Meet First-year Defender Emily Ackerman

Name: Emily Ackerman
Class: 2012
Hometown: Malvern, PA
High School:

Conestoga High School
Uniform: 23
Potential Major:

Really really undecided
Favorite Food:

Wawa Italian hoagie
Favorite Color: Pink

What led you to attend and play lacrosse at W&L?
-My mom made me give up going to the shore with my friends to go on college visits. At first I was furious, but the moment I set foot on campus I fell in love with the school. I attended a little bit of the V.I.P. lacrosse camp and talked to Brooke about the lax program and I knew it was where I wanted to be.

So far, what’s been the best part of being a Generals lacrosse player?
-Just getting to know all the girls! From the very beginning the upperclassmen were incredibly welcoming. Everyone is so friendly and fun!

What has the best food been so far at the elaborate post-game tailgates?

-I love the taco dip! I always go back for seconds and sometimes thirds. It’s also really nice to get fresh berries. I always look forward to the tailgates because they are the best meal I have all week.

Besides lacrosse, what it your favorite activity you have done on campus?

-I did a pre-orientation trip to Greensboro and I ended up meeting some of my closest friends at W&L. It was also really fulfilling giving up some of my summer to help others. Plus Kelsi was one of my trip leaders and she was awesome!

What is your favorite book? Why?
-The entire Harry Potter series. I try and re-read it at least five times a year. If I had to choose just one it would be Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I cry like a baby every time Dumbledore dies!

What was the last movie you watched?
-Titanic. It’s been one of my favorite movies since I was in like second or third grade. My parents let me see it in theaters which was a huuuge deal for me. Afterwards I was convinced I was going to marry Leonardo Dicaprio. I still haven’t given up hope.

Do you have any exciting plans for the upcoming summer?
-Sadly no. My parents will probably make me get a job and when I’m not working I’ll either be golfing or sleeping.

Any other fun facts about yourself you’d like to share?
-I like to golf and I am a proud Slytherin (according to my fellow first years). They’ve got a bad rep, but I think it’s just because people are jealous.

Meet First-year Midfielder Madison McKaig

Name: Maddie McKaig
Class: 2012
Hometown: Annapolis, MD
High School: Annapolis High
Uniform: 18
Potential Major: Business
Favorite Food: Grilled chicken with honey mustard!!
Favorite Color: Blue




What led you to attend and play lacrosse at W&L?
-I was actually a little skeptical about coming here because of the small size. I knew that W&L had a great academic reputation and the D-III lacrosse program was exactly what I was looking for, so I decided to go for it. Once I got here, I fell in love with it. I really lucked out having interesting classes, a great roommate, and such a close team.

So far, what’s been the best part of being a Generals lacrosse player?
-The best part is definitely the team. We have such a great group of girls who are really hardworking and fun. I always look forward to going to practice and seeing everyone.

What has the best food been so far at the elaborate post-game tailgates?
-Everything at the Scotland game tailgate was amazing, but I think my favorite was the cup of dirt dessert.

Besides lacrosse, what it your favorite activity you have done on campus?
-I really love just hanging out with my friends. We have so much fun just sitting in D-Hall eating and playing Would You Rather.

What is your favorite book? Why?
-I love Harry Potter! I reread them all the time when I’m at home.

What was the last movie you watched?
-Twilight. It may be true that my pullout couch buddy, Alli, and I ordered it in our hotel room in Florida.

Do you have any exciting plans for the upcoming summer?
-I’ll be working a lot, but I’m really looking forward to visiting college friends, vacationing in New Hampshire, and working the lax camp here.

Any other fun facts about yourself you’d like to share?
-I like to travel and really want to study abroad. I am a proud Hufflepuff!

Meet First-year Goalie Jennifer Linder

Name:

Jennifer Caroline Linder
Class: 2012
Hometown: Moorestown, New Jersey
High School: Moorestown High School
Uniform: 73
Potential Major: Biology
Favorite Food: Quesadillas
Favorite Color: Red

What led you to attend and play lacrosse at W&L?
-My goalie trainer back home told me about this school and when I came for my visit, I fell in love with the area and the history, and the academics are great.

So far, what’s been the best part of being a Generals lacrosse player?
-How the team hangs out outside of practice. There are so many days when all of the freshman eat dinner in DHall together for an hour.

In your opinion, what has the best food been so far at the elaborate post-game tailgates?
-I love the bowl of fresh berries which has been there every time so far.

Besides lacrosse, what it your favorite activity you have done on campus?
-I have been attending RUF (Reformed University Fellowship) since October, and I love being part of that group.

What is your favorite book? Why?
-Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. It is kind of stereotypical, but I love the strength of Elizabeth Bennet. The Harry Potter series as a whole tie for first though because they are just amazing.

What was the last movie you watched?
-White Chicks-it is one of my favorite comedies, and I was just trying to relax the night before the F&M game.

Do you have any exciting plans for the upcoming summer?
-No, though I plan on getting my EMT certification so I can work as an EMT.

Any other fun facts about yourself you’d like to share?
-My favorite quote is "The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for." -Allan K. Chalmers

Generals Celebrate Friends of Jaclyn Week with Teammate Maggie

The Washington and Lee women’s lacrosse program joined teams across the country in celebrating ‘Women’s Lacrosse Friends of Jaclyn Week’ as they played in honor and support of the Friends of Jaclyn (FOJ) Foundation on Saturday at Watt field. Even more exciting than the hard-fought contest against the Dips of F&M, was the fact that the Generals' FOJ teammate, Maggie, helped cheer the team on as their guest of honor. Maggie is a very special part of the Generals team; the team loves seeing her contagious smile and spirit on the sidelines at games!

The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization, whose goal is to improve the quality of life for children suffering from pediatric brain tumors and additionally help fund research. The FOJ Foundation matches children, based on geographic location, with college or high school sports teams. Once a match has been made, there is a ceremonial adoption, and then the child is instantly surrounded by 20-30 friends and a loving support network.

The Foundation was created after the Northwestern women’s lacrosse team formed a relationship with Jaclyn Murphy, an 11 year-old who was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in March 2004. Jaclyn’s extended family of the Wildcats produced a group of “older sisters” helping her as she continually battles her illness; in turn, Jaclyn has enhanced the team through her contagious joy of life, courage, strength, and relentless spirit.

During the game, the Generals held a raffle of Generals women’s lacrosse gear and passed a donation box in the stands which raised over $200 to benefit the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation.

For more information about the Foundation or to make donations online, please visit http://www.friendsofjaclyn.org/.

2008 Grads Christine Bender & Kat Michaels Spend Ski Season in Aspen

-What made you decide to take this post-graduation tour out West?
Bender: I couldn't think of a better thing to do with my life. And because one of my favorite roomies was going, I thought why not. It has been one of the best decisions I have ever made (aside from playing lax at W&L). I absolutely love Aspen and am already planning on returning for the summer and probably another winter season.
Kat: I had always wanted to come to Aspen, since my sisters had come out here. It is the best place ever.

-What exactly are you doing?

B: I was working for Powder Pandas at Buttermilk Mountain, teaching 3-6 year-olds how to ski. I also worked at Incline, a ski shop in Snowmass. However, I just got back to Maine and have started my job at Bates...coaching with Brett.
K: Working as a ski professional (meaning ski instructor). I just passed my level 1 certification.
also I am working a a ski rental place called incline ski shop in Snowmass as a cashier/sometimes techie. I baby sit a good deal and I am going to start a lacrosse clinic and camp this spring with Aspen kids.

-What's the coolest thing you've done since arriving there?
B: Obviously being able to ski just about any day was incredible. Some of the highlights were skiing the Highland Bowl, learning to snowboard, our ridiculous Vail trip and having fun people visit! (see picture below of visiting teammate Sarah Tilbor)
K: Watching Bender and Wes and their shenanigans in the streets of Vail!!!!
-What do you miss most about W&L?
B: All things lax. Utah.
K: Utah and the lax team and games. I'm so sad. I am trying to put together a Vail shoot out team this summer.

-Anything you want to say to your former Lax teammates?
B: Love life and don't take it too seriously. Enjoy college (it's awesome) but this just might be better. Come visit us and you'll understand. Good luck with your season!!!
K: Don't get real jobs!!! You would be putting yourself through horrible agony and punishment for no reason. Come out west where ever you think is best for you!!!