Senior defender Isabell Baldrate was ready to get back on the lacrosse field to join her team for one last season, not knowing it would end five games in. 

Isabell was always playing sports growing up. She played field hockey growing up, and when her middle school introduced lacrosse, she thought she would give it a go. Isabell immediately loved the fast pace and quick thinking the game required, and how it opened so many friendships for her. Playing throughout high school, her passion and mentality for lacrosse showed and she was named captain. 

When deciding to play in college, Isabell found herself in a dilemma on whether she wanted to continue her lacrosse career. When Worcester State head coach Kelly Downs reached out to her, Isabell took it as a sign that her lacrosse career was not over. “My older sister also played lacrosse at Regis College,” said Isabell. “I was able to have a glimpse of what playing lacrosse in college would be.”

Isabell played in 40 career games on defense for the Lancers, making 34 starts. She scooped up 43 ground balls, while causing 26 turnovers and collecting three draw controls.

Playing lacrosse at Worcester State was challenging for Isabell, especially when it came to keeping a balance between school and sports. “On days that I struggled to balance school, sports, and time for myself, I had to tell myself that it really is all worth it, and as soon it is gone I will miss it incredibly, which is what is happening now,” she said. 

Finding out her season was cancelled was hard for Isabell to hear. Watching all last season on the sidelines due to an injury, Isabell was excited for her “comeback year” to get back out on the field again, making it her best season yet. The news broke after the team’s fifth game of the season, a home contest against Johnson & Wales, that it would be the last time they would play as a team again. 

Isabell’s team is the number one thing she will miss. “Our bond is something that I will always feel so lucky to have. Having a whole team of best friends is an indescribable feeling that is my favorite part about sports.” 

After college, Isabell is now focusing on her future career as an occupational therapist. Growing up around sports and through injuries of her own, she has learned many tips and tricks along the way, and will use these tools for the rest of her life. As for lacrosse, she would love to participate in pick-up games and small leagues to regain the feeling of adrenaline of stepping on the field again. 

“I am lucky to have had these years, and these memories that have helped shape me into who I am.”

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