The Women's Lacrosse team finished with an above-500 record and saw many high-scoring close matches throughout the season. The team returns eight true seniors and one grad student who is currently killing it on as a member of the Women's Hockey team as well. This team is led by head coach Kelly Downs who also works as the coordinator of student-athlete support services in the athletics department. This team has many things to look forward to as they look to emulate many of the other teams on campus that have had both regular-season and postseason success. I took it upon myself to interview three of the players who will all be looking to make a big impact in the upcoming season.
What is one thing from last season that you will remember for an extended amount of time? Either a fun practice or a team dinner, something outside of the direct team setting?
One thing from last season that I will remember for an extended amount of time would be the Spring Break trip to California with the team. It was a great way to bond with the team and see new places with my friends. (Ashley Hurley)
How was the recruiting process for you and what advice would you give to any girls who want to play college lacrosse?
The recruiting process was easy for me. My club team set me up with an account on IWLCA where college coaches can view our profiles and videos and communicate with me. I also did some prospect days and visited some college practices. My advice is if you are interested in playing at the college level. Use the technology available to contact coaches and also meet the team. There were some teams after meeting them I could tell would not be a good fit for me. (Abby Vincent)
What's one big difference between HS lax and College lax?
Everyone loves lacrosse and wants to be at practices and games. They want to continue to get better. The team is also closer as we spend more time together. College lacrosse is more like family. (Abby Vincent)
How would you describe the relationship between the captains and the coaching staff?
The relationship between myself along with the rest of the captains and our coach is a very strong one. Our Coach is always asking for our opinions on things and looks to us to help guide the team. We respect her and she respects us! (Lauren McIntyre)
What team ritual or practice would you be comfortable sharing with the public?
Before every game, we write the number of people on our team and then write what we play for on our wrists. I love this tradition because it's a constant reminder of why we play this sport and how my teammates, coaches and I are all in this together. (Lauren McIntyre)
As a female student-athlete, is there anything the university could do to make your lacrosse experience the best it can be?
As a female student-athlete, I feel there is nothing else that the university could do for my lacrosse experience to be the best it can be. I feel that since we do not have a men's lacrosse team we have no competition for turf time or anything else in that aspect. I feel it would be a different story if there was a men's lacrosse team, but I will not find out at least in my time here. (Ashley Hurley)
Has the team culture changed a lot compared to last season?
The team culture has not changed too much compared to last season. We basically just started this season so I have not seen anything different so far. I feel we have always welcomed the freshman in and made them comfortable. I never feel the tension between my teammates. I feel everyone on the team is there to have fun and win a championship and I feel that the common goal of that keeps us all motivated and brings us closer together. (Ashley Hurley)
How would you describe the fall preseason period and what is one thing during these practices your coaches have wanted to implement for the team?
Our fall preseason period is a time when our coach implements team building so we can start to figure out each other's strengths and how to work together. We also worked a lot on conditioning during the fall so it could get us in shape leading into the season. (Lauren McIntyre)
Do you feel the Division III experience gives you a good balance and if not could you explain why?
I feel the Division III experience does give me a good balance. I never feel that I am overworked or stressed about classes on top of lacrosse. Personally, I have roommates who are not on any teams here at Worcester State, so when I go back to my room I have the opportunity to get a break from lacrosse even though I never feel overwhelmed by it. One last thing that I would like to mention is that although Division III is the lowest division in the NCAA, I still feel that I am playing at a high, competitive level. Everyone on my team is there to play and knows how to play which is refreshing from high school when people would just play lacrosse so that they could say they played a sport. (Ashley Hurley)
One goal that you have is individual?
I had shoulder surgery in July so I would like to continue to strengthen my shoulder to get back to game shape and bring my skills back to the level they were prior to my injury. I would also like to make an impact on the field and create offense for the team setting pics, scoring goals, and contributing with assists. (Abby Vincent)
One goal that you have that is team-oriented?
To become closer, make sure everyone feels welcome and continue to bond while making NCAAs in MAY!!! (Abby Vincent)
After having the more serious side of the interview we decided to have more fun with the line of questions being asked.
One teammate you think has worked the hardest this offseason?
Jess Mckenzie has always been someone who is always giving 110% on and off the field and is always looking out for the best of her teammates. She has the highest front squat record in the history of WSU lacrosse so I would have to say she worked the hardest in the gym this offseason! (Lauren McIntyre)
Who is someone you think would not feel out of place doing stand-up comedy?
Savanna Rosado (Abby Vincent)
A teammate who you think could be president?
A teammate who I think could be president would be Andrea Rennie because she seems she could run a country well and make good decisions to benefit the people of America. (Ashley Hurley)
A freshman who you think could contend for the MASCAC rookie of the year?
All of our freshmen are extremely talented this year and each brings something unique to the team so I don't think I can pick just one player for this question. However, some stand-out players from each position are Molly, Mckayla, and Andrea. Molly will be a great player on offense and has amazing stick-handling skills, Mckayla is really quick in the midfield and learns things really fast and Andrea Rennie is really showing a lot of potential in the net. (Lauren McIntyre)
One song that gets you motivated to want to do your best?
One song that gets me motivated to want to do my best would be Levitating by Dua Lipa (feat. DaBaby) because it's a song that reminds me of my senior year in high school during lacrosse season. One of my best friends on the team and I used to listen to it every lunch break during the season so it brings me back to a good time in my lacrosse career. (Ashley Hurley)
~Malcolm Hawkins '25~