The second Alumni Profile this week features women’s lacrosse player Carleigh MacWilliams, who is playing at West Chester University. Here is our conversation.
What factors helped you choose West Chester University? I really liked the campus of West Chester as soon as I visited it and when I did my overnight with the lacrosse team I knew it was the right school for me. I also like the distance it is from home, its close enough where I can go home if I am ever sick but far enough where I have enough space away from my family. They also have the perfect college town and it’s in a good location so there is a lot of things to do off campus.
What is your major? Pre Physical Therapy.
What is your most memorable moment from your CHS athletic career? There are so many memories I have from high school sports, but there are two in particular that I’ll cherish forever. The first one is when I scored my 200th goal, I never would of thought I would be able to hit that milestone. My second favorite memory is when we beat Holy Cross in the first round of the playoffs my senior year of high school. They were always our biggest rivals, so beating them in the post-season was definitely an exciting and memorable moment for our team.
Favorite Movie: Bridesmaids
Favorite Song: Cheerleader by OMI
What has been your favorite class in college so far? My favorite class so far was intro to ethics, it was a class that I wasn’t expecting to find an interest in and I ended up really enjoying the topics covered in lectures.
What is your favorite post-game meal? I really like pulled pork sandwiches from a local restaurant in town.
What was your favorite class at CHS? My favorite class at CHS was cooking class because Mr. Beirao is an awesome teacher and we always made really good food.
How did you get interested in lacrosse? In middle school, all of my friends wanted to try it out in seventh grade so I thought I would try it out.
What is your favorite part of the game? I like that it is a fast paced sport and that it really helps you stay in shape as well as creating bonds on an off the field with my teammates.
What is one piece of advice you would give seniors wanting to continue their playing careers in college? DON’T HESITATE, JUST DO IT! Nothing bad can come from trying it out!
What part of your game has improved the most since playing in college? The past two years I have really worked on my defense. In high school I never was as strong on defense and since the competition is high in college I knew I needed to improve on my defensive skills.
Is there any one thing in particular you learned on the fields at CHS that helped you in the early part of your collegiate career? The best thing that helped me was my coach, Rickus. She taught me everything I know now and I appreciate all that she has done for me over the years. It really makes a difference having a great coach who will push you beyond your boundaries and make you a better player in preparation for college.
Image courtesy of Carleigh MacWilliams
