Goalie's biggest save comes off the field

Her father and older sister played soccer at Ridgewood High, so it was natural for Paris Palisi to take up the sport.

The Rams' freshman goalkeeper began playing soccer at age 4.

"Soccer is like the air I breathe," said Palisi, now 15. "I can't live without it. When I wake up in the morning, it's the first thing on my mind. When I go to sleep, it's the last thing on my mind."

Palisi relies on both her body and mind to succeed in goal.

To stay focused, she anticipates the plays on the field and calls instructions to teammates to cover an opponent or to move up or down the field. During the summer, she attends additional goalie training after school practice.

"I've learned some new techniques, like how to dive, then get up quickly," she said.

To improve her skills, she practices against older boys and girls in the Hudson Recreational League.

"Paris was always willing to do whatever was asked of her," Ridgewood junior varsity coach Kris Kinzel said. "She stepped up and did a great job numerous times. Even though she wasn't a captain, Paris took on a leadership role during warm-ups and practice.

"She was always quick to help out teammates and give advice on how to improve. She was just a really good kid to have on a team."

Palisi also is good in the classroom.

An honor student since middle school, her current 3.3 grade-point average includes honors courses in English and integrated science.

As a fourth-grader, she scored a perfect 6 on the FCAT writing exam. President George W. Bush and Gov. Jeb Bush sent written acknowledgements of her achievement.

Last summer, Palisi's father, a firefighter and paramedic, encouraged her to become certified in CPR and basic first aid. She soon put her expertise into action. During a family meal in September, her grandfather began choking on a piece of meat.

"He signaled that he was unable to breathe," she said. "I was sitting next to him, so I instinctively stood up and walked behind him. I measured two fingers above his belly button for his xiphoid. On the second attempt, he spit out the food."

For her heroism, the fire chief from the city of Clearwater awarded her a Certificate of Commendation, which reads:

"This Commendation is presented to Paris Palisi, who distinguished herself in the life-saving service she performed on September 18, 2009. While enjoying dinner with family, you performed the Heimlich maneuver on a family member who was choking. Your quick actions and clear thinking were instrumental in saving the life of your grandfather. Your actions are highly acknowledged. Therefore, you are being presented with this Certificate of Commendation from the Clearwater Fire and Rescue Squad."

"It was an emotional roller coaster," Paris said. "A million thoughts were running throughout my head. But, somehow, I knew exactly what to do. It was like tying my shoe. I didn't even think about it."

Being helpful is part of Palisi's makeup.

As an eighth-grader at Bayonet Point Middle School, she volunteered as a peer mentor, helping teachers with various assignments, such as grading papers.

"I want to give back to help others," she said.

As a youth group member at St. James the Apostle Church, she and other teens go to nursing homes to visit and cheer up the elderly.

"I love making other people smile," she said. "Just knowing that you brightened up someone's day who cherishes your company makes it worthwhile."

Suzanne Palmgren, Bayonet Point Middle School's advanced math teacher and assistant soccer coach, had high praise for Palisi.

"Paris has a positive and hard-working attitude on and off the soccer field," Palmgren said. "She enters the classroom and the soccer field the same way: focused and determined to do her best and make a difference.

"She is not afraid to work hard to get the job done."

Teachers, coaches: If you would like to nominate an outstanding student-athlete to be featured in an upcoming In The Community article, contact Cliff Gill at