1- how was the transition going from player to coach right away?
-The transition was made easy by all the staff and players! I was nervous to come in after just being on the team and playing with all the girls, but all the athletics staff made me feel supported and welcomed. The team was excited and made me feel respected right away, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
2- you are one of the most decorated athletes to ever play for UMSV, how does it feel to stay there as a coach?
-Thank you! Having ended my senior lacrosse year by not playing due to tearing my ACL I finally feel like I have a way to close out my lacrosse career while starting a new chapter. Having the privilege to serve as a coach here is motivating. I have the opportunity to truly leave the program better than I found it, and it wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the community here. I never realized I would enjoy coaching as much as I do, and I am so grateful for that opportunity.
3- losing your last season as a player to injury, does that give you extra motivation now as the coach?
- It gives me more motivation as a coach. I never got to end my career how I wanted to, but as a coach, I can help grow my players and leave them in a great environment that they deserve. It lit a fire under me to make sure I am always doing my best to support the girls and help shape them into better people on and off the field. It truly helped me close one chapter and start a new one.
4- this years team had some ups and downs, but in the end you managed to get into the playoffs and give a pretty tough game to Mount Saint Mary’s, how did you get your team to turn it around in the second half of the year?
-I think things just finally started to click, and they realized how much potential we truly have. We came every day and worked hard, and it pushed them more than they realized. We emphasize playing every game like it’s our last and leaving everything out on the field. Especially for our seniors who put in so much time and dedication to our program, we wanted to play for them. We used our energy and drive as fuel. The time goes by fast, and we really started to push them more to make the changes we needed to get to playoffs.
5-looking to the future what is your ultimate goal with UMSV?
-My ultimate goal is to push the girls on and off the field, to be better students, athletes, and people. I hope to drive a team that feels like family and is a positive outlet for the girls. I want to leave the program better than how I found it.
6-how did it feel when you got your first win as a coach over SUNY Purchase?
- It was exciting! It feels much different compared to being a player since I am not out there helping them, but it was awesome to see all the hard work they put in and to see them all clicking. I was very proud of them and excited to see what was in store.
7- what lessons did you take from this year that you will carry on?
-There will be many obstacles thrown our way, but all we can do is handle our reactions and stay positive. We can always celebrate the little wins. We put a big emphasis on what is in our control is all we can control. When we are all supporting each other and working hard, our potential is limitless. These girls work hard every day and made me feel welcomed and respected right away. It truly showed me that what you put into something is what you get out of it.