LI Lacrosse Journal

 

 

-2019 field hockey stats (as of 09/27) 5 goals and 5 assists

-Voted Newsday Top 10 player to watch on Long Island in Field Hockey this season

-Lacrosse stats from 2019  33 goals and 32 assists

 

Kate McLam is in the midst of her senior year at Northport high school. This fall she is a member of the Tigers field hockey team, they are off to a remarkably fast start this season winning each of their first seven matches. Kate’s excellence in field hockey is only outdone by her lacrosse abilities, the senior has already committed to playing her college lacrosse at Franklin & Marshall. Coming off 26 goals and 26 assists during her junior campaign  the sky is the limit for the tiger’s attacker. Kate’s aspirations are greater than her individual success. Last season Northport won the New York State Class A championship. Winning comes first for McLam and with her senior year on the horizon the Tigers are as ferocious as ever.

 

Q: Between field hockey and lacrosse your high school career as been filled with winning is there a particular game that stands out to you?

State semi final against Pittsford. I had 1 goal and 4 assists. It stands out not just because we played so well as a team, but because winning states became a real possibility moving into the final game.  It was also exciting because that game was being broadcast live on TV and our entire school was gathered in the commons at watching us. We were not only playing for ourselves, but for the entire community. The support was amazing. 

 

Q:How is senior year, knowing that you are already committed to a college?

Being committed as a senior is exciting and somewhat of a relief. All of my efforts academically and athletically are going towards my career at Franklin and Marshall. I still have a challenging course load, but it’s all in perspective now.

 

Q: You were originally going to play at Stony Brook, why the change?

I was really young when I made the decision to go to SBU. They are a great program and it was an honor to be considered to play there. But as I matured, I realized that Franklin and Marshall was a better fit for me academically and athletically. I really want a full college experience including traveling abroad. I’m looking forward to making an impact at a top D3 program. 

 

Q: What are most looking forward to this upcoming season, as defending champions?

I am most looking forward to the challenge of being a leader of my lacrosse team as a captain. We have all the role players, we just need to stay focused. My ultimate goal is to get back to states. On top of all of that, I get to play with my little sister Emma. We really connect well on the field. 

 

Q: What are your aspirations going forward off the lacrosse field?                                                                    

My aspirations moving forward are to study Mathematics at F and M and choose a career path related to that.

Jacob Bruno, is a three sport studlete at Cold Spring Harbor High School. During the fall he is tearing it up on the Football field. The starting running back has led the Seahawks  to 2-0 start this season, seemingly scoring at will, Bruno uses his strength to run over every defender in his path. This past weekend Jacob scored four touchdowns in a resounding victory for CSH. Bruno spends his winters wrestling, the Cold Spring Harbor wunderkind came in second in the division two tournament this past February and will surely be a force to be reckoned with this time around. 

Where Bruno has truly made his mark however is on the lacrosse field. He has committed to playing his college lacrosse at Amherst. The defenseman is looking forward to the new challenges that college lax will offer, but there is unfinished business Bruno needs to take care of right here on Long Island first. The Senior will be playing his last season at Cold Spring Harbor with a chip on his shoulder. The Seahawks came so close to a title in 2019, but a one goal loss in the Long Island championship put Bruno’s dream on hold for another year. Bruno is on a mission to redeem himself and the whole team after the crushing defeat a season ago, and there truly is no reason to expect anything less.

 

 

Q: What have you enjoyed most about your time at Cold Spring Harbor High School?

I have absolutely loved my time at Cold Spring Harbor, both academically and athletically. In the classroom, I have the opportunity to learn and grow with the endless support of my teachers. On the sports field or the mat, the expectation is to win, and nothing less. I love working everyday with my teammates to uphold this expectation.

 

Q: Will it be tough for you not being able to play all three sports in college?

It will definitely be different not playing three sports in college. I’m sure my time commitment to sports won’t change since I’ll be training for lacrosse all year. I may try and Pursue football in college as well, but that’s a decision for a later date. I will miss wrestling for sure, but definitely not the constant nose bleeds that come with it.

 

Q: Why is lacrosse the one that you have decided to pursue?

 I’ve decided to play college lacrosse instead of wrestling or football because of how much fun lacrosse is. The IQ needed to play lax is different from any other sport, and I feel this gives me an edge on the field. Also, it’s worth mentioning that being allowed to take an opponents arms off with a metal pole for fun is a pretty good deal to me.

 

Q: What drew you to Amherst?

I knew Amherst was the place for me the moment I stepped on campus. Besides the the fact that Amherst is undoubtedly one of the best colleges in the world academically, the atmosphere at the school is unlike any other I visited. It is a relatively small school, but it has a big school vibe since it shares a town with UMass. Most importantly, Amherst is the standard for high level lacrosse, and that’s what I have always wanted; to be the best. I can’t wait to start working towards bringing another National Championship home to Amherst.

 

Q: What is going to take for CSH to get over the hump this year?

I’m sure I speak for all my boys at CSH when I say we will be beyond motivated this year. Losing two years in a row, in the LIC, by a goal both times, leaves a terrible taste in your mouth. This year we can’t take any days off. We are going to stick together and grind everyday at practice. If we do that, the rest will fall into place.

“Saved by Mueller” became an all too familiar cry during the past four seasons throughout Nassau County. Eric Mueller, the former Garden City goalie was a special player. During his junior season he led the Trojans to the state championship. A resounding semifinal win over John Jay  before Mueller and the team won a thrilling one goal victory over Victor High School. After a solid senior campaign at Garden City, Mueller was on to the next chapter of his lacrosse journey.  Now embarking on his first season at Franklin & Marshall the once great trojan goalie is fighting a new war, and the Centennial Conference should be on notice. The trojan turned diplomat heads to a program that is the reigning conference champion, Coach Todd Cavallaro looks to repeat his conference dominance and with Mueller joining fellow Garden City player Luke Keating the diplomats should stay in power for years to come.

 

 

 

 

Q: How have you been enjoying your first months at Franklin & Marshall?

My first few months at F&M have been great. The Coaching staff along with the guys on the team have all been extremely welcoming, It has been an extremely smooth transition.

 

Q: What was the crowning achievement during your high school career?

I would say that my crowning achievement of my high school career was our win over Smithtown West my sophomore year, I had 11 saves that game which was my first start in goal as a varsity player. It was great to get that win because in the years previous they had given us a lot of trouble.

 

Q: What do miss most about Garden City?

What I miss most about Garden City is all the guys on the team. Most of us played together for ten years, and we had really become a tight knit group. We were a team that really knew each others strengths and weaknesses on the field, allowing us to help each other out.  

 

Q:Why did you choose Franklin &Marshall?

The reason I chose F&M was because I felt like there was a balance between rigorous academics as well as great lacrosse. 

 

Q: What are your aspirations after college and how do you see your lacrosse experience helping you in those endeavors?

I am going to apply for the “BOSS” program here at F&M which is the Business program, in which I would like to pursue an occupation in finance after I graduate. The guys on the team are an extremely close group, and always try to help a teammate out after they graduate when it comes to finding a job.

 

Connor Farrell graduated from Sachem East High School in 2015, and with that his lacrosse days appeared to be far behind him. The freshman linebacker was fully committed to playing football at LIU Post, he spent years developing his game and he had put in countless hours of work on the football field. Engaged in a prop bet, Farrell ended up in a faux wrestling match when he couldn’t pin his opponent, LIU Post lacrosse player Usak, in 10 seconds he was on the lacrosse practice field the next morning. Farrell hadn’t played lacrosse in a long time, but his feel for the game never left. He quickly transformed himself from a “goon” into one of the best faceoff players in division II, and he was drafted by the New York Lizards of the MLL. He spent this past season playing for the Chrome of the PLL and on September 17, 2019 Farrell was selected in the NLL  2nd round, 24th overall by the hometown New York Riptide. The Milkman is coming back to Long Island to deliver the next chapter of his most unlikely career.

BE SURE TO WATCH CONNOR ON BYG LIVE THIS TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24, @8:00pm

The 2019 National Lacrosse League draft took place on September 17, 2019 and the New York Riptide took  Canadian Tyson with the first overall selection. Long Island had a strong representation in the draft as Stony Brook products Ryland Rees and Derek Lloyd were each taken (2nd and 52nd respectively). Three Long Island natives saw their dreams become realities as three homegrown kids have reached the NLL. In the second round Connor Farrell was selected by the New York Riptide, a local team playing at the Nassau Coliseum. Adding to the local flavor of the team the Riptide also took FLG alumni Matt Borges in the fifth round. Rounding out the Long Island players East Setauket’s own Dan Bucaro was drafted in the sixth round by the Colorado Mammoth. Long Island’s presence in the lacrosse community has never been stronger, for a look at the entire 2019 NLL draft have a look below.

 

NLL DRAFT ENTRY 

FIRST ROUND

1) New York – Tyson Gibson, Robert Morris University, Forward (Ontario, Canada)

2) Rochester – Ryland Rees, Stony Brook University, Transition (British Columbia)

3) New England (from Philadelphia) – Andrew Kew, University of Tampa, Forward (Ontario, Canada)

4) Saskatchewan (from Vancouver) – Holden Garlent, Canisius College, Transition (Ontario, Canada)

5)Halifax – Clarke Petterson, Cornell University, Forward (Ontario, Canada) 

6) Colorado – Warren Jeffrey, University of Vermont, Defenseman (Ontario, Canada)

7) Calgary (from New England) – Liam LeClair, Six Nations Jr. A, Defenseman (Ontario, Canada)

8)Calgary (from San Diego) – Haiden Dickson, Coquitlam Adanacs, Forward (Canada)

9) Saskatchewan – Justin Robinson, Robert Morris University, Transition (Ontario, Canada)

10) New York (from Toronto via Saskatchewan) – Tyson Bomberry, Syracuse University, Defense (Ontario, Canada)

11) Georgia – Kason Tarbell, Cornell University, Defense (Akwesasne, NY)

12) Buffalo – Brent Noseworthy, University of Michigan, Defense (Ontario, Canada)

13) Georgia (from Calgary) – Ryan MacSpadyen, Mercy College, Transition (Ontario, Canada)

14) Halifax (compensatory selection – Matt Vinc) – Trevor Smyth, Rochester Institute of Technology, Defense

15) Toronto (compensatory selection – Brodie Merrill) – Aaron Forster, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Transition (Ontario, Canada)

16) Saskatchewan (compensatory selection – Dan Dawson) – Tanner Thomson, Marquette University, Forward (Ontario, Canada)

17)New England (compensatory selection – Aaron Bold) – Zach Goodrich, Towson University (Stevensville, MD)

 

SECOND ROUND

18)Rochester – Cory Highfield, University of Massachusetts – Lowell (Ontario, Canada)

19) New York – Jake Fox, Johns Hopkins University, Forward (Ontario, Canada)

20) Philadelphia – Alex Pace, Brock University, Forward/Transition (Nova Scotia, Canada)

21) Georgia (from Vancouver) – Philadelphia* – Matt Marinier, Burlington Chiefs Jr. A, Defense (Ontario, Canada)

22) Georgia (from Halifax via New England) – Calgary* – Marshal King, Drexel University, Forward (British Columbia, Canada)

23) Colorado – Will Malcolm, New Westminster Salmonbellies (British Columbia, Canada)

24) New York (from New England) – Connor Farrell, Long Island University  (Sachem, NY)

25) San Diego – Matthew Sykes, Mimico, Defense (Ontario, Canada)

26) Colorado (from Saskatchewan via San Diego) – Brett Craig, Seton Hill University, Defense (Alberta, Canada)

27) Toronto – Zach Manns, Drexel University, Forward (British Columbia, Canada)

28) San Diego (from Georgia) – Devyn Mayea, Burlington Chiefs, Defense (Ontario, Canada)

29) Buffalo – Nathaniel Kozevnikov, Robert Morris University (British Columbia, Canada)

30) Halifax (from Calgary via Buffalo via New England) – Clay Scanlan, Six Nations, Forward (Bradenton, FL)

31) Colorado (compensatory pick) – Jake McNabb, St. Catherine’s Jr. A, Forward (Ontario, Canada)

32) Rochester – Dustyn Pratt, Orangeville Northmen (Ontario, Canada)

33) New York – Gale Thorpe, The Ohio State University, Forward (Elbridge, NY)

 

*Georgia sends 21st pick to Philadelphia in exchange for 2021 2nd round pick

*Georgia sends 22nd pick to Calgary in exchange for 2021 2nd round pick

 

THIRD ROUND

34) New York – John Wagner, Marquette University, Forward (Ontario, Canada)

35) Rochester – Thomas Whitty, St. Catherine’s Jr. A, Defense (Ontario, Canada)

36) Philadelphia – Pat Spencer, Loyola University, Forward (Davidsonville, MD)

37) Rochester (from Vancouver) – Matt Van Galen, University of Detroit Mercy (Ontario, Canada)

38) Halifax – Showahnonkon “Nonkon” Thompson, Awkesasne Jr A (Awkesasne, NY)

39) Colorado – Dylan Kinnear, Towson University  (Alberta, Canada)

40) Calgary (from New England) – Nick Scott, Langley Thunder (Ontatio, Canada)

41) San Diego – Kyle Dawson, Nanaimo Jr. A (British Columbia, Canada)

42) Saskatchewan – Cameron Dunkerley, Victoria Jr. A, Goalie (Ontario, Canada)

43) Toronto – Jamison Dilks, Six Nations Jr. A (Ontario, Canada)

44) Georgia – TJ Comizio, Villanova University, Transition/Defense ( Basking Ridge, NJ)

45) Buffalo – Ryder Garnsey, Notre Dame University, Forward ( Wolfeboro, NH)

46) Calgary – Landon Kells, Peterborough Jr. A (Ontario, Canada)0

47) New York – Travis Longboat, Six Nations Arrows, Forward (Ontario, Canada

48) Rochester – Sean Darroch, Lindenwood University, Defense (Ontario, Canada)

 

FOURTH ROUND

49) Rochester – Tyler Biles, Brampton Jr. A (Ontario, Canada)

50) New York – Jack Rowlett, University of North Carolina, Defense (Burke, VA)

51) Philadelphia – Kyle Marr, Johns Hopkins University, Forward (Clifton Park, NY)

52) Vancouver – Derek Lloyd, Stony Brook University (Alberta, Canada)

53) Philadelphia (from Halifax) – Dave Smith, University of Virginia, Transition/Defense (Medford, NJ)

54) Georgia (from Colorado via Buffalo) – New England* – Braiden Davis, University of Vermont (Ontario, Canada)

55) Buffalo (from New England) – Taylor Kauffeldt, Brampton Jr. A (Ontario, Canada)

56) San Diego – Oliver Bolisteri, Six Nations Jr. A ( Ontario, Canada)

57) Saskatchewan – Colin Berglof, Saskatchewan Jr A (Saskatchewan, Canada)

58) Toronto – Troy Holowchuk, Six Nations Jr A (Ontario,Canada) 

59) Georgia – Gunnar Schimoler, University Maryland – Baltimore County (Edgewater, MD)

60) Buffalo – Tyler Halls, Orangeville (Hastings, NY)

61) New England (from Calgary) – Bailey Brown, Toronto Beaches (Ontario, Canada)

62) Rochester – Bradley Voigt, Syracuse University, Forward (Penn Yan, NY)

63) New York – Matthew Borges, The Ohio State University, Defense (Garden City, NY)

 

*Georgia sends 54th pick to New England in exchange for 2020 4th round pick

 

FIFTH ROUND

64) New York – Daylen Hill, Six Nations (Ontario, Canada)

65) Rochester – Carter Badour, The College of Saint Rose, Forward (Ottawa, Canada)

66) Philadelphia – Jordan Krug, Cabrini University, Forward (Marlton, NJ)

67) Vancouver – Keegan Bell, Langley Thunder (British Columbia, Canada)

68) Halifax – Matt Dziama, The University of Virginia, Transition (Wellesley, MA)

69) Colorado – Dan Bucaro, Georgetown University, Forward (East Setauket, NY)

70) New England – Tristan Rai, Lehigh University, Forward (Alberta, Canada)

71) San Diego – Ryan Jones, Delta Jr. A (Bethesda, MD)

72) Saskatchewan – Luke Keenan, Princeton University, Forward (Ontario, Canada)

73) Toronto – Ryan Conrad, University of Virginia, Transition (Timonium, MD) 

74)Georgia – Jordan Gillis, Hamilton Jr. B  (Ontario, Canada)

75) Georgia (from Buffalo) – Mikey Herring, University of Virginia, Forward (Dedham, MA)

76) Calgary – Cordell Hastings, Calgary Shamrocks Jr. B (Alberta, Canada)

 

SIXTH ROUND

77) Rochester – Alec Simons, Mimico Jr A (Ontario, Canada)

78) New York – Brad McKinney, Syracuse University (Watertown, NY)

79) Philadelphia – Austin Fusco, Syracuse University, Defense (Yorktown Heights, NY)

80) Vancouver – Gord Phillips, Monmouth University

81) Halifax – Brad Fannell, St. Catherine’s Jr. A (British Columbia, Canada)

82) Colorado – Liam Osborne, Belmont Abbey College (Ontario, Canada)

83) New England – Travis Brown, Orangeville (San Diego, CA)

84) San Diego – Russ Oakes, Onondaga Community College (Awkesasne, NY) 

85) Saskatchewan – Jordan Getz, Wheeling University (Alberta, NY)

86) Toronto – Jordan Caskenette, Orangeville Jr A (Ontario, Canada)

87) Georgia – No Pick

88) Buffalo – Joel Watson, Whitby (Ontario, Canada)

89) Calgary – Travis Getz, Wheeling University (Alberta, Canada)

 

One of Long Islands finest lacrosse and football players is UNC bound Xavier Arline. An absolute nightmare for defenses to cover, he seems to be able to score at will. He boasted a robust 61 goals and 59 assist accumulating a total 120 points. In football he rushed for a gaudy 904 yard on an impressive 9.93 yards per carry with 17 Rushing TD’s.But how does he balance the two and what made him choose LAX over Football?

Q: How do your football skills help you in lacrosse and vice versa?

All of the training I do includes footwork. Footwork is my key to success. Being able to make quick cuts in and out of holes on the football field correlates with my quick change of direction behind the cage for sure. Playing football before the lacrosse season keeps my footwork up to speed so I’m ready to go when the time comes. Using my god given talent which is my speed has been so important for me in all aspects of my young career.

Q: How hard is it to balance playing both sports at a high level while still being a student?

It can be difficult and stressful at times for sure however something my parents always tell me is, “ do what you need to do before you do what you want to do”,. in other words I keep my priorities straight and sacrifice to manage this life style. A lot of late nights and early mornings.

Q: What made you pick lacrosse over football when making your decision for college?

I haven’t really picked one over the other I love both, and if I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to play both I absolutely will.

Q:Why did you decide to join Tar Heel Nation over the many other schools looking to acquire your talents?

Between 8th and 9th grade, back when I committed to UNC as a 13-year-old, what’s not to fall in love with. Carolina is college town USA. It is beautiful, a perennial powerhouse in terms of athletics, very good academically and challenging to get into and on top of all that, there is beautiful weather. I am grateful for all the places that took interest in me but at the time that’s where I felt most comfortable.

Stephen Grabher is a North Shore graduate currently attending Army. Stephen is a versatile midfielder with the skill to play in multiple areas on the field. He’s a Swiss army knife of sorts with great offensive ability and a strong defensive pedigree. We wanted to know why Stephen chose Army and what has his experience been like going to West Point.

Q: How important was it to you to choose a school that aloud you to join the armed forces while playing the game you love?

When deciding on which college to attend, West Point was at the top of the list. My father raised my brothers and I to always put others first. It was very important for me to find a school that best suited my values. At West Point, we would be able to accomplish something bigger than ourselves. The Academy develops leaders of characters on and off the field. There is no other place in the world like West Point and that was very important to me during the recruiting process.

Q: What has your experience been like going to boot camp and the rigorous training that comes with joining the Army on top of being a Division 1 athlete?

West Point is a mind game. They push you to the brim mentally and physically. Handling both lacrosse and the school is a grind. However, it is manageable. As long as you give it your all and strive to be the best, you will succeed. With this in mind, the energy level always has to be high. The same intensity and focus you have during the school day has to stay constant during practice. The amount of dedication to the team is unbelievable.

Q: What previous experiences have lead you to your decision on West Point over other schools ?

I have always been around West Point. When I was young, I would attend lacrosse and wrestling camps with my brother there and have a blast. With both my older brothers playing Division 1 lacrosse, I have always been around the highest level of lacrosse. They would help me develop my skills every summer when they would come back. Ultimately, I decided to follow my brother’s footsteps and attend West Point. Watching my brother play here inspired me to become a better person.

Isabelle “Belle” Smith is WestHampton Beach High school’s three sport “studlete”. During the fall Smith is an elite volleyball player, a two-time all state player, a three-time defensive player of the year and she has registered over 1,000 career digs. She spends her winters on the court where she has been a two-time all county basketball player and a member of the 1,000 point scorer club. Smith’s true passion is on the lacrosse field, where she absolutely excels. A Boston College commit Smith has reached nearly unprecedented heights for Suffolk County. A member of the US U19 team this summer she scored a goal in the championship match against Canada. Needless to say, regardless of the sport, Smith is one of the best athletes in all of Long Island.

Q: WHY BOSTON COLLEGE:

I chose a college that I would love regardless of whether or not I was playing lacrosse.  I visited many schools with my older sisters when they were being recruited so I had a lot to compare to BC.  At the end of the day, I love everything about BC including its great academic reputation and beautiful campus. I also felt an immediate connection to the school, the team and the coaches when I visited. It felt like home.

 Q: WHY LACROSSE:

I followed in the foot-steps of my older sisters and started playing at a very young age. I love the speed of the game and the high level of competition on Long Island. I also find lacrosse to be the ultimate team game.

 Q: WHAT IS SENIOR YEAR LIKE HAVING ALREADY COMMITTED TO A SCHOOL:

It is so much fun! I don’t feel the stress that I see my friends going through with multiple college applications and visits. I’m exceptionally focused on my grades. With that, I’m also focused on enjoying every second of my senior year.

 Q: WHAT EXPERIENCE DID YOU GAIN FROM YOUR TIME ON THE US U19 TEAM:

Every time I see the US flag I think of the time I spent in Canada representing our country, playing the sport I love. I think of the bonds I created with my US teammates and coaches. I think of the pride we all took in representing the US, that feeling will stay with me forever. I always knew anything is possible if you dream big, work hard and set goals; now it’s cool to say I’ve lived it.

 

Q: WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST THIS UPCOMING LACROSSE YEAR:

I’m looking forward to our Sunday Morning post-practice team breakfasts (hahaha). Competing on Long Island, in potentially the best county in the country is so much fun. With that type of competition, every practice and every game is something to look forward to.

 Q: IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOUR HIGH SCHOOL CAREER:

I would not change a thing. The wins, losses, teammates, and coaches in the past six years have shaped me into who I am. I live in the greatest town, with the greatest community and friends.

The 2019 Newsday Long Island Player of the Year, Kasey Choma, is currently in her first semester at Notre Dame. Kasey developed an early love for lacrosse, playing for the first time back in kindergarten. Her early devotion paid off as she was promoted to the high school team in 7th grade. The following year, while Kasey was still only in 8th grade, Eastport South Manor went on to win the state championship. The following season ended in heartbreak for young Kasey as she tore her ACL during the high school season finale. She was resilient, and came back stronger than ever,  leading her high school back to the State Title during her senior season. Her success goes beyond the state of New York, Kasey has displayed her prowess on an international level. As a member of the USA U19 team this past summer, Kasey and her team took home the gold. Hardwork pays off and nobody exemplifies that better than  Kasey Choma.

Q: Why Notre Dame?

I chose Notre Dame because it is an amazing academic and athletic University.  Notre Dame has such rich traditions and sports are a big part of the school’s social life. I have been watching the Notre Dame women’s lacrosse team play for a long time and I felt that it would be a great fit for me. I am looking forward to working hard and hoping to one day win a National Championship

Q: How has the first semester been at school?

I have been at Notre Dame for approximately three weeks and I have to say that I love every aspect of the school.  The girls and the coaches on the lacrosse team have been so welcoming and supportive and I am looking forward to the first home football game!

Q: What about Notre Dame most excites you?

The thing I am looking most forward to here at Notre Dame is the journey.  The possibility of winning a National Championship, meeting incredible people, making lifelong friends, building strong bonds and getting an amazing education.

Q: How did your ACL tear shape the player you became?

I never really understood the saying,” Everything Happens for a reason”, until I was 14 years old and I tore my ACL.  At first, I questioned why me but soon I realized that devastating injury would forever change me as a person and an athlete.   Not being able to play the game I loved so much made me recognize how much I wanted to be on that field and how much dedication and hard work I was willing to put in to become the best lacrosse player I could be.  I became stronger not only physically but mentally as well. I learned to never take anything for granted and how much hard work really does pay off.

Q: What was the U19 experience like ?

Being part of the USA U-19 National team was unlike anything that I had ever experienced before.  Being able to represent the USA in lacrosse has been a lifelong dream of mine and for me to have been given the opportunity was so humbling and made me so proud.  I became so close with my teammates and made forever friends. It was such an honor to play along such great athletes and to learn from them. Also meeting lacrosse players from all over the world was an amazing experience. I became friends with girls from Kenya, Jamaica, Hong Kong and Wales- just to name a few! It was pretty cool to learn some of their traditions and  get to talk about the different styles of play.

Q:Describe the benefits that 5 and a half seasons of varsity lacrosse can give a player.

I was very fortunate to be called up to Varsity halfway through my 7th grade Junior Varsity season.  Yes, I was only 12 years old and was playing alongside and against 16,17 and 18 year old girls who were physically taller and stronger than me but that’s what shaped me into the player I am today. I was so lucky to be on a team (ESM) that accepted me and became my mentors and taught me so much. Those 5 and 1/2 years of experience on Varsity were priceless and have given me so many opportunities.

Q: What is your major and how do you see your lacrosse experience helping you as an adult?

I was accepted into the Mendoza College of Business at Notre Dame and I plan on majoring in business and finance.  I also have such a love of sports that I do see myself continuing in that field, possibly in the way of broadcasting. My lacrosse experiences have taught me how to work together as a team to achieve a common goal and it has taught me that hard work pays off.  I have also learned from being a captain how to communicate, be a leader and handle certain situations within the team with empathy and diplomacy. All of these tools will help me as I graduate from college and become an adult.

 

Whipsnakes Lacrosse Club

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