First Year Fridays: Women's Lacrosse
Chicopee, MA - With COVID-19 stalling our fall season, the Elms College Athletic Department will be showcasing our first year Blazers every Friday. Next up is our Women's Lacrosse program. Follow along and get to know more about your fellow Blazers!
The Women's Lacrosse program brought in three new players in 2020, here is a little something about each STUDENT-athlete.
Coach Wilkins had this to say when asked about this first year class. "Although I came to Elms in November, I learned quite quickly the importance of the three additions who chose our family. They have exceeded my expectations in their roles and positions on the team in such a short time. I'm excited to continue this journey with them through their years here at Elms, and am honored to have the opportunity to mentor them both on and off the field."
Meet: Ava LaRoche
Position: Defense
High School/Hometown: Marianapolis Prep School
High School Career Stats: 4-year varsity member
Other sport engagement: Soccer
Favorite High School sports related memeory: Going to the SENE semifinals!
What brought you to Elms College? The small campus and friendly people made campus feel like another home.
What made Elms stick out to you more than other college interests? The ability to get a great education all while being able to play lacrosse!
What are your pre-game rituals? Listen to music!
What's a quote you live by? "Your only limit is your mind." -Unknown
Who inspires you to be a driven STUDENT-athlete you are today? My parents, brother, and friends!
Meet: Gianna Liquori
Position: Goalie
High School/Hometown: East Longmeadow High School/ East Longmeadow, MA
High School Career Stats: 4-year varsity starter
Other sport engagement: Soccer, Basketball
Favorite High School sports related memory: Winning League Champs in 2018
What brought you to Elms College? The Nursing program's reputation!
What made Elms stick out to you more than other college interests? Small class sizes and family atmosphere!
What are your pre-game rituals? Put on my Rays of Hope t-shirt and throw some ear buds in. I listen to rap to get me pumped up!
What's a quote you live by and why? "The best things come in life when you least expect them."
When you sit around and wait for things to happen they usually never do. Live your best life to the fullest and all the things that happen should happen.
Who inspires you to be a driven STUDENT-athlete you are today? My parents do. They both work so hard for me to be able to be a first generation college student.
Meet: Elise Paier
Position: Attack
High School/Hometown: West Springfield High School/ West Springfield, MA
High School Career Stats: 2020 DI Western Mass Super 7, 2019 First Team DI All Western Mass, 2018 + 2019 All League Selection, 2018 DI Second Team All Western Mass, 2-Year Captain, 4-year varsity starter
Other sport engagement: Soccer
Favorite High School related memory: Winning the league title for the first time in program history for the Women's Lacrosse Team.
What brought you to Elms College? The awesome Nursing program and the ability to play lacrosse while in that major.
What made Elms stick out to you more than other college interests? The community was so welcoming and the staff seemed to care so much about each individual students success
What are your pre-game rituals? Braiding my hair and listening to my game day playlist
What's a quote you live by and why? "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."
This reminds me that I have to be confident in myself and my abilities in order to take risks and be successful.
Who inspires you to be a driven STUDENT-athlete you are today? My family!
