynton Hill. Danielle found the
back of the net an eye-popping 23 times in 1991, while dishing out
eight assists. She helped the Engineers to a 17-2-1 overall record,
which was highlighted by a resounding 8-1 victory over Smith for
another NEW-8 championship.
The 1992 season saw more of the same results. For the second
time in three years, Danielle and her teammates completed an
undefeated regular season. She dished out a career-best 16 assists
while still tallying an impressive 14 goals. She was honored as an
All-NEW-8 selection for a second straight year and earned
All-Regional accolades. Perhaps her finest game came against Mount
Holyoke, when she notched both goals, including the overtime
game-winner in a 2-1 road victory.
As a captain during her senior season, Danielle continued to
post outstanding numbers, collecting 15 goals and chipping in with
13 assists. She saved her best for last, netting a pair of goals in
a NEW-8 tournament win over Wheaton. At the conclusion of the
season, she was selected a second team All-American and a first
team All-Region performer. She was also honored as the WPI Varsity
Club winner, and as an ECAC Scholar Athlete.
Danielle ended her career with 60 goals and 40 assists for a
total of 160 points. Even more impressive was WPI's record during
her career: the Engineers went 66-8-2 (.882) with three NEW-8
championships, three NCAA tournament appearances, and an ECAC
championship bid. The three-time All-NEW-8 performer, also enjoyed
success in the classroom, twice earning Academic All-America
honors.
"Danielle was the epitome of the perfect teammate," says former
teammate and Hall of Famer Sue Tarallo. "She is as polished an
individual on the field as she is off."
After earning a BS in mechanical engineering in 1994 and an MS
in fire protection engineering in 1997, she worked for a robotics
company and then a consulting firm, where she did fire protection
work. Most recently she has ventured into the commercial real
estate arena.
Danielle and her husband, Ken Fries, and their two young sons
reside in Carlisle, Massachusetts.
