Lehigh University Athletics
Mountain Hawk seniors reflect on careers
4/7/2016 5:13:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Lehigh women's lacrosse senior class of 2016 has been instrumental in the team's success over the past four years and embody the ideals of the Mountain Hawks' program. They have helped lead the Mountain Hawks to two consecutive Patriot League Tournaments, hoping to make it three straight this season. The class features a wide variety of individuals from as far away as Florida to as close as New Jersey. Over the last three seasons, they've helped the Mountain Hawks go 25-19 overall and 11-9 in the league. In the classroom, these seniors have been just as impressive, owning an average GPA of 3.28 with each holding a cumulative GPA over 3.0.
With Senior Day on Sunday vs. Army West Point, Lehighsports.com caught up with the five seniors about their careers in the Brown and White.
Lauren Molina – Attacker – Riva, Md. – Biology
Lauren Molina enjoyed a strong freshman season, playing in all 16 games with 14 starts while tallying one goal, two assists, 17 groundballs, four draw controls and three caused turnovers. Lauren has continued to contribute to the women's lacrosse program in multiple ways over the past three years. Her contributions as team manager, including press box support and practice support, have been exemplary. Lauren has maintained a team-first attitude and unwavering commitment to her teammates. In the classroom, Molina owns a cumulative GPA over 3.0, has been named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll while garnering the Faculty Athletics Council Award.
What's your favorite Lehigh Women's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
LM: One Saturday morning during sophomore year, we had a really tough sprint workout that everyone was really dragging through. Halfway through, my roommate, Kris, and I started getting a second wind out of nowhere. We were yelling back and forth to each other to go faster and push harder. It's one of the best sports/pump-up moments I have ever experienced.
How special would it be to make it back to the Patriot League Tournament this season, and compete for a championship?
LM: I think the girls have put everything on the line this year, have sacrificed so much, and it shows. If you look at the leaps and bounds that have been made since our freshman year, you would think that we were a completely different team… and in a way, we are. I think this year, we truly have the individual ability and team chemistry to make it to the PLC.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
LM: My career at Lehigh definitely was not what I expected or wanted it to be, but this team that I'm surrounded by has been with me through the ups and downs that I've experienced. I want people to look at my career and see that injuries may get in the way of playing, but they never get in the way of being a part of something bigger than yourself.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
LM: As freshmen, we came into a program that was in a bit of a slump; there is no denying that. But with every passing day, I can see the work that my fellow seniors put in and it makes me so incredibly proud to be a part of this class with them. They really do give the Lehigh Women's Lacrosse program a great reputation in the collegiate lacrosse community.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
LM: Of course, my career hasn't gone as planned due to injuries, but that still hasn't put a damper on the experience that I've had over the years. I've learned so much, both on and off the field, and it's had an impact on my life that has and will continue to improve my being.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Women's Lacrosse?
LM: Game day of course. There is nothing like the feeling of walking out onto Banko Field and laying it all out on the field. Even from the press box, I still get game-day jitters and a rush of excitement.
What are your postgraduate plans?
LM: I'll be here at Lehigh one more semester and then will be on my way to pursuing a Masters in Nursing. This summer, I will be applying to graduate programs, with the University of Maryland being my number one choice. My ultimate goal is to become either a Shock Trauma Nurse or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurse.
#11 Megan Paytas – Attacker – Summit, N.J. – Psychology
Megan Paytas has had a strong impact on the Mountain Hawks since the start of her freshman year. Starting in 14 games as a rookie, she tallied 11 goals and 11 assists, with six multi-point games. Paytas went on to post 12 points as a sophomore followed by eight points as a junior. Paytas's contributions to the team go beyond the field to the weight room, where she is one of the most consistent performers in the Mountain Hawks' speed and conditioning program. Megan's commitment to supporting and mentoring younger players in these areas has been invaluable. In the classroom, Paytas owns a cumulative GPA over 3.0 while being named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll and garnering the Faculty Athletics Council Award on multiple occasions as well.
What's your favorite Lehigh Women's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
MP: My favorite memory was beating BU my sophomore year. It was the first year they were added to the Patriot League and we knew they were going to be tough to beat. We always laugh about how much went wrong on that trip. The bus broke down on the way to the game and a group of our parents had to come shuttle us all to the field, just barely making it in time to warm up. After all that, being able to step on the field and win in double overtime was an amazing feeling that I'll never forget.
How special would it be to make it back to the Patriot League Tournament this season, and compete for a championship?
MP: It would be really special to be able to compete for a championship in the tournament this year. I think we have a really great group of talented players and to be able to make it back to the Patriot League Tournament this year would mean a lot to me.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
MP: I would like to be remembered as a great teammate and someone who always wanted to put the team first.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
MP: I feel very lucky to be part of such an amazing group of seniors. We're all very close and I couldn't imagine these past four years without them.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
MP: It's a very surreal feeling going into Senior Night. I've been playing lacrosse since second grade, so it's very hard to imagine my life without it. However, I'm so grateful for everything that it has taught me and for the friendships it's allowed me to make.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Women's Lacrosse?
MP: I will definitely miss my fellow teammates next year. Lehigh Lacrosse has given me so much and I feel very lucky that I got a chance to be a part of such a special program.
What are your postgraduate plans?
MP: I'm not sure what I'll be doing as of yet, but I'd like to get into health and wellness upon graduation.
#18 Hannah Street – Defender – Crofton, Md. – Business Management & Social Psychology
Hannah Street has been an exemplary Mountain Hawk over her four-year career. She accepts any role she is given while leading with a positive attitude and can-do spirit. Street has had a huge impact in the weight room, not only in her own conditioning, but also leading in setting an example for - and mentoring - younger players. Street has impressed in the classroom, currently owning a 3.90 cumulative GPA as a dual degree student, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Bachelor of Arts in Social Psychology. She has recorded two perfect 4.0 GPA semesters, making the Dean's List on multiple occasions and being named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.
What's your favorite Lehigh Women's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
HS: My favorite memory is the trip to BU my sophomore year. Between riding to Boston in the "Shaggin Wagon," breaking down on the way to the game and quickly eating Panera in the back hallway, there were many laughs to be had. Winning the game was amazing and made all the struggles of the trip well worth it. I love thinking about how we all got through it together and came out on top.
How special would it be to make it back to the Patriot League Tournament this season, and compete for a championship?
HS: Making it to the PLT and being able to compete for a ring would be a great way to finish off my Lehigh career. Our team is extremely supportive of one another and we have been doing everything we can to make one another better, individually and as a whole. It would be awesome to have the hard work we have put in pay off. The journey to the championship would be filled with many fun memories and would be a great way to end my senior year.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
HS: I would like to be remembered as a loyal and supportive teammate. I would like people to remember me doing whatever is in my control to help my teammates overcome challenges and allow them to succeed. I have loved helping people on and off the field with whatever they need.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
HS: I love being a part of this senior class. It is fun to reflect on how much we have changed since freshmen year and how close we've become. We have been on a great journey together and I couldn't have picked a better group of people to share it with. I am excited to see where our lives take us and to stay connected every step of the way.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
HS: It is crazy to think that Senior Night is here. The past three and a half years have gone by so quickly, and I can't believe it's our time to walk across the field linked arm in arm with our families and celebrate our lacrosse careers at Lehigh. Each year, as I watched the past three senior classes get honored, I thought my Senior Night was so far away. Now that it's here, I am happy to celebrate our collegiate careers together.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Women's Lacrosse?
HS: I will miss many things, but I think I will miss practices and lifts where the whole team brings all of their energy and is ready to work hard the most. Being in the weight room with the music playing loud and teammates pushing one another to do more weight, or being out on the field cheering one another on after a great 7v7 set, is a feeling that cannot be matched.
What are your postgraduate plans?
HS: Upon graduation, I will be returning to Lehigh to finish my Master's degree in Education. After graduating in December, 2016, I hope to pursue a career in education and work to improve the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
#25 Nicole Isdaner – Defender – Jupiter, Fla. – Psychology
Nicole Isdaner played in all 16 games as a freshman, including 10 starts, while posting seven points, 10 groundballs, 13 draw controls and three caused turnovers. Included was four groundballs against Colgate and three draw controls vs. Bucknell. Isdaner went on to post 12 groundballs, 12 caused turnovers and seven caused turnovers as a sophomore. She made a big impact as a junior as well, playing in all 17 games with 14 starts. This season, she's recorded three caused turnovers, two coming in Lehigh's dominant win at Liberty. Off the field, Isdaner owns a GPA over 3.0, earning several awards over her career. She has been named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll, has cracked the Dean's List and earned the Faculty Athletics Council Award in addition to serving as the Mountain Hawk community service liaison.
What's your favorite Lehigh Women's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
NI: My favorite lacrosse memory was beating BU twice on their home field and all of the stories, laughs and lessons I have learned on every long bus ride.
How special would it be to make it back to the Patriot League Tournament this season, and compete for a championship?
NI: It would mean everything for our team to compete in the Patriot League Tournament and win the PLC. Right now, we are working on winning the moment and I believe if we continue to focus on the little things, the big wins will come.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
NI: I would like to be remembered for my positive attitude and boundless energy. I hope my teammates and coaches will think of me as a player who was always ready to compete and bring up team energy, on and off the field.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
NI: My relationship with my fellow seniors is really special. We all are very close and I am so proud of each and every one of them. We have worked together, on and off the field, every day for the last four years and I know we will continue to keep our close relationships and memories after we graduate.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
NI: Going into Senior Night, I have mixed emotions. I am sad about leaving this close-knit team and ending my career as a collegiate athlete. I can confidently say I have left everything that I have on the field and know that I will always spread the love of this game and team with me no matter where I go.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Women's Lacrosse?
NI: What will I miss most about Lehigh lacrosse? Definitely the tailgates... haha just kidding. I will miss my friends and getting to compete, laugh and learn from them every day. Our team has a special characteristic and its genuine happiness. I can easily say that my teammates can turn any bad day into the best day ever. When we are not competing, we are constantly laughing and giggling. Every time I leave them, I have a smile on my face. I am really going to miss the comforting feeling of stepping onto Banko Field every day and knowing that I have my Lehigh Lacrosse family around for support. I want to thank them all for making my Lehigh Lacrosse experience so wonderful.
What are your postgraduate plans?
NI: My postgraduate plans are to move to New York City and work for a Technology and Media company called Intersection as a Digital Marketing and Sales Coordinator.
#26 Kendall Garden – Midfielder – Davidsonville, Md. – Environmental Studies
Senior captain, Kendall Garden has made an impact from day one, starting all 16 games as a freshman and posting 16 points, 17 groundballs, 11 draw controls and 11 caused turnovers. Garden continued to improve as her career progressed, breaking out for 31 points, 42 groundballs, 22 draw controls and 32 caused turnovers as a sophomore to earn second team All-Patriot League honors. She followed that up with first team All-League recognition as a junior and so far this season, owns 11 goals, two assists, 20 groundballs, 14 draw controls and 13 caused turnovers. Heading into Saturday's game, she has recorded 94 career points, 109 groundballs, 88 caused turnovers and 70 draw controls. A two-way midfielder, she was named the Patriot League Midfielder of the Week following eight groundballs, eight draw controls and two caused turnovers in wins over Bucknell, Mount St. Mary's and Bryant last season. A key member of Lehigh's Student-Athlete Council, Garden has also been on the Patriot League Student-Athlete Council and the Council of Student Presidents. In the classroom, she has been a member of the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll, currently owning a GPA over 3.0 and earning the Faculty Athletics Council Award. Last year, Garden received a Contribution to Student Life Award from Lehigh University.
What's your favorite Lehigh Women's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
KG: One of my favorite Lehigh Women's Lacrosse memories actually just happened during our last Patriot League game at Boston University. We came back from a 5-1 hole and ended up winning in the last five seconds. What made this moment particularly memorable to me was seeing my younger teammates believe in themselves and exude pride as a Lehigh Women's Lacrosse player.
How special would it be to make it back to the Patriot League Tournament this season, and compete for a championship?
KG: I think it is more of an expectation this year to make it back to the Patriot League Tournament this season. It would be special to make it past the first round this year, but I am confident that we will compete for a championship.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
KG: The legacy that I want to leave goes beyond myself and my team. I want to be known as the girl who helped make it possible for each Lehigh student-athlete to have had an experience that equates or exceeds my own.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
KG: These girls mean more to me than labeling them as teammates, roommates and friends. We are more like sisters.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
KG: Going into Senior Night is definitely bittersweet. It's a night that I have been dreading every season since 2013. It signifies that my journey as a lacrosse player is coming to an end, but it also makes me feel eternally grateful for all the experiences and lessons I've had on Banko Field. Looking back at freshman me, I've grown tremendously as an individual thanks to (head coach) Jill (Redfern), this program and the athletic department as a whole.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Women's Lacrosse?
KG: I will miss so many things about Lehigh Women's Lacrosse. What I will miss the most is the family that I have created over the past four years. This family not only includes my teammates and coaches, but it also extends to the athletic training staff, the strength and conditioning staff and the athletic department staff.
What are your postgraduate plans?
KG: After graduation, I will be working full-time for MSG Promotions Inc., a full-service event sales, marketing and management firm as an account executive for the U.S Open Championship.
With Senior Day on Sunday vs. Army West Point, Lehighsports.com caught up with the five seniors about their careers in the Brown and White.
Lauren Molina – Attacker – Riva, Md. – Biology
Lauren Molina enjoyed a strong freshman season, playing in all 16 games with 14 starts while tallying one goal, two assists, 17 groundballs, four draw controls and three caused turnovers. Lauren has continued to contribute to the women's lacrosse program in multiple ways over the past three years. Her contributions as team manager, including press box support and practice support, have been exemplary. Lauren has maintained a team-first attitude and unwavering commitment to her teammates. In the classroom, Molina owns a cumulative GPA over 3.0, has been named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll while garnering the Faculty Athletics Council Award.What's your favorite Lehigh Women's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
LM: One Saturday morning during sophomore year, we had a really tough sprint workout that everyone was really dragging through. Halfway through, my roommate, Kris, and I started getting a second wind out of nowhere. We were yelling back and forth to each other to go faster and push harder. It's one of the best sports/pump-up moments I have ever experienced.
How special would it be to make it back to the Patriot League Tournament this season, and compete for a championship?
LM: I think the girls have put everything on the line this year, have sacrificed so much, and it shows. If you look at the leaps and bounds that have been made since our freshman year, you would think that we were a completely different team… and in a way, we are. I think this year, we truly have the individual ability and team chemistry to make it to the PLC.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
LM: My career at Lehigh definitely was not what I expected or wanted it to be, but this team that I'm surrounded by has been with me through the ups and downs that I've experienced. I want people to look at my career and see that injuries may get in the way of playing, but they never get in the way of being a part of something bigger than yourself.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
LM: As freshmen, we came into a program that was in a bit of a slump; there is no denying that. But with every passing day, I can see the work that my fellow seniors put in and it makes me so incredibly proud to be a part of this class with them. They really do give the Lehigh Women's Lacrosse program a great reputation in the collegiate lacrosse community.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
LM: Of course, my career hasn't gone as planned due to injuries, but that still hasn't put a damper on the experience that I've had over the years. I've learned so much, both on and off the field, and it's had an impact on my life that has and will continue to improve my being.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Women's Lacrosse?
LM: Game day of course. There is nothing like the feeling of walking out onto Banko Field and laying it all out on the field. Even from the press box, I still get game-day jitters and a rush of excitement.
What are your postgraduate plans?
LM: I'll be here at Lehigh one more semester and then will be on my way to pursuing a Masters in Nursing. This summer, I will be applying to graduate programs, with the University of Maryland being my number one choice. My ultimate goal is to become either a Shock Trauma Nurse or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurse.
#11 Megan Paytas – Attacker – Summit, N.J. – Psychology
Megan Paytas has had a strong impact on the Mountain Hawks since the start of her freshman year. Starting in 14 games as a rookie, she tallied 11 goals and 11 assists, with six multi-point games. Paytas went on to post 12 points as a sophomore followed by eight points as a junior. Paytas's contributions to the team go beyond the field to the weight room, where she is one of the most consistent performers in the Mountain Hawks' speed and conditioning program. Megan's commitment to supporting and mentoring younger players in these areas has been invaluable. In the classroom, Paytas owns a cumulative GPA over 3.0 while being named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll and garnering the Faculty Athletics Council Award on multiple occasions as well.What's your favorite Lehigh Women's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
MP: My favorite memory was beating BU my sophomore year. It was the first year they were added to the Patriot League and we knew they were going to be tough to beat. We always laugh about how much went wrong on that trip. The bus broke down on the way to the game and a group of our parents had to come shuttle us all to the field, just barely making it in time to warm up. After all that, being able to step on the field and win in double overtime was an amazing feeling that I'll never forget.
How special would it be to make it back to the Patriot League Tournament this season, and compete for a championship?
MP: It would be really special to be able to compete for a championship in the tournament this year. I think we have a really great group of talented players and to be able to make it back to the Patriot League Tournament this year would mean a lot to me.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
MP: I would like to be remembered as a great teammate and someone who always wanted to put the team first.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
MP: I feel very lucky to be part of such an amazing group of seniors. We're all very close and I couldn't imagine these past four years without them.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
MP: It's a very surreal feeling going into Senior Night. I've been playing lacrosse since second grade, so it's very hard to imagine my life without it. However, I'm so grateful for everything that it has taught me and for the friendships it's allowed me to make.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Women's Lacrosse?
MP: I will definitely miss my fellow teammates next year. Lehigh Lacrosse has given me so much and I feel very lucky that I got a chance to be a part of such a special program.
What are your postgraduate plans?
MP: I'm not sure what I'll be doing as of yet, but I'd like to get into health and wellness upon graduation.
#18 Hannah Street – Defender – Crofton, Md. – Business Management & Social Psychology
Hannah Street has been an exemplary Mountain Hawk over her four-year career. She accepts any role she is given while leading with a positive attitude and can-do spirit. Street has had a huge impact in the weight room, not only in her own conditioning, but also leading in setting an example for - and mentoring - younger players. Street has impressed in the classroom, currently owning a 3.90 cumulative GPA as a dual degree student, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Bachelor of Arts in Social Psychology. She has recorded two perfect 4.0 GPA semesters, making the Dean's List on multiple occasions and being named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.What's your favorite Lehigh Women's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
HS: My favorite memory is the trip to BU my sophomore year. Between riding to Boston in the "Shaggin Wagon," breaking down on the way to the game and quickly eating Panera in the back hallway, there were many laughs to be had. Winning the game was amazing and made all the struggles of the trip well worth it. I love thinking about how we all got through it together and came out on top.
How special would it be to make it back to the Patriot League Tournament this season, and compete for a championship?
HS: Making it to the PLT and being able to compete for a ring would be a great way to finish off my Lehigh career. Our team is extremely supportive of one another and we have been doing everything we can to make one another better, individually and as a whole. It would be awesome to have the hard work we have put in pay off. The journey to the championship would be filled with many fun memories and would be a great way to end my senior year.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
HS: I would like to be remembered as a loyal and supportive teammate. I would like people to remember me doing whatever is in my control to help my teammates overcome challenges and allow them to succeed. I have loved helping people on and off the field with whatever they need.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
HS: I love being a part of this senior class. It is fun to reflect on how much we have changed since freshmen year and how close we've become. We have been on a great journey together and I couldn't have picked a better group of people to share it with. I am excited to see where our lives take us and to stay connected every step of the way.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
HS: It is crazy to think that Senior Night is here. The past three and a half years have gone by so quickly, and I can't believe it's our time to walk across the field linked arm in arm with our families and celebrate our lacrosse careers at Lehigh. Each year, as I watched the past three senior classes get honored, I thought my Senior Night was so far away. Now that it's here, I am happy to celebrate our collegiate careers together.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Women's Lacrosse?
HS: I will miss many things, but I think I will miss practices and lifts where the whole team brings all of their energy and is ready to work hard the most. Being in the weight room with the music playing loud and teammates pushing one another to do more weight, or being out on the field cheering one another on after a great 7v7 set, is a feeling that cannot be matched.
What are your postgraduate plans?
HS: Upon graduation, I will be returning to Lehigh to finish my Master's degree in Education. After graduating in December, 2016, I hope to pursue a career in education and work to improve the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
#25 Nicole Isdaner – Defender – Jupiter, Fla. – Psychology
Nicole Isdaner played in all 16 games as a freshman, including 10 starts, while posting seven points, 10 groundballs, 13 draw controls and three caused turnovers. Included was four groundballs against Colgate and three draw controls vs. Bucknell. Isdaner went on to post 12 groundballs, 12 caused turnovers and seven caused turnovers as a sophomore. She made a big impact as a junior as well, playing in all 17 games with 14 starts. This season, she's recorded three caused turnovers, two coming in Lehigh's dominant win at Liberty. Off the field, Isdaner owns a GPA over 3.0, earning several awards over her career. She has been named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll, has cracked the Dean's List and earned the Faculty Athletics Council Award in addition to serving as the Mountain Hawk community service liaison.What's your favorite Lehigh Women's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
NI: My favorite lacrosse memory was beating BU twice on their home field and all of the stories, laughs and lessons I have learned on every long bus ride.
How special would it be to make it back to the Patriot League Tournament this season, and compete for a championship?
NI: It would mean everything for our team to compete in the Patriot League Tournament and win the PLC. Right now, we are working on winning the moment and I believe if we continue to focus on the little things, the big wins will come.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
NI: I would like to be remembered for my positive attitude and boundless energy. I hope my teammates and coaches will think of me as a player who was always ready to compete and bring up team energy, on and off the field.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
NI: My relationship with my fellow seniors is really special. We all are very close and I am so proud of each and every one of them. We have worked together, on and off the field, every day for the last four years and I know we will continue to keep our close relationships and memories after we graduate.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
NI: Going into Senior Night, I have mixed emotions. I am sad about leaving this close-knit team and ending my career as a collegiate athlete. I can confidently say I have left everything that I have on the field and know that I will always spread the love of this game and team with me no matter where I go.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Women's Lacrosse?
NI: What will I miss most about Lehigh lacrosse? Definitely the tailgates... haha just kidding. I will miss my friends and getting to compete, laugh and learn from them every day. Our team has a special characteristic and its genuine happiness. I can easily say that my teammates can turn any bad day into the best day ever. When we are not competing, we are constantly laughing and giggling. Every time I leave them, I have a smile on my face. I am really going to miss the comforting feeling of stepping onto Banko Field every day and knowing that I have my Lehigh Lacrosse family around for support. I want to thank them all for making my Lehigh Lacrosse experience so wonderful.
What are your postgraduate plans?
NI: My postgraduate plans are to move to New York City and work for a Technology and Media company called Intersection as a Digital Marketing and Sales Coordinator.
#26 Kendall Garden – Midfielder – Davidsonville, Md. – Environmental Studies
Senior captain, Kendall Garden has made an impact from day one, starting all 16 games as a freshman and posting 16 points, 17 groundballs, 11 draw controls and 11 caused turnovers. Garden continued to improve as her career progressed, breaking out for 31 points, 42 groundballs, 22 draw controls and 32 caused turnovers as a sophomore to earn second team All-Patriot League honors. She followed that up with first team All-League recognition as a junior and so far this season, owns 11 goals, two assists, 20 groundballs, 14 draw controls and 13 caused turnovers. Heading into Saturday's game, she has recorded 94 career points, 109 groundballs, 88 caused turnovers and 70 draw controls. A two-way midfielder, she was named the Patriot League Midfielder of the Week following eight groundballs, eight draw controls and two caused turnovers in wins over Bucknell, Mount St. Mary's and Bryant last season. A key member of Lehigh's Student-Athlete Council, Garden has also been on the Patriot League Student-Athlete Council and the Council of Student Presidents. In the classroom, she has been a member of the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll, currently owning a GPA over 3.0 and earning the Faculty Athletics Council Award. Last year, Garden received a Contribution to Student Life Award from Lehigh University.What's your favorite Lehigh Women's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
KG: One of my favorite Lehigh Women's Lacrosse memories actually just happened during our last Patriot League game at Boston University. We came back from a 5-1 hole and ended up winning in the last five seconds. What made this moment particularly memorable to me was seeing my younger teammates believe in themselves and exude pride as a Lehigh Women's Lacrosse player.
How special would it be to make it back to the Patriot League Tournament this season, and compete for a championship?
KG: I think it is more of an expectation this year to make it back to the Patriot League Tournament this season. It would be special to make it past the first round this year, but I am confident that we will compete for a championship.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
KG: The legacy that I want to leave goes beyond myself and my team. I want to be known as the girl who helped make it possible for each Lehigh student-athlete to have had an experience that equates or exceeds my own.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
KG: These girls mean more to me than labeling them as teammates, roommates and friends. We are more like sisters.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
KG: Going into Senior Night is definitely bittersweet. It's a night that I have been dreading every season since 2013. It signifies that my journey as a lacrosse player is coming to an end, but it also makes me feel eternally grateful for all the experiences and lessons I've had on Banko Field. Looking back at freshman me, I've grown tremendously as an individual thanks to (head coach) Jill (Redfern), this program and the athletic department as a whole.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Women's Lacrosse?
KG: I will miss so many things about Lehigh Women's Lacrosse. What I will miss the most is the family that I have created over the past four years. This family not only includes my teammates and coaches, but it also extends to the athletic training staff, the strength and conditioning staff and the athletic department staff.
What are your postgraduate plans?
KG: After graduation, I will be working full-time for MSG Promotions Inc., a full-service event sales, marketing and management firm as an account executive for the U.S Open Championship.
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's LacrosseWomen's Lacrosse vs. La Salle
Saturday, February 28
2026 Women's Lacrosse Preview
Wednesday, February 04
2025 Lehigh Women's Lacrosse Season Preview
Thursday, February 13
Lehigh Sports Central: Women's Lacrosse 2022
Monday, April 01
