By Chris Goldberg
TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 7/12/13
Queensbury (N.Y.) rising junior midfielder Mary Rahal has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at Syracuse University.
Mary Rahal ledger:
High school: Queensbury High School, N.Y. (north of Albany)
Year of graduation: 2015
Position: Midfield
College choice: Syracuse University
Club affiliation: ADK 15
Lacrosse honors: 2013 Under Armour Elite Star (Upstate NY); 2013 MVP Syracuse Nike Cup Camp; 2013 Spartan Award; Named to the 2013 Times Union All Star First Team after earning second team honors in 2012; 2x WDNT National School Girls team (Adirondack Region) ; 2x Scholar Athlete Award; 2013 Times Union Athlete to watch; 2013 Elite 120 Invite; Featured by Inside Lacrosse and Lacrosse Recruits – Jan 2013; 2x Foothills Council All Star First Team and 2011 Honorable Mention; 2012 Lake Placid Summer Lacrosse Classic Champions (Star Riders); Selected to the 2012 Maximum Exposure & Nike Top of the Class All Star Team; NYS Section 2 Class B Finalist 2013, 2011; NYS Section 2 Class B Champions 2012; Second varsity Leading scorer 2013; Leading varsity scorer & second leader in assist-2012; Duke Winter Camp team Champions-2011; Brine National Middle School All-American (LI region); Lax by the Lake Tournament MVP for Championship game-2009; Guilderland Youth Lacrosse Jamboree MVP-2009; Varsity starter since 8th grade.
Academic honors: Honor Roll, and Principal’s list. Volunteer Volleyball and lacrosse coach.
Intended major: Communications, coaching
Why did you choose Syracuse? “I chose Syracuse not only because of their consistency in being successful with their lacrosse seasons and careers, but because of the love for the sport each and every player and coach put into it. Coach Gait, Thorpe and Rowan are amazing, and they don’t coach their players like a team, they coach them like a family. Every time I visited the school I felt so comfortable and there wasn’t a single soul that wasn’t welcoming. The coaching staff and players know when to have fun and when to be serious. Also, the academics at SU are just what I’m looking for. I’m looking to study communications and it just so happens to be that they are one of the top schools for that major. Another reason for my decision was that it’s a very convenient location for my family and I; it’s close enough for them to come watch my games and I love to have my family at my games! They’re my number one fans and that’s where I get all my support from. These are all important factors to me and why I chose Syracuse.”
Looking back at 2013 and ahead to 2014: “This past high school lacrosse season was great. Actually it was one of my best. We had a new coach this year so things were different, but a good different. Bill White, our coach this past season, pushed us to success each and every practice. Everyone respected him and knew how much he cared for us as a team and I think that is why we accomplished so much this season. Of course we weren’t the strongest team out there, but we were definitely one of the toughest. When our game was on we were unstoppable, truth is, I’d be scared sometimes for the other team that would be playing us. Our team chemistry was amazing, we all meshed together so well. We would always have our teammates’ backs. Trusting your teammates is crucial in the game of lacrosse, but that wasn’t an issue my Queensbury High School team had this season. With trust we can accomplish the impossible. This season we were undefeated but unfortunately lost our sectional final game but went with a record of 16-1. I’m so proud of my team and couldn’t be any happier.
“Next year I have high expectations for my team and would like to make it to Cortland. I look forward to us to be even more powerful than we were last season, especially mentally and physically tougher. We need to always go 110% on everything, ground balls, passes, catches, hustle, and draw controls. I think it’s important that we focus next year on attack but primarily on defense and transition. Defense wins games, and a solid transition is what separates a good team from great team. I can’t wait to see what the 2014 season has in stock for us Queensbury Spartans.”
Thank You: “I would like to give a big thank you to my high school coach, Bill White, and my ADK club coach Andrea Duffy (Siena head coach). They really are the reason that I am where I am today with lacrosse. I couldn’t have accomplished what I did without them, they’d always motivate me to keep accelerating with my lacrosse I.Q., skills, conditioning, and stick work. Also I couldn’t have done it without Rita Hawkins (previous high school coach) too. Her love for the game inspired me to love it as much as I do right now.
“Lastly, I would like to thank my two favorite people in the whole world; without these two people I wouldn’t be here right now. So thank you mom and dad, you both have inspired and supported me through it all! My goals wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for both of you. I’m blessed to have two great supportive parents and wouldn’t want it any other way, love you both!”
Other schools considered: “I considered UNC, Loyola, Florida, & Boston University. These colleges have good academics and competitive lacrosse programs as well, but Syracuse just felt right for me.”
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