Comerford fights through adversity to be a key leader

Adversity is something that most athletes have to overcome at some point in their careers. Whether it is something they can control or not, obstacles will always stand in the way of success. Few athletes have faced as much as Maria Comerford has over the last few years.

As was the case for the rest of the world, the COVID pandemic had a huge impact on everyone’s life, and for Comerford that meant that the majority of her senior season in high school and freshman season in college were wiped away. Then, just as she was ready to make an impact as a sophomore, a hip injury forced her to miss another year of action.

Once healthy again as a junior, Comerford stepped up and played a huge role for the Crusaders on defense. She started all 18 games in 2023, leading the team with 30 ground balls and tying for the team-lead with 16 caused turnovers, while helping the team to its first Patriot League Tournament appearance since 2018. 

“After missing my sophomore year, I was really determined to get back and play at full force,” Comerford said. “And to be able to do that and to make the Patriot League Tournament for the first time in a few years, it was a good feeling and a nice accomplishment.”

After being such a key part of the team’s success, Comerford was selected to serve as one of the team’s captains this year, along with Lauren Drillock and Kelsey Minister. She has enjoyed her role as one of Holy Cross’ leaders both on and off the field.

“I always say that I’m a person of few words, in the sense that when I want to say something I want it to be impactful and for people to hear it,” said Comerford. “I’m also more of a one-on-one type of person. In my role as a captain, I’ve been able to develop a personal relationship with each and every one of my teammates, and that is very valuable.”

The 2024 season started strong for Comerford, as she picked up six ground balls and three caused turnovers in the first four games of the year. But on Feb. 24, adversity came knocking once again as she suffered a season-ending knee injury during the Crusaders’ victory at New Hampshire. Even though she will no longer be on the field during games, Comerford has kept a positive attitude.

“It has been great to have people around who support and care about me, and caring about them is more important than anything,” Comerford said. “You just need to control what you can and help yourself get better. There is always something on the other side to look forward to, and you just need to stay positive.”

Comerford has also remained strong in her role as a leader and captain for Holy Cross.

“Just because you’re not on the field, it doesn’t mean what you are seeing is any less valuable,” Comerford said. “Having the playing experience and also the power of observation can help you see things that players might not otherwise see. And being a captain, you are able to really have people listen and understand what you are saying and take it at face value.”

Even with everything she has had to overcome athletically, Comerford has remained strong in the classroom. A three-time selection to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll, she is set to graduate in May with a degree in political science. After doing an internship in compliance last summer, Comerford looks to attend law school in the future. But for now she remains focused on helping the Crusaders succeed for the rest of the 2024 campaign.

“Now more than ever, I’m appreciative of how close our team is,” Comerford said. “We have been very successful so far this season, and we are looking to remain positive about each other and the way we are playing. We believe in what we can do, and there is never a doubt in our minds that we are going to be successful.”

'SADER SHORTS

• Holy Cross returns to action on Saturday, March 23, when it plays host to Bucknell at 1 p.m. The Crusaders stand 16-16 all-time against the Bison.
• Following the Bucknell game, Holy Cross will head to American on March 30 at 12 p.m. The Crusaders own an all-time record of 14-9 against the Eagles.
• Holy Cross’ current six game-winning streak is tied for the second-longest in school history, behind only the 1980 team that won 11 straight games. 

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