By Ryan Massad, Contributing Writer
School: Shrewsbury High
Sport: Lacrosse
Coach: Erica McMahon
After scoring 88 goals last season, the Captain Colonial looks forward to her Senior season, and her future as an Oregon Duck.
What are your earliest Lacrosse memories?
“I used to be a competitive gymnast, but after fracturing my back, I picked up lacrosse. I remember playing in fifth grade, and how fun it was to be playing a team sport. I remember running up the field barely being able to cradle the ball, and just praying it wouldn's fall out of my stick. From the start, I really enjoyed all the aspects of the game: teamwork, speed, endurance, and shooting. I started playing club lacrosse in middle school, and here I am seven years later, still playing, and loving it.”
Besides playing lacrosse for Shrewsbury, what other activities do you partake in?
“I also play club lacrosse for Revolution Lacrosse, along with field hockey for the high school (three years of Varsity.) I volunteer at Floral Street Elementary School, coach youth lacrosse, am a member of the National Honor Society, and a member of Shrewsbury High's Mentor Volunteer Program.”
What do you consider to be the best part of your lacrosse game?
“I think the best part of my lacrosse game is my field awareness. I can see the pass not many people can see. I's able to pick up a groundball and see the open player quickly, helping with the transition of the ball up the field. I think this makes me more of a threat on offense because I can shoot, but can also see the open cutter which helps keep my defender on her toes.”
Which coach has especially encouraged you to succeed?
“My club coach, Lukas Cash, because his coaching philosophy is to push us to run full speed, and be a great teammate. He has taught me that giving 100 percent is not enough, and being “good” is only average. This is why I push myself to do one extra sprint, or one extra rep, and care about the little things, because ultimately, you are successful if you do the little things right. This creates bigger successes. Also my high school coach Erica McMahon, because she sets high expectations, which help us set our goals even higher. She encourages us to not stop until we reach (or exceed) these goals.”
Which teammate has encouraged you?
“Nicole Chittim, also a senior, and my co-captain for the 2014 season. She has been with me since we both started playing lacrosse in fifth grade. We played youth league together, and have both been on varsity since we were freshmen. She also plays on the same club team as I do, so it's great to have someone else that knows what I's going through. I am so excited to be able to play our senior year together.”
What has been the most memorable game of your Lacrosse career?
“My most memorable lacrosse game was when we played Algonquin at home this past season. Algonquin is a strong program. The first time we played them at their field, the game did not go well. We lost pretty badly, and it was frustrating, but when they came to our field, we made it a close game. It ultimately came down to the last minute. We played as a team and it was a great feeling having such a physical, competitive game. Both teams were alternating who was in the lead. Although the score ended with them ahead by one, I think it helped show our team that when we played with confidence, we were really good! I hope we can continue that teamwork into this coming season.”
What are your goals for this upcoming season? Both individually and as a team.
“Individually, my goal is to stay positive, and continue to go hard in each game: running full speed and being a great teammate, leader, and mentor for the rest of the team. As a team, I really want to stress teamwork and moving the ball quickly. I think this will make us more dimensional, and much more of a threat to other teams. I think it's the best feeling when we transition the ball quickly from the defensive end, or off the draw, and have a lot of good teammates to help put the ball in the back of the net.”
For those who don's already know, where will you be playing Lacrosse next year?
“I have committed to the University of Oregon.”
How excited are you to be an Oregon Duck?
“I am so excited for Oregon! I have visited three times, and am going back one more time soon! I loved how green the school was, the close-knit atmosphere, and the school spirit. I's also really pumped because I like the coaches, as well as the girls in my recruiting class. The recruiting process was quite stressful since my freshman year, but once I went out to Oregon, I knew it was the place for me. I fell in love, and am so excited to go there in a year.
What is your favorite class in school, and why?
“My favorite class is math, because I like how it is straightforward. I also feel it is such a big part of everyday life, so I like how it can be used in pretty much any type of problem-solving.”
What is your favorite sport to watch, and who is your favorite athlete in that sport?
“My favorite sport to watch is football. My favorite player is probably Colin Kaepernick (Quarterback, San Francisco 49ers.) I like how he played with confidence last year, and maintained composure even though he was such a young, new player in the NFL.”