FLG Alumni Feature: Lauren Crotty’s First-Year at Scranton

FLG alum, Lauren Crotty a midfielder from Long Beach, NY graduated from Kellenberg High School in 2020. Now, she is preparing to play her first freshman spring season at the University of Scranton. But her freshman year experience has been under unique circumstances. Crotty tells more about what her last lacrosse season looked like and what she can expect for her next one.

Q: How did you get into the sport of lacrosse and how long have you been playing for?

A: I have been playing lacrosse since I can remember. My dad played at the college level and my older brother always played so I wanted to be like them. My first team was a Recreational league when I was about six.

Q: What teams and leagues have you played for in the past, and how long did you play for FLG?

A: I played for Long Beach PAL throughout my childhood and played at Kellenberg Memorial High School. I played for FLG for four seasons of fall and summer lax.

Q: What about Scranton University and its lacrosse program helped you decide it was the right school for you?

A: My coach, Coach Trescavage, is a coach anyone would be lucky to play for. Her dedication to the game, team, and each individual player is unmatchable. She encourages excellence in everything we do and return gives it back to us as a coach. The team is not just a team but a family. The lacrosse program at the University of Scranton is a highly motivated group of girls who love the game of lacrosse and I knew that I wanted to be a part of and a contributing member of the program.

Q: Have you always played midfield? What about this position has made you stick to it?

A: I have always played midfield. Midfield is a position where you really engage in all aspects of the game. This position speaks to me because I love the aspect of hard work it provides. Specifically, I love the responsibility the midfielders usually have on the transition. To me, nothing is better than being on the defensive end, causing a turnover and getting a good moving transition up the field for success on the attack side of the game.

Q: When you’re not on the lacrosse field, what else are you likely to spend your time doing?

A: When I’m not playing lacrosse, I am usually doing something else active and  outside. Living in Long Beach, I spend a lot of my time at the beach or running on the boardwalk. If I’m not doing either of those, I’m usually playing other sports with my younger brother or playing with my dog.

Q: In what ways did the coronavirus outbreak impact your 2020 spring senior season?

A: The outbreak of coronavirus canceled my senior season like most other seniors across the country. Coming off of injuries that didn’t allow me to play my senior soccer season, I was very excited to have a successful lacrosse season for the last time at Kellenberg. The season being canceled was very disappointing but gave motivation to work harder for my first year at Scranton.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about your first season at Scranton? And what has been your experience like as a freshman athlete on campus during these unique times?

A: I’m most excited about getting back on the field after not playing with a team for so long. Corona has definitely changed the experience as a freshman athlete. Small group practices and work outs are required, and consistent testing and screening occurs for all the athletes. It’s definitely a different experience from other  people’s but this is all I know it to be, so you just have to make the best of what you have.

Q: Are there any particular coaches or teammates that have taught you valuable lessons about the sport of lacrosse or life that you frequently keep in mind?

A: My FLG coach, Bob Schmitt, has a large impact on my game. He showed up as a coach and role model on and off the field. Lacrosse isn’t just about a score. Coach Bob encouraged this among our team. He taught us what it meant to be there for one another and play for our teammates not just ourselves. Coach Schmitt wanted us to become the best players we could be and helped us improve tremendously. He celebrated with us in our victories and gave words of good advice in our losses. I don’t think I would be the player or person I am today without the guidance of Coach Bob.

Q: How has your time playing for FLG helped you improve your game or helped you get to play on a collegiate level?

A: FLG brought many different aspects to the table to help make me stand out and improve my game. In the indoor clinics and box lacrosse, FLG taught new ways to play and showed me the importance of good stick work and fast play. On the field our hard work at practices showed through our teamwork and fluid play. Off the field, FLG works hard to promote players interested in the collegiate level of lacrosse through exposure at FLG’s showcases and on other platforms. FLG helped me continue to develop into a better player and taught me skills I use every day to improve my game.

Q: Lastly, if your have one, what is your favorite sports memory?

A: My favorite sports memory was from a summer lacrosse tournament. My FLG team had a tournament long winning streak and every girl on our team gave her all; it showed on the field. We were headed to the championship when storms came through and the tournament was canceled.

At first this was very disappointing being in the number one seat but looking back it was a good moment. We had done all the work to prove ourselves as the best team but missed out on the title as champs due to uncontrollable circumstances. Not everything is about the trophy or the medal but the fact that we proved to ourselves that we were the best team at the tournament. We should always put in 100% not expecting recognition but being proud of who we are and what we accomplish. On and off the lacrosse field this is what we should work to be, and that moment motivates me to be the best I can be at all times.

 

One Comment

  1. Pat Crotty says:

    Lauren…..always proud of you but especially the person you are! Strong faith & love of family……..also your beautiful laugh…..keep up the good & hard work…hugs

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