Since Mackenzie Hoeg got called up to play on Varsity as a seventh grader alongside her two sisters, she has been the catalyst for the Tuckers and a major contributor for their consistent improvement and success that includes winning three Long Island Championships and two consecutive NY State titles. Hoeg has contributed 322 points (223g, 99a) ever since her arrival and has garnered a plethora of accolades for her dynamic play on offense, defense, and at the draw circle. Mackenzie exemplifies what it is to be a team player with the team first mentality and although the season is still to be determined due to the covid-19 outbreak, Hoeg is training hard to get one more chance to cap off her career where she has been dominating for 6 years with friends and family before departing to the University of Virginia.
See below to get a closer look at the returning All American selection:
Q&A w/ Mackenzie Hoeg
Back Of The CAGE (BOTC): You have played a phenomenal role in helping your Tuckers' win 3 consecutive Long Island Championships and back-to-back NY State Championships in which you earned All State & All American honors respectively for your efforts. How does it feel to be apart of the only 2 NY State Championships in the history of Mattituck and to be dubbed as one of the best players in the entire country after receiving All American honors? Mackenzie Hoeg (MH): There is no greater feeling than finishing the season with a win. Being part of a program that every year seems to be getting stronger has been an awesome experience. A big part of our teams success comes from the dedication that Coach Maloney has shown to the program both in season and out of season. While it is an honor being recognized with some of these accolades it is not something that I pay much attention to as the most important thing to me are winning championships and that is done as a team.
BOTC: With the 2020 season being up in the air due to the covid-19 outbreak, have you had time to reflect on your amazing career? (MH): Honestly, it is not easy when you look forward to a lacrosse season for so long and right when you start playing with your team again, it gets suspended over something we have no control over. I haven't really looked back on my career as I tend to be a person who looks forward to the next challenge.
BOTC: What have you been doing to keep yourself in shape for when they hopefully allow Lacrosse to resume and how much will that mean to you to be able to take the field one last time as a Tucker? (MH): My two sisters both had their college season cut short and since they have been home they have been really good workout partners and they have helped me stay busy. Having been on the varsity team since 7th grade lacrosse is such a big part of my life growing up. It would mean a lot to have one last season.
BOTC: What is your most memorable moment thus far throughout your illustrious career? (MH): My favorite memory was winning states this past season. The entire process from pre season workouts to the in season games had the dedication of the entire team. We constantly reflected on the years prior to try and make that season the best one yet and I think we definitely accomplished that. The experience of going upstate with my best friends is something I will always remember.
BOTC: What is your favorite quote or saying from Coach Maloney? (MH): My favorite saying from Coach Maloney is to not worry about the mistake you made and focus on not making the same mistake twice.
BOTC: Why did you choose the University of Virginia and what other colleges were you considering? (MH): I chose the University of Virginia because it offers a great balance of a traditional competitive lacrosse program and a great education. As I was being recruited I felt a really strong connection with the coaches and knew they will help me in the transition from high school to college and they will help me become the best person and lacrosse player I can be. Also, My sister Riley was a freshmen on the girls lacrosse team this year which definitely made my decision a little easier. I was considering Maryland, Boston College, and Penn State as other options.
BOTC: Are you superstitious and do you have any pregame rituals? (MH): Yes I am very superstitious. Before every game I would do my hair the same way and I would always have a yellow gatorade and water with me.
BOTC: What’s on your playlist before games? (MH): I normally don't listen to a specific playlist before games, I just listen to whatever playlist my teammates made which is basically any song that is upbeat.
Rapid Fire Q & A's:
Favorite Food? Pineapple
Favorite Movie? Warrior
Favorite Sports Team? New York Yankees
Favorite Athlete? Aaron Judge
See some of Mackenzie's career athletic accomplishments below: #32 Ranked Player in the US (IL), Preseason 1st Team All-BOTC (2020), US Lacrosse All American (2019), 1st Team All-State & Varsity Captain (2019), 2nd Team All-BOTC (2019), 2nd Team All Long Island (Newsday - 2019), Suffolk Times HS Athlete of the Year (2019), 3rd Team All State (2018), MVP of the 2018 State Class D Tournament, 4x UA Underclass All American, 3x All County (2017-2019), 2x All Division (2015-2016), Suffolk County Rookie of the Year (2015)
@CBLaxers Boys' Recruit: Cheshire Academy/ PG (CT) 2020 Midfield Ryan Stefanik of LI Sting Elite has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Monmouth University.
High School: Cheshire Academy/ PG (Cheshire, CT) Grad Year: 2020 Position: Midfield College Committed to: Monmouth University Club Team: LI Sting Elite Why did you choose Monmouth University, Men's D1? "Growing up down the shore. The ability to stay home and play in front of my family."
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Ryan Stefanik on his commitment to Monmouth University. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Girls' Recruit: Chattahoochee (GA) 2021 Midfield, Attack Madisyn Norris of Georgia Outlaws Lacrosse has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at St. Bonaventure University.
High School: Chattahoochee (Duluth, GA) Grad Year: 2021 Positions: Midfield, Attack College Committed to: St. Bonaventure University Club Team: Georgia Outlaws Lacrosse Lacrosse Honors: All Star Team Maryland, Duke Super Elite All Star Academic Honors: Honor Roll Spring 2019 Expected Major: Biological & Biomedical Sciences Why did you choose St. Bonaventure University, Women's D1? "It made me feel at home. I knew once I walked on campus it was the school for me! I loved the campus and the team!" Is there anything else you would like to share? "[Thanks to] my coaches, family and friends." What other colleges did you consider? "Winthrop, George Mason, & Young Harris"
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Madisyn Norris on her commitment to St. Bonaventure University. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
The NCAA has limited all in-person recruiting activity through April 15th. Families can learn more here.
This means no in-person meetings, practices and attending of games (dead period); but keep in mind, recruits can still message college coaches. A dead period = no face to face contact or evaluations, and no campus visits. College coaches may still contact recruits by phone, messaging and video chat (ex. FaceTime).
Going forward, we may see further guidance after the NCAA meets again on March 30. While these restrictions are for DI and DII; DIII, NAIA, NJCAA has generally followed suit.
Families can monitor testing dates on the ACT and College Board websites. Tests on June 13 (ACT) and June 6 (SAT) are currently scheduled.
Existing restrictions for Division I and II coaches around June 15 (select sports) and September 1 (lacrosse) contact remain. So 2022 recruits still cannot be contacted by DI and DII coaches. Recruits can always message college coaches at any time in the process. Check out virtual tours and social embeds on our partners (ConnectLax) college profiles (free to access).
Concerning extended eligibility for DI spring athletes and its impact on current recruits, this discussion is only conjecture at this time. We recommend recruits invest in their self and control what they can. It’s hard to imagine many seniors deferring their careers considering the financial implications of returning.
@CBLaxers Boys' Recruit: Abington Senior High School (PA) 2020 Defense Sean Donohue of Bandits Lacrosse has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Widener University.
High School: Abington Senior High School (Abington, PA) Grad Year: 2020 Position: Defense College Committed to: Widener University Club Team: Bandits Lacrosse Lacrosse Honors: Bandits Lacrosse MVP, Abington’s Freshman of the Year & 3rd Team All League Expected Major: Business Why did you choose Widener University, Men's D3? "I felt it was the right fit the coaches seemed like they let their players grow as players while still having fun on and off the field. I also liked the opportunity to be close to the city. Lastly I liked the opportunity for co ops and study abroad." Is there anything else you would like to share? "Like to especially thank my parents and all my coaches who helped me become the player and person I am today." What other colleges did you consider? "Moravian & Albright"
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Sean Donohue on his commitment to Widener University. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Boys' Recruit: Carthage Senior High School (NY) 2021 Midfield Josh Demko of Orange Crush Lacrosse has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Fairfield University.
High School: Carthage Senior High School (Carthage, NY) Grad Year: 2021 Position: Midfield College Committed to: Fairfield University Club Team: Orange Crush Lacrosse Lacrosse Honors: Orange Crush Showcase All Star, Showtime Academic Honors: Honor Roll Why did you choose Fairfield University, Men's D1? "Me and Coach Baxter have a really good relationship. The academics and location of the school is what I was looking for." Is there anything else you would like to share? "Thank you to all my coach’s and teammates for pushing me. Thank you to my family for always believing in me." What other colleges did you consider? "Albany, Utah, & Towson"
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Josh Demko on his commitment to Fairfield University. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Boys' Recruit: Rutgers Prep (NJ) 2021 Goalie Hunter Waldron of NJ Riot Lacrosse has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Cabrini University.
High School: Rutgers Prep (Somerset, NJ) Grad Year: 2021 Position: Goalie College Committed to: Cabrini University Club Team: NJ Riot Lacrosse Lacrosse Honors: Black Card Invite, Blue Chip 225 All Star Game, Sweetlax invitational Academic Honors: Honor Roll Sophomore Year Expected Major: Business Why did you choose Cabrini University, Men's D3? "was a great fit for me with high level lacrosse team and great academics." Is there anything else you would like to share? "[Thanks to my] parents, family, friends, and coaches."
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Hunter Waldron on his commitment to Cabrini University. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Girls' Recruit: Wayne Hills High School (NJ) 2021 Midfield Sam Graf of DewLax Girls Lacrosse has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.
High School: Wayne Hills High School (Wayne, NJ) Grad Year: 2021 Position: Midfield College Committed to: Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Club Team: DewLax Girls Lacrosse Lacrosse Honors: 1st Team All County, 2x 1st Team All Conference, Top 75 Frosh and Soph in State, Record Holder for Most Assists in School History Expected Major: Health Professions Why did you choose Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Women's D2? "Felt like home." Is there anything else you would like to share? "I would like to say thank you to all my family and friends who have supported me through everything." What other colleges did you consider? "Lock Haven and East Stroudsburg"
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Sam Graf on her commitment to Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Boys' Recruit: Palmyra Macedon (NY) 2020 Defense Mike DeSain of Harvest Lacrosse has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Alfred University.
High School: Palmyra Macedon (Palmyra, NY) Grad Year: 2020 Position: Defense College Committed to: Alfred University Club Team: Harvest Lacrosse Lacrosse Honors: 2x 1st Team All League Defense, AGR Honorable Mention & Section V Class D All Tournament Team Expected Major: Business
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Mike DeSain on his commitment to Alfred University. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Boys' Recruit: William Penn Charter School (PA) 2021 Goalie Ben Tompkins of Freedom Lacrosse Club has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Dickinson College.
High School: William Penn Charter School (Coatesville, PA) Grad Year: 2021 Position: Goalie College Committed to: Dickinson College Club Team: Freedom Lacrosse Club Lacrosse Honors: 2019 Big 12 Fall Invitational Player that Shined, 2019 Southern States Elite Fall - All Star Team; 2019 Summer - Cascade Elite 80 All Tournament Team, 2017 Warrior National Invite All Star Team, Chester County Gold Medal and Silver Medal Team Member at Keystone Games Chester County Lacrosse League - All Star Academic Honors: Honor Roll - William Penn Charter School - Sophomore and Junior Honor Roll - Bishop Shanahan HS - Freshman Year Expected Major: Business Why did you choose Dickinson College, Men's D3? "I chose Dickinson because of the great academic reputation, lacrosse tradition and the coaching staff. I really connected with Coach Webster and Coach Klipstein (goalie coach)." Is there anything else you would like to share? "I would like to thank all the coaches that have been involved since I started playing in Rec Ball at the U9 level. Special thanks to Coach Miller, Goforth, Butala, Lang and Chambers from Freedom Lacrosse. Also a big thanks goes my Penn Charter Coaches: Coach McDonough, Coach Sankey, Coach Tabasso and Coach White. A special Thank You to my goalie Coach, Dave Page from Foundation Lacrosse. Coach Page has worked with me since I was in 6th grade and I would not have been able to accomplish my goals without all his help - Thank you Coach Page! I would also like to thank my parents and siblings who have been supportive of me. I would also like thank all my teammates too!." What other colleges did you consider? "I considered Kenyon (OH), Ursinus, University of Lynchburg and Roanoke College."
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Ben Tompkins on his commitment to Dickinson College. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Girls' Recruit: Long Beach High School (NY) 2021 Defense Maura Conway of Team Elevate Lacrosse has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Sacred Heart University.
High School: Long Beach High School (Long Beach, NY) Grad Year: 2021 Position: Defense College Committed to: Sacred Heart University Club Team: Team Elevate Lacrosse Academic Honors: High Honor Roll, 3x Student Athlete Award Expected Major: Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Why did you choose Sacred Heart University, Women's D1? "Academics and athletics" Is there anything else you would like to share? "[Thank you to] my parents, my school coaches and Team Elevate coaches."
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Maura Conway on her commitment to Sacred Heart University. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Girls' Recruit: Division Avenue (NY) 2020 Defense, Midfield Nataly Rodriguez of Team Elevate Lacrosse has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Swarthmore College.
High School: Division Avenue (Levittown, NY) Grad Year: 2020 Positions: Defense, Midfield College Committed to: Swarthmore College Club Team: Team Elevate Lacrosse Lacrosse Honors: FLG epochlax MVP Academic Honors: High honor roll student, 4.0 GPA, 25 hours of community service running Division Avenue’s yearly food drives, taking 4 AP courses (Statistics, Economics, Calculus BC, Literature), a part of the Levittown Coalition, Class of 2020 President, 20 hours in Peer Tutoring, Key Club member Expected Major: Mathematics & Statistics Why did you choose Swarthmore College, Women's D3? "I fell in love with the school and felt comfortable during the recruitment camps I attended." Is there anything else you would like to share? "I give special thanks to my Team Elevate Coaches for supporting me through the entire process. I wouldn’t be where I am now without them." What other colleges did you consider? "Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stevens Institute of Technology"
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Nataly Rodriguez on her commitment to Swarthmore College. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
After winning its second consecutive game at DaSilva Memorial Field on Saturday, the St. John's lacrosse team lost its first home game of the season to Hofstra on Tuesday afternoon, 19-9.
Senior Joe Madsen led the Johnnies (3-4) with three goals, including his 100th career tally in the first quarter, becoming the fourth player in program history to reach the plateau. This week's BIG EAST Midfielder of the Week Mike Madsen finished with two goals in the losing effort.
Matt Oehl, Dylan Willis and Ryan Schaeffer each recorded a goal and an assist while Jonathan Huber added one tally to round out the Red Storm's scoring.
Junior Gavin Catalano made his first appearance of the season when starting goalkeeper Brody Agres was replaced at the start of the second half. Catalano recorded eight of the team's 13 saves on the afternoon.
Freshman faceoff specialist Jonathan Dugenio failed to claim double-digit faceoff wins for the first time this season, winning only 8 of his 26 attempts from the X. Senior Colin Bosak secured two of his season-high six faceoff attempts in the loss.
Hofstra (4-3) was led by senior Ryan Tierney who led his team with seven points (4g, 3a). Whit Stopak also scored four goals and provided two assists in Hofstra's road victory. Colton Rudd and Justin Sykes also finished with three goals. The two Pride goalkeepers, Bobby Casey and Mac Gates, collectively saved 14 shots in the winning effort.
Hofstra outshot the Red Storm 46-34 and caused five of St. John's 14 turnovers. The Johnnies finished the game 1-for-1 in extra-man opportunities and cleared 14 of their 15 opportunities. The Red Storm and Pride each turned the ball over 14 times while Hofstra won the groundball battle 33-24.
The Pride jumped out to an early 5-0 lead to start the contest behind goals from Ryan Tierney (twice), Colton Rudd, Justin Sykes, and Sterlyn Ardrey. Joe Madsen's 100th career tally put the Red Storm on the board at the 3:49 mark. Huber closed the opening frame with his 11th goal of the season off an assist from Dugenio.
Trailing 5-2 at the start of the second quarter, St. John's cut the deficit to two goals behind Joe Madsen's second goal of the game. With the score at 5-3 with 12:58 left in the half, the Pride rattled off eight consecutive goals to close out the second frame and take a 13-3 lead into the break. Stopak would go on to score three of his four tallies in the scoring run, while Ardrey (two goals), Tierney, Kyle Steinbach, and Riley Forte added tallies to extend the scoring margin to 10.
Schaeffer and Oehl would score the first two goals of the third frame to cut into the Pride's advantage and make it a 13-5 game. Hofstra's Stopak and Rudd would respond with two goals within a minute of each other to climb their team's lead back to double digits with 10:33 left in the period.
Both teams would go on to fire four goals each to close out the game. Mike Madsen went on two score his two goals, unassisted, while his brother Joe capped off his hat trick with a goal with just under four minutes left to play. Willis registered his lone tally of the afternoon mid-way into the fourth quarter, ascending his season total to seven.
The Red Storm returns to action this Saturday, March 14, when Head Coach Jason Miller's squad ventures to Hanover, N.H., to square off with Dartmouth.
@CBLaxers Girls' Recruit: Northern High School (MD) 2021 Attack Natalie Williams of Pure Lacrosse has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Frostburg State University.
High School: Northern High School (North Beach, MD) Grad Year: 2021 Positions: Attack College Committed to: Frostburg State University Club Team: Pure Lacrosse Lacrosse Honors: JV Field Hockey and Lacrosse Captain, 2 years on varsity Academic Honors: High Honors, Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Award, Future Business Leaders of America (national level of competition), Key Club, Spirit Club, Why did you choose Frostburg State University, Women's D3? "I chose Frostburg because it reminded me of home and I really enjoyed the atmosphere within the community." Is there anything else you would like to share? "Special thank you to all of the coaches who’ve gotten me to where I am today and to my family/friends for the constant love and support (especially my mom!)"
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Natalie Williams on her commitment to Frostburg State University. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Girls' Recruit: St. Anthony’s High School (NY) 2021 Midfield, Draw Julia Rizzo of Team Elevate Lax has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at George Mason University.
High School: St. Anthony’s High School (South Huntington, NY) Grad Year: 2021 Positions: Midfield, Draw College Committed to: George Mason University Club Team: Team Elevate Lax Lacrosse Honors: JVA Captain for sophomore year Academic Honors: Honor Roll, St. Bonaventure Award recipient (94.5% yearly average), National Honor Society and Math Honor Society Member
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Julia Rizzo on her commitment to George Mason University. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Girls' Recruit: Bishop Eustace Prep (NJ) 2021 Goalie Megan Carter of South Jersey Devils Lacrosse has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.
High School: Bishop Eustace Prep (Atco, NJ) Grad Year: 2021 Position: Goalie College Committed to: Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Club Team: South Jersey Devils Lacrosse Lacrosse Honors: 2nd Team All conference Academic Honors: Honor Roll Expected Major: Health Professions Why did you choose Bloomsburg University of Penn., Women's D2? "The awesome connection, great academics, and family feel." Is there anything else you would like to share? "Thank you to my parents, friends, and coaches that helped me get to this point." What other college did you consider? "Millersville University"
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Megan Carter on her commitment to Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
The Syracuse University signee has been the leader of the team upon her arrival as an eighth grader in 2016 and through her hard work on and off the field, she became the top 3rd overall defender in the country. Her 'blue collar' mentality which was instilled upon her by helping out the family business has taught her so much including teamwork and leadership and that is why her teammates, coaches and peers all respect her. Goodale is a 2x Captain who has already accomplished so much but she much rather help her team in all major facets. For two consecutive seasons, Katie has joined the 30-30-30 club in ground balls, draws and caused turnovers. This year, she is looking to help her team get over the hump of making back-to-back Semi-Final appearances and the trajectory the team been going ever since her arrival, with Goodale as the anchor to a strong team, I certainly wouldn't bet against her.
See below to get a closer look at the 2x All County selection:
Q&A w/ Katie Goodale
Back Of The CAGE (BOTC): Unlike your young Field Hockey team that you helped bring back to the playoffs, your Blue Waves are a senior-laden team with almost every major contributor from last year’s team. With last year's team having a successful year making it back to the Suffolk Class A Semi-Finals, what are your expectations for the team this year and what individual goals do you have for yourself? Katie Goodale (KG): For the past two years we have made it to the semifinal round of the playoffs, in 2018 losing to Northport and in 2019 losing to Middle Country. As a team I believe our expectations are very high a lot of people are looking at us to make it to the County finals and more. My expectations along with my teammates is for our team to make it to the County Finals, and progress further as we have a very talented team. Individually, the goal I set for myself this season is to be a great leader and captain, this is important to me as I am in a position that my teammates look up to, I want to set a good example to follow.
BOTC: You have been the anchor of the defense with your work ethic & merit as evident from the accolades that you have earned (listed below) but you also have a key intangible asset which is being a leader. How does it feel to be voted a Captain by your peers and coach? (KG): I feel very grateful and honored that my coaches and teammates think of me in such a way. After being named a captain last year, for this year I have more of an understanding of what I need to bring to this team in order to help lead us in the right direction. Luckily, I have a great set of teammates who I can also look to for help and support me.
BOTC: I see that your parents are the owners of Goodale Farms and it has been in the family since the mid 1800’s. Do you help out at all with the family business? (KG): Yes, I actually help out a lot on the farm. To me it has taught some of the greatest life lessons I know, for example, learning the value of hard work and a strong work ethic, being on a farm you must do a lot to take care of it if you want it be successful, like in lacrosse if you want your team to be successful or want to become a better player you must work for it. I also want to become a veterinarian in the future and to many this isn’t a surprise considering I have many farm animals.
BOTC: So far, what is your most memorable moment over the past 5 seasons? (KG): Over the past five seasons I would say the most memorable moment was making the first ever playoff appearance Riverhead had ever seen. My 8th grade year, we were one win shy of making playoffs being the 12th seed as seeds 1-11 make it to playoffs. The next year, my freshman year, I think we all came back with a chip on our shoulders and worked hard to accomplish the goal of making playoffs, and we not only did that but we won our first ever playoff game. That is a moment I will never forget.
BOTC: What is your favorite quote or saying from Coach King? (KG): Coach King has given the team many quotes and sayings over the past five years in order to motivate our team. This year though one of the sayings is special as it impacts our community in Riverhead. The saying is “Spread Awareness, Raise Funds and Fight with Riverhead Lacrosse” which is part of a campaign called “Blue Waves Give Back in 2020”. It was created to raise awareness and funds for different foundations and people within our community at every home game. This saying means a lot to our team as each home game is to honor people from our community. It is a reminder that we are playing for something bigger and for the people in our community. On our instagram page @RGVLax, you can learn more about the campaign.
BOTC: As one of the nation’s best defenders, why did you choose Syracuse University and what other schools were you considering? (KG): I chose Syracuse for many reasons. One of them being the atmosphere and culture surrounding them. The coaches and the whole team have a competitive nature and grit, which I love about them. I myself am very competitive and I think having that in common with Coach Gait and the rest of the team allows me to fit in. Academically I believe this is a school where I can excel in and graduate from with a good push into my future. Lastly, the team just feels like a home, the coaches here care so much for the players and being six hours away from home that was very important during my decision.
BOTC: Are you superstitious and do you have any pregame rituals? (KG): I am actually not superstitious at all. I know a lot of athletes are and have rituals they have to do before every game but for myself my pregame routine always varies and is never something I have to do.
BOTC: What’s on your playlist before games? (KG): During the season we come together as a team and make a playlist that we can warmup to either on the bus or on the field. Usually it has a lot of throwbacks, rap and upbeat dance music we can just get hype to for the game.
Rapid Fire Q & A's:
Favorite Food? Ice Pops
Favorite Movie? It's a Wonderful Life
Favorite Sports Team? New York Yankees
Favorite Athlete? Derek Deter
See some of Katie Goodale's career Athletic Accomplishments below: Lacrosse; #13 Ranked Senior (BOTC), #3 Ranked Defender in the Country (IL), 5x Varsity Starter ('16-'20), 2x Captain (2019-'20), 2x All County (2018 & 2019), 1st Team All BOTC (2019), 4th Team All State (2019), UA All American (2019), All Division (2017), All-Tournament (2017), Division I All Rookie Team (2016) | Field Hockey; 5x Varsity Starter, 2x All County (2018 & 2019), All Tournament (2018), HM All County (2017), All Conference (2016)
Check BackOfTheCAGE.com to meet Hugh Kelleher from MacArthur High School.
