'Sader Stories: Women's Lacrosse Senior Reflections

The Holy Cross women’s lacrosse team is set to play its Senior Day game when it faces Loyola (Md.) on Saturday, April 18, at 12 p.m. Heading into that contest, we checked in with the senior members of this year’s squad to find out a little more about their time on Mount St. James. Here is what seniors Kate Burns, Lily Glance, Racheli Levy-Smith, Phoebe Matuch, Sophia Pyne and Tory Rider had to say.

What are your best memories of playing lacrosse at Holy Cross?
Racheli: My best memories at Holy Cross will definitely be the lifelong friendships I have made over the years, being able to travel to places I've never been, and experiencing moments on the field that I'll never forget. 
Kate: Two moments that stand out for me throughout my career here are beating UMass our sophomore year and playing on Fitton Field.
Lily: The little traditions and inside jokes with my teammates, and having the best fam, of course.
Sophia: Playing on Fitton Field sophomore year and running the Manchester at 6 am on Father K! 
Phoebe: My best memories of playing lacrosse at Holy Cross have been those with my teammates, both on and off the field. 
Tory: Winning against UMass our sophomore year for the first time in 15 years.
Mackenzie: Joking around with my teammates (donut challenge) and messing around in hotels on away trips (late-night Wawa).

What kind of mark do you hope to have left on the program after your career is over?
Phoebe: I hope to leave behind a culture of having fun while working hard, and to be remembered as someone who always had their teammates' backs. 
Lily: Being a loyal and reliable teammate and bringing good energy.
Tory: Leaving the program better than when I came.
Racheli: I hope that I have left something not just for myself but to my teammates and coaches. For my teammates, I hope to have left them the belief that you can do anything you set your mind to, preserving through challenges, celebrating the moments that they all share with one another, and to strive to be the best version of themselves. To my coaches, I hope to have left them knowing that they've helped me become the woman that I am today and that I am forever grateful to have been cherished by them every single day for the last four years. And to myself, I hope that I'm leaving this program giving absolutely everything that I had to offer to the best of my ability. 

What life lessons have you learned during your time on the team?
Kate: The importance of celebrating the little things and the premise that how you do one thing is how you do everything in life.
Mackenzie: To make the most of every moment with your teammates.
Racheli: I've learned to cherish every single moment and not to take it for granted. I've also learned that my normal day is someone else's dream, so do it even if I'm tired, or scared, or unmotivated, because it's a privilege to be here every day. 
Tory: The importance of teamwork and friendship.
Sophia: "Nobody Cares, Work Harder" mentality, and that waking up before 5 am is possible! 
Phoebe: I've learned the importance of resilience, hard work, and trusting the people around me. Being part of a team has taught me how to push through challenges and grow through adversity.
Lily: College goes by fast, so enjoy it!

What is the best thing about playing lacrosse at Holy Cross?
Sophia: My teammates, coaches, and the lovely city of Worcester! 
Tory: Getting to celebrate my teammates.
Kate: The people, the camaraderie, and the community that support us every day.
Mackenzie: Spending every day with my teammates. They always have my back and make my days so much better!
Lily: My teammates, because they made everything more enjoyable.
Phoebe: The best thing about playing lacrosse at Holy Cross is being part of a close-knit team where everyone genuinely cares about each other. That sense of community makes the experience meaningful beyond the sport.

What will you miss the most after your career is over?
Lily: I’ll miss the little things most, like Ollie’s dinners, morning sunrises on Father K, bus rides with Steve, and plenty of time in the training room with Liv.
Mackenzie: I am going to miss the random trips to Level 99 and the Cheesecake Factory, morning wake-ups, the away trips with the feral bus ride moments, and so much more.
Tory: My teammates.
Sophia: Playing lacrosse with my best friends every single day and running the beep test.
Phoebe: I will miss my teammates and the bonds we've built over the years.
Kate: I will miss competing alongside my best friends every day — the time we spend together on long bus rides and post-game celebrations.
Racheli: What I'll miss the most is being on this team and playing lacrosse with these girls. It's so special and memorable to be a part of this community. It's been such a blessing every day and I couldn't have asked for a better way to end my lacrosse career at Holy Cross. 

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