Player Spotlight - Sophomore Wilton Megargel

Name: Wilton Megargel
Class: 2011
Hometown: Charlottesville, VA
High School: St. Anne’s-Belfield
Uniform #: 9
Majors: Spanish, Business
Favorite Color: Yellow
Favorite Food: Honey

What led you to attend and play lacrosse at W&L?
-I always juggled the idea of playing lacrosse in college and knew that if I played I was going to play at a DIII school. W&L was actually an afterthought in my applying stage-I’m pretty sure I sent my application supplement in minutes before it was due. I then visited in February and watched a game and really liked the girls on the team and the fact that everyone I talked to loved the school and was so enthusiastic. I fell for the school spirit factor.

How did you spend this past summer?
-I lived on a ranch in Wyoming. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had and made some really great friends and the first time I was out west. I was able to live in a beautiful setting, hike a lot and see tons of wildlife and also travel around to Vail, Denver and Steamboat too! I definitely would recommend it to anyone.

What is the best class you have taken so far at W&L? Why?
-I really like my Spanish class that I took last spring term. It was about Spanish movies and for our “final” we had to remake scenes from a film we had watched in class-the best exam I’ve ever taken!

What is your favorite non-lax activity at W&L?
-Well, right now it’s probably walking around or driving around through the country to see all the pretty fall colors and enjoy the weather. During the holidays, I really like to decorate my room with lots of lights to make a winter wonderland.

What is your favorite Lexington Restaurant? Why?
-My favorite Lexington Restaurant is probably Lexington Restaurant! I love the cheese grits there and the homey feeling of the restaurant.

Best W&L lax memory?
-Winning ODACs or beating Middlebury last year.

What does W&L lax mean to you?
-W&L lax is a big group of best friends who all like to compete and have fun. I love seeing everyone in the afternoon at practice.

What was the last book you read for pleasure?
-The last book I read for pleasure was Something Blue a book about two girls who are best friends and get in a fight and how they get married and have babies. If you like girly books you can probably read it in about a day.

Any other fun facts about yourself you’d like to share?
-I have a quarter collection in my room. I am only missing Hawaii and Illinois state quarters. So, if you see them in your wallet, you know who to give them to!! (but really…)

Player Spotlight - Sophomore Kate Donnelly

Name: Kate Donnelly
Class: Sophomore 2011
Hometown: Houston, TX
High School: St. John’s School
Uniform #: 2
Majors: Psychology or Accounting
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Food: Tex Mex

What led you to attend and play lacrosse at W&L?
-I wanted to play lacrosse at a high level on a skilled team, but also wanted to be able to get a great education and be able to continue my other hobbies and passions (like field hockey) as well. I came to visit W&L, stayed with a lacrosse player, watched a lacrosse game, and left knowing that W&L was the place for me. Everyone around the campus was extremely warming and friendly, everyone seemed to be having a great time, and the lacrosse team seemed so tight nit and special. I just knew I wanted to be a part of it.

How did you spend this past summer?
-I worked as a camp counselor at Crossroads for Kids’ Camp Wing this summer. It is a summer camp located in Duxbury, Massachusetts for “at risk” inner-city Boston kids. I absolutely LOVED it. I felt like a 12 year old again!

What is the best class you have taken so far at W&L? Why?
-The best class I have taken is by far Poverty and Human Capabilities 101 with Harlan Beckley. It was a hard class with a lot of reading, but I learned so much in the class and I really got to know the professor. It was a seminar with 12 students so it was mainly discussion based. I still go to visit professor Beckley all the time too. I think that the professor has a huge effect on whether or not you like a class.

What is your favorite non-lax activity at W&L?
-Probably Field Hockey! But my favorite non-sport activity is working at the Mountain View Elementary on Friday mornings. It’s nice to get off campus a little and hang out with the cute preschoolers.

What is your favorite Lexington Restaurant? Why?
-D-Hall obviously…JK! I LOVE the Southern Inn bacon cheese burgers. They are by far the best in town. Southern Inn also has a great atmosphere and everything I’ve had on the menu is great.

Best W&L lax memory?
-Oh, that’s a tough question. There are so many great memories! Beating Middlebury last year by 6 goals was pretty amazing. We had worked so hard for that game and we really came together. It was awesome!

What does W&L lax mean to you?
-W&L lax is a chance to work hard and accomplish your goals, to be coached by great coaches, to play a sport you absolutely love, and to befriend a truly fun, hilarious, tight knit, and overall amazing group of teammates.

What was the last book you read for pleasure?
-I just started reading Harry Potter 6. I know I know, I’m a little behind, but I definitely will finish it before the movie comes out. It’s great so far!

Any other fun facts about yourself you’d like to share?
-I’m the only Texan on the team (yes, they have lacrosse in TX). I also play Field Hockey at W&L and love it as well. I also love to sail and used to spend my summers competing all around the east and west coasts.

Player Spotlight - Sophomore Emmy Mathews

Name: Emmy Mathews
Class: 2011
Hometown: Baltimore
High School: Bryn Mawr
Uniform #: 10
Majors: Philosophy, Business
Favorite Color: Blue

What led you to attend and play lacrosse at W&L?
-I wanted to come to a school with a challenging academic environment where I could play two sports and still have a social life. W&L was the perfect combination of these three.

How did you spend this past summer?
-I taught swimming lessons to kids from ages 4-12 in Baltimore.

What is the best class you have taken so far at W&L? Why?
-My favorite class so far is Aristotle because I love getting to know one philosopher’s work really well.

What is your favorite non-lax activity at W&L?
-Field Hockey! But besides that I like to go to the Youth Center and hang out with the kids after school.

What is your favorite Lexington Restaurant? Why?
-My favorite restaurant is the Southern Inn because everything on the menu is good and the atmosphere is comfortable.

Best W&L lax memory?
-Beating Middlebury my freshman year.

What does W&L lax mean to you?
-Lacrosse gives me a way to hang out with my best friends everyday, working together towards a bigger goal than just one person can accomplish

What was the last book you read for pleasure?
-Jane Austen’s Emma, loved it.

Any other fun facts about yourself you’d like to share?
-I write for the Trident, the student newspaper.

Alumna Kelly Evans Gives an Update of her Life in the Big Apple

Name: Kelly Evans

Graduation year: 2007

Major: Business Journalism

Hometown: Lexington, VA

What exactly are you doing?
-I’m an economics reporter at the Wall Street Journal, based at our current headquarters in downtown Manhattan, right next to Ground Zero.

What is the latest story you are working on?
-Much of what I do right now is covering breaking news and incoming economic data (which has basically gotten worse and worse since I started in June 2007), with specific attention to shifts in consumer behavior. Of course, I have been able to sneak in a lacrosse story this year as well!

What made you decide to live and work in the city?
-I always thought working at the Journal was a pipe dream or career goal – and never expected I’d have a chance to start working there right out of college. But in the fall of my senior year, at the very last second, I decided I had nothing to lose and applied for the Journal’s post-grad internship (I remember tearing my past stories straight out of old copies of The Trident and enlisting my mom’s help to get the package overnighted to NYC so I’d make the deadline!). Around the same time, I had an on-campus interview with Bloomberg and tentatively accepted their offer for a similar post-grad internship, but when I heard back from the Journal in December I knew I had to fly up for the interview. (My previous internships had been summer stints with Reuters and with Bank of America.)

When they offered me the internship, I immediately accepted. I always thought I’d go abroad after graduation and was even considering some fellowships to do so, but I couldn’t turn down this opportunity, so about 10 days after graduation in June, I began my first day on the job. Several weeks later, I was offered a full-time position with the Global Economics team, and I’m eternally grateful to work side-by-side with a phenomenally talented (and patient!) group of people. I’m also so thankful for W&L’s business journalism program, headed by the irreplaceable Prof. Luecke. People I meet up here are continually impressed to hear the school offers such a program.

What's the coolest thing you've done since arriving there?
-I have a lot of fun doing radio and especially TV interviews – it always amazes me to see what a talented team of hair and make-up people can do! It also means getting to hang out off-camera with a lot of great people – CEOs, actors, pro football players – which helps takes the edge off grueling days at work. Recently I went and helped judge dance team tryouts for the New York Titans – the pro indoor lacrosse team with players like Casey Powell, who I grew up watching. But I try to keep the fun stuff for nights and weekends, so it’s not too much of a distraction.

What do you miss about W&L?
-Well, as Jan and RBarr know, I was pretty stressed out by the end of senior year and ready to graduate! But now, there’s so much I miss – W&L is such a beautiful place, and it was so much fun being there two years with my sister Colleen, and having my family be nearby and able to catch most of our lacrosse games. The great thing about living in New York City now is there are tons of alums up there with me – so I get to see my former teammates Karina, Maggie, Lane and lots of other non-lacrosse people. I love when I get emails or text messages from past professors or classmates or just people I know who have read my articles or seen me on TV – that’s the best thing about W&L, is the sense of community that you have even after graduating.

Anything you want to say to your former Lax teammates?
-Keep the streak alive!! It’s harder to earn respect as a top-notch program in Virginia when historically the stronger and better-known teams are in the Northeast. But we’ve done so many great things in recent years and I’m so proud to be part of a successful franchise. Brooke: can you “accidentally” schedule more games up our way? RBarr: I’d like a care package of goodies after each tailgate. And to the rest of the team: please give Bean a hard time for me (and remember to wave hello to that creepy guy watching practice – he’s my father).

To see Kelly’s latest TV interview

CLICK HERE

Want to follow Kelly’s latest stories and videos? Log on to WSJ.com (subscription required – but there is a student rate), or check out http://blogs.wsj.com/economics (which is free).

Player Spotlight - Sophomore Katharine Farrar

Name: Katharine Farrar
Nickname: Farrar
Class: 2011
Hometown: Lexington, VA
High School: Episcopal High School (Alexandria, VA)
Uniform #: 74
Majors: Spanish/Education
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Food: Cheese grits



What led you to attend and play lacrosse at W&L?
-I grew up in Lexington but went away to boarding school for my 4 years of high school. Being away from home made W&L much more appealing to come back to and also my grandfather, uncle and dad went here so the love for W&L has been in the family for a long time.

How did you spend this past summer?
-I lived in Hilton Head with a friend for the first half of summer, worked at W&L lacrosse camp and then was a counselor at a summer camp for girls, Camp Alleghany.

What is the best class you have taken so far at W&L? Why?
-Spanish 211 – Spanish Civilization and Culture with Profesora Ruiz. Profesora Ruiz is from Spain, so being able to learn the history and culture of Spain from a native is very interesting because she grew up in that culture experienced much of what she taught us.

What is your favorite non-lax activity at W&L?
-Hanging out with my friends and going to other sporting events to support friends who take part in them.

What is your favorite Lexington Restaurant? Why?
-Lexington Restaurant is my favorite. I LOVE breakfast food and they have the best cheese grits ever. I also grew up going there with my family for breakfast sometimes so it’s a great walk down memory lane for me!

Best W&L lax memory?
-Beating Middlebury.

What does W&L lax mean to you?
-Unity, structure, team, fun, a learning experience, a time to come together with the team and work hard at something we all love.

What was the last book you read for pleasure? How was it?
-The last book I read for pleasure was Something Blue by Emily Giffin. It was awesome!!!!

Any other fun facts about yourself you’d like to share?
-I read to kindergarten students once a week and I like to bake.

Player Spotlight - Junior Julia Gotwald

Name: Julia Gotwald

Nickname: J-Got
Class: 2010
Hometown: Alexandria, VA
High School: St. Stephens and St. Agnes School
Uniform #: 16
Majors: Business Administration & Mass Communication
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Food: Peanut butter




What led you to attend and play lacrosse at W&L?
-I had attended W&L lacrosse (and soccer) camp from 4th grade until 9th grade and I loved the atmosphere and the campus

How did you spend this past summer?
-Studying in Barcelona, Spain with Cav :)

What is the best class you have taken so far at W&L? Why?
-Oceanography because I learned cool things about the earth and ocean and we did a lot of fun activities. I also took it with my friends.

What is your favorite non-lax activity at W&L?
-Watching other teams play sports and tutoring at Mountain View Elementary.

What is your favorite Lexington Restaurant? Why?
-Bistro because their house salad with the pears is so good!

Best W&L lax memory?
-Beating Middlebury.

What does W&L lax mean to you?
-It means teamwork, commitment, best friends, fun, and pushing yourself to be the best you can be.

What was the last book you read for pleasure?
-Generation Kill

Any other fun facts about yourself you’d like to share?
-I have a twin sister who plays lacrosse at Middlebury.

Player Spotlight - Junior Natalie Herndon

Name: Natalie Herndon

Nickname: Nat
Class: 2010
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
High School: Westminster
Uniform #: 11
Majors: Spanish with a minor in Latin American Caribbean Studies and a certificate in Teacher Education (a mouthful, right?)
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Food: Chick Fil-a Waffle fries and ice cream (I frequently drive to Roanoke to get them)


What led you to attend and play lacrosse at W&L?
-When I was initially applying to schools, I didn’t even know that I would be capable of playing lacrosse in college. I came from an area where there wasn’t a lot of recruiting done, and unless you’d played your entire life, you probably wouldn’t get seen. However, after my junior year, I realized that I wouldn’t want to give up playing after my senior year. W&L was the perfect place, because it was a small school that allowed me to get involved socially, academically, and athletically. I tried out for the team, and it ended up being the best decision I’ve made yet!

How did you spend this past summer?
-I coached at a couple of lacrosse camps in Atlanta, but mostly I got to see my friends from home. Almost all of my cousins got married this summer, so my family and I also spent a lot of time travelling.

What is the best class you have taken so far at W&L? Why?
-Currently, I’m taking Creative Writing with Professor Gavaler. Initially, I was nervous about taking the class because I’ve never considered myself creative, or a very good writer; however, it has provided a creative outlet and a nice break from an extremely stressful schedule.

What is your favorite non-lax activity at W&L?
-I got involved in W&L’s teaching program at the beginning of my Sophomore year, and ever since then, I’ve been teaching and tutoring at various middle schools in and around Lexington. Currently, I’m teaching at Rockbridge County middle school, and I love getting to spend time with the kids. They are just starting to learn Spanish, so it’s awesome to pass on what I’ve learned. They especially enjoy any tips or strategies to make learning a new language easier. Also, the kids are hilarious, and I end up leaving each day laughing and joking around with them.

What is your favorite Lexington Restaurant? Why?
-Well—the junior class has an attraction to Subway. I don’t know why, but I guess it’s just easy, and who doesn’t love $5 foot longs?

Best W&L lax memory?
-I think my favorite lax memory was seeing our team come together last year. As a sophomore, I could see things that I hadn’t even noticed, or even knew about my freshman year. It was really cool to see the process of everyone figuring out how we worked together best and work together in order to make one, cohesive team. It gave us the confidence to play well because we had worked so hard throughout the season.
Also the Middlebury game was AWESOME!

What does W&L lax mean to you?
-Lacrosse means so many things to me that it is absolutely impossible to describe. I can’t imagine my life without it, or without the people that I’ve become so close to because of it. Lax has also been something that has provided me with something to look forward to everyday during season. It’s a process that allows me to work hard and actually see results as the season goes on. It not only gives me the chance to make lifelong friends, but also makes me a more focused and hard working person.

What was the last book you read for pleasure?
-I read Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen recently—it was awesome and I highly recommend it!

Player Spotlight - Junior Laura Cavanaugh

Name: Laura Cavanaugh
Nickname: Cav
Class: Junior
Hometown: Pylesville, MD
High School: North Harford
Uniform #: 8
Majors: Business Administration and Studio Art
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite Food: Spaghetti




What led you to attend and play lacrosse at W&L?
-I had decided to play collegiate lacrosse before my college search, so that decision was easy. I attended W&L because it was the best place where I would have the opportunity to balance high levels of academics and lacrosse while also involving myself in social activities.

How did you spend this past summer?
-I studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain and traveled Europe for a week. The remaining part of my summer was spent at home and on vacation with family and friends.

What is the best class you have taken so far at W&L? Why?
-Art History: Renaissance to Present because of the engaging lectures and interesting subject matter.

What is your favorite non-lax activity at W&L?
-Painting, dancing with friends.

What is your favorite Lexington Restaurant? Why?
-Probably Aunt Sarah’s because of the cheap and awesome brunch.

Best W&L lax memory?
-Crushing Middlebury last year!!

What does W&L lax mean to you?
-W&L lax is a great opportunity for me to completely apply myself out of the classroom. I love being part of our awesome group of girls and upholding the responsibility of a teammate both on and off the field.

What was the last book you read for pleasure?
-No Country For Old Men by Cormac McCarthy

Any other fun facts about yourself you’d like to share?
-I love penguins and the beach.

Player Spotlight- Junior Britten Mathews

Name: Britten Mathews
Nickname: Brit
Class: Junior
Hometown: Richmond, VA
High School: Collegiate
Uniform #: 17
Majors: Business administration and accounting
Favorite Color: pink
Favorite Food: My mom’s homemade chicken squares



What led you to attend and play lacrosse at W&L?
-My dream since I was in middle school was to play lacrosse at W&L. Knowing it was a phenomenal academic university as well as a winning team was the exact combination I was looking for. I love the Lexington, small town feel as well as the tight knit community that W&L has to offer. I knew the chance to be involved academically, athletically, and socially was a once in a lifetime opportunity. What I did not realize I would gain are the true friendships I have developed with my teammates and the seasons we have shared. The opportunity to play lacrosse is a blessing I could never be more thankful for.

How did you spend this past summer?
-I studied at the London School of Economics for 6 weeks and travelled around Europe.

What is the best class you have taken so far at W&L? Why?
-Marketing- It is fascinating and I love Professor Bower. I find myself analyzing commercials and magazine ads unintentionally, based on what I have learned recently in class. It is incredibly relevant and much more interactive than just reading text books.

What is your favorite non-lax activity at W&L?
-I love taking advantage of the Lexington area with my friends. I really enjoy driving through the countryside and cooking out on fall days. I think Lexington offers an opportunity to enjoy everything that is around us.

What is your favorite Lexington Restaurant? Why?
-The Bistro on Main- I love the bread and it is such a variety of food that I always leave satisfied. Plus it has sweet tea!

Best W&L lax memory?
-Our win against Middlebury in 2008!!!!

What does W&L lax mean to you?
-W&L lacrosse to me means at team of incredible friends who I can count on both on and off the field. A team that has incredible focus and drive towards the same goals, knowing the dedication it takes to get there. W&L is a team that has a passion for both the sport and the school, with true pride in being student-athletes.

What was the last book you read for pleasure?
-I have to be honest about this one- Gossip Girl. It is a wonderful beach read!

Any other fun facts about yourself you’d like to share?
-My favorite places are the beach, my river house, and Chapel Hill, NC. I am a big UNC fan! I also have a miniature beagle named Smith after the legendary UNC basketball coach, Dean Smith.

Parents Weekend Welcomes New Lacrosse Parents as Generals

The town of Lexington was full of activity the past three days as Washington and Lee celebrated the 54th annual Parents and Family weekend. The days were highlighted by numerous sporting events, classes with your current students, luncheons, and numerous social gatherings filled with friends and family.

The lacrosse team threw a fun appetizer gathering on Saturday evening before people headed out to other various obligations and dinner reservations. The event was a great success as it was not only wonderful to catch-up with parents not seen since May, but also a great way to meet new parents and welcome them to the team!

The weather even cooperated Saturday afternoon and on into Sunday, enough so that David Robinson, father of senior tri-captain Kelsi, was able to carve a festive pumpkin for the occasion!

Captains Kelsi Robinson and Colleen Evans show off the finished product!

Junior Meredith Freeman Gives Us an Update From Vienna

1. What made you decide to study abroad in Austria?
-As a German major I really only had the choice of 3 locations (including Vienna) so the pickings were slim. Fortunately for me, as a business major also, one of the suggested programs actually WAS this program in Vienna because of the significantly wide variety of business and economics classes offered. So it was a no-brainer. Vienna it was.

2. What's the coolest thing you've done since you have arrived there?
-Well, I live in a 14 person penthouse apartment... so every day is basically the coolest day ever just because I get to wake up and eat breakfast on a terrace overlooking the entire city. I've gotten lost a few times, but tend to think I'm really cool when I can navigate the subway system and find my way home. There are a ton of open markets, and I've done some great bargaining to get all of my food to cook, but I think the coolest thing I will do abroad is coming up in 2 weeks when I go sky diving in Interlochen.

3. What's the best food you've eaten there?
-Oh my goodness, German food is SO good! A typical Viennese dish is called "pfandkuche suppe" and it is basically chopped up pancakes in chicken broth. It is random, but by far my favorite dish. That, and butter pretzels. Yuuuuummm.

4. What's the funniest thing that has happened to you?
-I tend to fall on the subway a lot. But really, I almost took out an old lady one time while I was trying to change a song on my iPod and the train took a sharp turn. I missed her head with my elbow by about 3 centimeters...

5. What is the biggest cultural difference?
-Well, all kinds of people: old, young, fat, ugly, gothic-- make out in public. All the time. And yet, I am the only one who seems to be embarrassed by that. That, and NOBODY j-walks. I got the meanest, nastiest glares from people the first 2 days I was here before I realized what I was doing wrong. There could be no cars for 4 miles, and STILL nobody would cross the street. Talk about an honor system!

6. Do most people know what lacrosse is or do you have to explain it to them?
-I have given up trying to explain lacrosse to people. Even some of the Americans in my program have no idea what lacrosse is. I've resorted to saying "I play a lot of sports". If they are interested beyond that phrase, I just say I play soccer... But there IS a girls team at the University of Vienna. I was going to try and play, but unfortunately I have class when they practice... :(

7. What do you miss most about W&L?
-The people. I miss sitting and talking at lunch with everyone and knowing what is going on at school and in the world. I feel slightly disconnected here, except for politics. Austrians have their own election coming up on September 29th, and yet all they seem to talk about is Sarah Palin and the American election. I guess we're just that interesting...

8. Anything you want to say to the laxers?
-L4L and Love the process! I can't wait to see you in this winter! I MISS YOU ALL!!!

9. Any other comments?
-I think if W&L wasn't such an amazing school, and I didn't have lacrosse to look forward to, I don't think I would ever leave; I am having SO MUCH FUN! But I would kill for a nice juicy cheeseburger and a quesadilla. They don’t seem to have any of these food over here!

P.S. The picture is where I go running everyday. It is called the Schönbrunn Palace, and it was the Hapsburgs summer palace. They have gardens and trails for miles and a long winding uphill trail that leads up to the "glorriette"--a war memorial dedicated to "just war" which leads to peace after The War of Austrian Succession and the 7 years war. I'm standing next to the Gloriette looking down at the palace in this picture. This beautiful area is about a 5 minute jog from my apartment... I love life.

Burr Datz Takes over as Coach for an Afternoon

Last Monday the Women’s Lacrosse players did something slightly different for one of their final fall-ball sessions. Washington and Lee’s director of Leadership Development, Burr Datz, put the Generals through a series of team-building exercises. The afternoon was filled with mental and physical challenges as the girls smiled and laughed while overcoming the obstacles Burr threw at them. From a hoola-hoop loop, to reprogramming a key pad, to climbing over walls, the team began to unite, welcoming their newest members. Brooke and I were thrilled at the voices we heard stepping in with ideas and contributions. I was great to see the players all work together and support each other to achieve the goals the set during the session. Hopefully the team will keep up the hard-work now that fall-ball is over and they will remember to...

FOCUS ON THE TOP!

Alumnae Face Off Against Current Players

As October begins, the excitement of homecoming invades Lexington. The campus was alive this past weekend as the team welcomed back eight former laxers to the 3rd annual Alumnae game on Saturday. The yearly event is always a fun time for past and present players to catch-up and reminisce. The fall conditions could not have been any better and the game was certainly a fun event for all Generals included.

The contest featured 2008 graduates Allison Gockley, Kat Michaels, Megan Slosson, Sarah Tilbor, and Kelly Zwart, as well as 2007 graduate Mallory Lobisser, and 2005 graduate Kristen Brown. Coaching the returning squad was 2008 graduate Christine Bender who was unable to play due to an injury. The alumnae had a great time and felt at home as they were reunited with the current players who filled out their roster. Though they inaccurately claim they won, the returning group certainly held their own after a few cobwebs were brushed off.

Unfortunately, the excitement of the Alumnae game also means the conclusion of the fall season. The four-week season has certainly snuck away from us and it’s hard to believe that this Tuesday marks the end of the sixteen sessions. Brooke and I will now eagerly await the New Year and start of our regular season in January.

The Generals Meet a New Teammate

Yesterday, the Washington and Lee Women’s lacrosse team welcomed the newest member to join their roster, Maggie Reca. Maggie is a 14-year old young woman that the Generals have adopted through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. Friends of Jaclyn is a non-profit organization that connects children with pediatric brain cancer to collegiate teams. Without knowing Maggie’s story, you would never sense the numerous surgeries, chemo treatments, and MRIs that she has endured as her smile and love of life lit up the room when she met the Generals.

The afternoon pot-luck lunch was a great event and it was thrilling to meet Maggie and her family and welcome them to our team. The Generals are as excited as the Recas for the perspective, support, and inspiration that Maggie brings as the newest member of our lacrosse family!

To see Maggie’s website or journal please visit http://www.caringbridge.org/va/maggie/index.htm

For more information about the Friends of Jaclyn foundation please visit http://www.friendsofjaclyn.org/

It's a Great Day to be a General!

With fall-ball well underway, both Brooke and I are thrilled at the prospect for the 2008-2009 Generals. The fall is always a fun time as the team gets an opportunity to tie-up their cleats and tune-up their skills for the upcoming season. For the coaches, it is not only exciting to get a glimpse of what the team may look like for the year ahead, but also it's a great way to refresh some concepts for the players to build on during the offseason. This fall, the team has arrived in excellent shape and was ready to hit the ground running (literally) on day #1. Even though we're just a week and a half into the non-traditional season, we are finding that there are many talented first-years who will certainly contribute to the success of this year’s team, as well as push the upperclassmen all-season long.

As usual, the team will culminate their fall-ball play with the annual Alumnae game to take place over Homecoming weekend. We hope that many former players will be able to make it to the October 4th game as it is always a fun time for past and present teammates to catch-up while enjoying a weekend in Lexington. The number of participants has grown every year since the inaugural October 2006 game and we are thrilled at the increase and sense of community that this event has fostered. Additionally, it is great throughout the entire season to see so many Alumnae come out to support the Generals as we travel to various parts of the country for contests.

If you are an Alumna, and have not informed us that you’ll be coming to the game, please RSVP to diamondb@wlu.edu so we have a sense of numbers and can ensure that there is enough food at the post-game tailgate!

Meet Tri-Captain Katie Flippen

Name: Katie Flippen
Class: 2009
Hometown: Norfolk, VA
High School: Norfolk Academy
Uniform #: 12
Major: Business Administration






What led you to attend and play lacrosse at W&L?
-I always knew I wanted to go to a small school somewhat close to home. Washington and Lee is a wonderful university in Virginia where I would be able to balance my academics and athletics. Playing lacrosse for W&L is exactly what I had hoped for, and I couldn’t be any more proud of my team and or any more happy as a student-athlete at W&L.

How did you spend this past summer?
-This summer I worked at SNL Financial in Charlottesville, VA. I loved the internship and gained valuable experience that was applicable to my studies. Any time I wasn’t at work, I was busy brushing up on my lacrosse skills, going to concerts, spending time at the pool and on the river with friends, bothering Colleen with phone calls, text messages, e-mails, watching the Olympics, and enjoying nights out! I made the most of my last summer before senior year.

What is the best class you have taken so far at W&L- why?
-Volleyball as a PE! I have always appreciated the strategy of volleyball and really enjoy being active. The class had me laughing all of the time. The “real” classes that I have liked the most have been Finance with Prof. Schwartz, because he made an intimidating, complex topic become very interesting and fun. I also enjoyed Business Ethics with Prof. Jackson because we always had so much to talk about- it was never boring.

What is your favorite non-lax activity?
-I love to spend any nice day outside, whether it’s walking along the river, swimming at Panther Falls, hiking House Mtn., or tubing down the Maury. When it’s not the best weather, you can bet that I’m making time for a nap!

Best W&L Lax memory?
-My best memory is the build-up and the pay-off of the last week in March of this past season. Our team worked really hard training in the winter and had an immense amount of focus throughout the season. We played three incredibly difficult games in a less than a week at the end of March, including one of our proudest moments- defeating a highly-ranked Middlebury by a large margin on our home field. Of course our pre-game, locker-room dance parties, being ODAC champions for three years, and getting our highest national ranking ever this past year are all topping my list too.

What does W&L Lax mean to you?
-Being a part of this team has been by far one of the best experiences I could have asked for in college. Not only have the team and coaches been an incredible group of friends and mentors, but this team is a perfect example of showing how hard work pays off. W&L lacrosse is something I am always proud to say that I am a part of, and I think it gives my life at W&L balance. Every day in the spring, I get to spend several hours outside with my friends playing lacrosse. It’s a time to let all of my other worries go. Lacrosse keeps me grounded and keeps everything in perspective. WOMP!!

Meet Tri-Captain Colleen Evans

Name: Colleen Evans
Class: 2009
Hometown: Lexington, VA
High School: Rockbridge County
Uniform #: 20
Majors: Journalism & Mass Communication



What led you to attend and play lacrosse at W&L?
-I started my college career at Bucknell, but after a year realized it was not the fit I was looking for. I wanted a program steeped in tradition that offered a balance between academics and athletics. W&L definitely offers all of that. It felt natural returning to W&L to play after growing up in Lexington and watching my sister play for the team. W&L has always felt like home and now being a part of a very respected program makes it all the more special.

How did you spend this past summer?
-I interned as a reporter for The Roanoke Times in Roanoke, Virginia.

What is the best class you have taken so far at W&L? Why?
-Hispanic Feminisms with Prof. Mayock. There were only three of us in the class, but it was interesting to study such a volatile region of the world with a focus on the role and development of women.

What is your favorite non-lax activity at W&L?
-The Trident newspaper. Both writing and editing. It's a lot of work, time and responsibility, but it's fun to see a finished project every week that lets me put all my training from classes to good use.

Best W&L lax memory?
-Beating Middlebury last season! The entire game was such a fun one to play from beginning to end. We connected as a team and played at such a high level for all 60 minutes. It was such a team victory!

What does W&L lax mean to you?
-For me, W&L lax means opportunity. The opportunity to do something great for the university, to help lead and bring together a group of girls who have become some of my closest friends, and the opportunity to push myself to be the best lacrosse player I can.


Check back next week for an interview with captain Katie Flippen!

Meet Tri-Captain Kelsi Robinson

Name: Kelsi Robinson
Class: 2009
Hometown: West Chester, PA
High School: Westtown Friends School
Uniform #: 4
Majors: Psychology & Spanish

What led you to attend and play lacrosse at W&L?
-To be honest, I had no idea exactly where I wanted to go to college. It all came together around May of my senior year of high school when I decided that W&L would allow me to be athletic, academic, and social all at the same time. Once I met the girls on the team, I knew I’d never regret my decision to go to W&L and play.

How did you spend this past summer?
-I was working at a summer enrichment program for kids of low income families in the DC area.

What is the best class you have taken so far at W&L – why?
-Developmental Psychology – it dealt with understanding why certain people stray from the “normal” development path. I don’t know why, but I’m always trying to figure out why people act out in weird ways and do the things they do.

What is your favorite non-lax activity at W&L?
-Probably just hanging out with my friends. Tubing down the Maury River is always a good time.

Best W&L Lax Memory?
-Beating Middlebury my junior year!!!!!

What does W&L Lax mean to you?
-Well I guess this is kind of cheesy, but the team is basically my family at W&L. Even though we have our separate friends and lives outside of lacrosse as well, we go crazy whenever we see each other. From killing time on bus trips, getting each other through rough practices, and just hanging out, I feel like I know a lot of my teammates better than anyone else on campus.

Check back in future weeks for interviews with tri-captains Colleen Evans and Katie Flippen.

2008 Team and Individual Awards

2008 ODAC Champions

All-ODAC Conference Honors:
1st Team: Colleen Evans, Britten Mathews, Kat Michaels, Kelsi Robinson, Sarah Tilbor

2nd Team: Megan Slosson

Player of the Year: Kat Michaels
Coach of the Year: Brooke Diamond

IWLCA Chesapeake Regional All-American Honors:

1st Team: Colleen Evans, Kat Michaels, Kelsi Robinson, Sarah Tilbor

2nd Team: Britten Mathews, Megan Slosson

IWLCA All-American Honors:

1st Team: Kat Michaels, Sarah Tilbor

3rd Team: Kelsi Robinson

IWLCA Positional Players of the Year:

Defender of the Year: Kat Michaels

Goalkeeper of the Year: Sarah Tilbor

Inside Lacrosse All-Americans:

Defender of the Year: Kat Michaels

Goalkeeper of the Year: Sarah Tilbor

VaSID All-State Accolades:

1st Team: Colleen Evans, Britten Mathews, Kat Michaels, Sarah Tilbor

2nd Team: Kelsi Robinson

Player of the Year: Kat Michaels

Coach of the Year: Brooke Diamond

IWLCA Academic Honor Roll Selections:

Christine Bender

Allison Gockley

Kat Michaels

Kelsi Robinson

Megan Slosson

IWLCA Academic Squad:

2008 Generals Lacrosse Team!

Welcome to the Generals' Blog!

Dear Alums, Parents and Friends,

We hope that this blog will give you the opportunity to follow our team through the journey of each year and each new season. Thank you for all of your support!