Two sport athlete credits coach

Kelly Wayland

Senior Maureen McQuade is known by many for her athletic abilities. McQuade plays both field hockey and lacrosse, just two sports that she had played throughout high school. A graduate of Ridley High School, McQuade could also be found on the basketball court or cheering on her peers.

McQuade was looking into many other universities such as Shippensburg, Penn State, Ursinus, Widener, and Virginia Wesley that she turned away because of Cabrini coach Jackie Neary. A four-year starter for both sports, McQuade gives much credit to Neary’s guidance as part of her success.

“She’s almost like my hero,” said McQuade. However, this inspiration came about through rough times. McQuade recalls when Neary was diagnosed with cancer yet still fulfilled her roll as a coach. “She fought so hard for herself and was still dedicated to us,” says McQuade.

McQuade is nothing short of dedicated to her athletics. “She’s powerful and makes a statement when she plays,” teammate and co-captain Anne Dougherty said, “she has the heart of a Cavalier.” This is reflected in her performance on the field. In the 2002 field hockey season, McQuade finished with six goals and led the team with 37 shots.

McQuade is usually a back, but her versatility has had her playing everywhere but goal this season. For the past three years she has played in the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference or PAC, which is comprised of small, private 4-year colleges in eastern Pennsylvania. She also speaks highly of her teammates ability as well.

“We only lost two seniors, we have a strong team. We also have a strong bench,” McQuade said.

Although the field hockey season ends in November, it will not be long before McQuade is back on the field for the lacrosse season. McQuade plays defensive wing and is confident in the team this year.

“We’re succeeding more. We only lost three seniors, we have the same team and most of our starters are back,” McQuade said. McQuade also commented on the strength of the new players on the team and the potential for a good season.

As a freshman, McQuade received rookie of the year and has been in the National Collegiate Athletic Association or the NCAA for the past three years. The NCAA is made up of about 1,200 colleges, universities, sports organizations, and athletic conferences such as the PAC. Since 1998 Cabrini has been the PAC champions and McQuade predicts that this year the PAC league will go far.

“We have a lot more talent,” McQuade said.

Posted to the Web by: Toccara Buckley