Senior leadership is an important part to any winning team. That’s where senior attack Jacky McDermott of the Cavaliers women’s lacrosse team comes in.
One of four seniors on the Lady Cavs in 2012, McDermott is looking to improve on a strong career with Cabrini, which includes two CSAC championships.
Hailing from Secane, Pa., McDermott has been a fixture of the past four Cabrini teams, posting 72 career points entering the 2012 season. Still, McDermott’s focus is getting her teammates opportunities to score.
“I’m very unselfish,” McDermott said. “I like to assist my players instead of shooting the ball. I like to help my team out before I help myself out.”
Having played lacrosse since second grade, McDermott wants to keep the sport in her future by coaching but also has other goals at Cabrini. She is an elementary and early childhood education major and wants to have a career working with children.
As a freshman, McDermott posted a career-high 24 goals and 32 points in 17 games in the 2009 season. Last season, she scored 10 goals and added 15 assists for a total of 25 points in 12 games.
As a senior member of the women’s lacrosse team, McDermott’s teammates look to her for leadership. With McDermott entering her final season, her teammates are trying to prepare for what games will be like after she graduates.
“She’s one of the best influences we’ve had,” sophomore defenseman Ali May said. “It’s going to be really hard not having her next year. I’m not looking forward to that at all.”
McDermott enjoys time with her friends and teammates off the field during her free time. But whether it’s on or off the field, McDermott values her teammates. Providing an encouraging lift to her teammates, no matter what the game situation may be, is just another one of McDermott’s best qualities.
“She really helps all of the freshmen out,” sophomore attack Kellie Manoppello said. “She wants everyone to succeed and do their best. Even when they’re not having their best game, she’ll try to pick you up and get you to do what you need to do.”
After being part of two championship games in her freshman and sophomore seasons, McDermott has hopes of returning to another title game after an early exit in the CSAC playoffs in her junior year last season. The Lady Cavs lost to Gwynedd-Mercy College in the CSAC semifinal last season.
“We’re trying to get back to the championship,” McDermott said. “We won in my freshman and sophomore year, so hopefully we can get back out there and get that championship back.”
Three games into the 2012 season, McDermott has one goal and one assist. The Lady Cavs are 2-2 so far this season.
McDermott said she has enjoyed her time playing for Cabrini and says that the best part of playing here is her teammates. Having left a great influence on her teammates, she has loved being able to make such great friends on the team during her career.
“All the girls on my team the past four years have all been my best friends,” McDermott said. “It’s an awesome experience. We always have good girls and it’s always so much fun.”
