Meet Kara! Originally from Pine Beach, New Jersey, she now finds herself in Amsterdam, passionately coaching the German National Sixes program. Sports have undeniably shaped Kara’s journey, with lacrosse holding a special place in her heart.

        Kara played lacrosse, soccer, and basketball during her younger years, but it was lacrosse that truly resonated with Kara. After high school Kara attended Georgian Court University and became an inaugural member of the GCU Women’s Lacrosse Team. She embraced a pivotal role as a midfielder and the primary draw taker at Georgian Court, earning Second Team All-Conference honors. With her leadership, GCU Women’s Lacrosse Team clinched the CACC conference championship twice.

        Post-college, Kara’s love for lacrosse persisted. She took on the role of assistant coach at Stockton University, later making a life-changing decision to relocate to Cologne, Germany. There, she fueled her passion for lacrosse by coaching a women’s program in Germany.  She didn’t have many other coaches to learn from in Germany and saw the need for a community.  She wanted others to have a learning experience and community for women’s and girls lacrosse coaches of all levels.  Inspired by her experiences, founded Womens Lax Drills. Recognizing the need for a coaching community, she sought to provide a learning platform for women’s and girls lacrosse coaches worldwide.

        Her coaching journey extended to the Dutch National Team at the 2017 World Cup, ranking 16th.  Presently, Kara leads the German National Olympic Sixes, achieving an impressive 2nd place in their debut international tournament in Hong Kong. The team now sets its sights and focus on Olympic qualification in 2028!

         Beyond the field, Kara’s website, womenslaxdrills.com, has brought together nearly 1,000 coaches, fostering a vibrant learning community. When she is not coaching lacrosse, she enjoys staying fit working out on her Peloton.  Over the last eight years, Kara has played a pivotal role in expanding the lacrosse community in Europe and the United States, and the journey continues.  Read more of Kara’s inspiring story!

Q: What sports did you play growing up?

       I played lacrosse, soccer, and basketball!

Q:Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?

        Yes! I didn’t want to be bad or embarrass myself!  It made me hesitant to start.

Q: What female athletes (or any athletes) did you look up to?

        There was a senior basketball, field hockey and lacrosse player at my high school that I was obsessed with when I was a child. I was in about 6th grade and she was a senior so we never went to school together but I idolized her.

Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?

        There are so many memories!  Overall just being with my team, laughing and dancing in the locker rooms, winning games, giving your all at practice and supporting one another through the tough times.

Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?

        Sports shaped my life in many ways.  It grew my confidence, my courage to try new things, it gave me my best friends in life, and helped me overcome adversities and keep pushing forward.

Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are just starting off in sports?

        Have fun! Enjoy the little moments! Play to win but be okay with loss, it’s part of sports.

        Meet Sara!  In her own words, she is a busy mom of two, lawyer, small business owner and competitive endurance athlete!  From a young age in Rumson, New Jersey, Sara embraced the world of sports, starting with swimming and soccer at just 5 years old. Throughout high school, she passionately participated in swimming, soccer, and track, competing as a three-sport athlete. 

        Her athletic journey continued at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA, where Sara not only excelled as a competitive swimmer but also in track and field. She was a pivotal member of the Women’s Swimming Centennial Conference Championship team in 2004 and 2005.  Sara seamlessly balanced her athletic pursuits with academic excellence, earning her Juris Doctor at Brooklyn Law School. She went on to practice laws in various roles at several large financial firms in  New York.  She currently serves as associate general counsel at a hedge fund/broker-dealer. 

        Post-law school, Sara’s commitment to athletics persisted. Transitioning to triathlons and mid-distance running races, she achieved remarkable feats, including a full marathon, an ultra 50k, a 10k open water swim, three Ironman 70.3 races, and even a full Ironman. She has also participated in hybrid races like Hyrox and Deka.  She even clinched first-place titles and qualified for the 2021 and 2022 Hyrox World Championships in US Women’s Doubles.  Sara thrives on competition and pushing herself to reach her fullest potential.  

        Beyond her personal fitness journey, Sara shares her passion for health and wellness with others. The importance of fitness and sports in her life prompted her to open two Alpha Fit Clubs in Basking Ridge and Princeton, NJ, part of the brand’s franchise expansion. Sara aims to inspire her gym members, her two children, and also herself, proving that you can accomplish anything at any age, and adopt a fitness regime that works with a busy lifestyle in order to meet your goals

        Looking ahead to 2024, Sara remains committed to her fitness goals, planning to compete in another Hyrox competition and Ironman 70.3, with the anticipation of competing in other hybrid endurance races. Her focus extends beyond personal achievement, driven by the desire to inspire others.  Her accomplishments so far are beyond impressive, and there is so much more to come! Read all about Sara and her athletic journey! 

       

Q: What sports did you play growing up?

        I did swimming, soccer, and track.

Q:Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?

        I was nervous about not being as good as other players, however remaining dedicated and not giving up over the years, I ended up being a top performer on all of my teams.

Q: What female athletes (or any athletes) did you look up to?

        Amanda Beard (Olympic swimmer), Mia Hamm, Monica Seles and Lindsay Davenport (my parents were huge tennis fans)

Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?

        One of my favorite memories is a more recent one, and it was hearing the announcer say “you are an Ironman” as I crossed the finish line in Ironman Maryland in September (I promise the glory days do not end in high school)!

Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?

       Sports has always provided a way for me to build confidence and forge relationships with like minded people. I always felt supported by my coaches and teammates to keep pushing and improving. Sports also kept me disciplined in school, with time management and prioritization. I owe much of my success and ability to wear many hats and juggle all of my obligations to playing sports. The dedication, focus and discipline that comes along with being part of a team and showing up for yourself and others is an invaluable life lesson.

Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are just starting off in sports?

      If you are interested in something, go for it. If you fail, try again. There is never harm in trying, as it will always serve as a learning tool for improvement or will send you on a different path that you will excel at. There will always be someone new up and coming, someone faster, someone stronger, focus on you and your goals. Always be supportive of your teammates and others on and off the field, the gym, the pool etc. Finally, inclusion is the best act of kindness.

       Meet Adele! A mother to a three-year-old boy and a one-year-old girl, Adele wears many hats, including being the Service and Contracting Sales Leader for Trane NJ. While she may not currently participate in organized sports teams, her life remains incredibly active as she effortlessly juggles parenthood and her professional role, fueled by her Peloton sessions and the joy of chasing after her energetic duo.

        From Ocean Township, NJ, Adele’s journey with sports began in middle school, where she engaged in a variety of activities. From field hockey to indoor track and lacrosse, she continued her athletic pursuits throughout high school.  After high school, Adele pursued a degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech, following another passion of STEM and Engineering.  Adele was determined to keep her love for field hockey alive and played a season on the Club Field Hockey team at Virginia Tech, balancing her commitment to fitness with academic priorities.  Her passion for STEM took over, and she made the choice to focus on her studies at VT.  

        Post-college, Adele embarked on a career with Trane, earning her way to a leadership role in a predominantly male industry.  Recognized twice as a Female Spotlight for Trane, Adele drew from her sports background, understanding the importance of cultivating drive, identifying areas for improvement, and teamwork.  Her dedication earned her accolades for Recruiting Top Talent at Trane, along with nominations for three leadership programs—a testament to the skills honed during her formative years in youth sports.  

        Continuing her commitment to an active lifestyle, Adele embraced Crossfit for many years and now embraces Peloton boot camp classes daily.  Beyond personal wellness, she has shared her love for fitness with her children, fostering an environment of movement and outdoor play.  Adele also recently started a new adventure, entering into the world of photography on top of her full time job.  Join us in meeting Adele and discovering how fitness continues to be a positive force in her life, shaping her journey both personally and professionally.

Q: What sports did you play growing up?

      I played field hockey, lacrosse, and track for conditioning between seasons.

Q:Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?

        I moved and changed schools almost every year until I was in 5th grade. I was nervous to start sports because so many other kids had been playing rec sports together for years and I was coming in so late.

Q: What female athletes (or any athletes) did you look up to?

        Serena Williams, Simone Biles, Derek Jeter, Tom Brady, LeBron James – I admire the athletes that give back to their communities they live in and were from.

Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?

        Some of my most favorite sports memories were the summer and winter leagues we would play in the off-season to stay in shape and work on our chemistry. One year, very early in our career, many of our top players played in a winter league together. We coached ourselves – our high school coach did not participate. It was just us but we were competitive and always wanted to win. We were a team of just freshman girls and we played teams that had their JV and varsity players play. We won that year. We had zero subs and played all game 8 on 8. We beat girls that drove their own cars there – none of us even had permits. It was awesome. We were so proud and I can’t remember a better moment than when we won that tournament that winter.

Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?

        Sports emphasize how much you need to practice to succeed. How you need to have a strong foundation of strength and fundamentals before you build on to become more. It taught me that even if you do all the right things – your conditioning is top notch, your skills are refined, your team chemistry is amazing, you still might not end up on top. But you learn – you learn where you can improve and you create the drive to get there and hopefully ultimately succeed.

        Sports creates a competitive environment where hard work is rewarded. It’s fair, and at the same time it’s not. There will be the kids that can afford the private lessons, or the travel leagues, but the game itself is always fair- anything can happen. Sports give you hope and they help you believe in yourself and in others. Whether you’re watching sports, or playing sports, the environment is always electric. It’s one of the best feelings in the world.

Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are just starting off in sports?

      You CAN do it. Believe in yourself. Some will be better, faster, stronger, quicker but I promise if you practice you can do anything. It may not be easy – practicing is very hard work and there are no instant results but the journey is so rewarding. You can do anything you set your mind to. Find your supporters, your coaches, and keep them by your side. Together, you go far.

        Being active has so many benefits beyond just winning. It’s good for your heart, your health, your mind, your body, and your soul. So few people make it to any sort of professional level but the lessons we learn along the way are all the same – hard work pays off.  It’s truly invaluable the lessons you learn on the court, on the field, in the pool, on the mat, or on the track, and also what you learn from your coaches, from your teammates, from your competitors, and even from yourself.

        Meet Tara! Tara was born and raised in Interlaken, New Jersey.  She currently works in Red Bank as a Health and Physical Education teacher and coaches high school swimming at Wall Township High School. Tara’s life has been profoundly shaped by her passion for sports, particularly swimming, and she joyfully shares this enthusiasm to the next generation.

        Her journey began at St. Rose High School, where Tara engaged in many sports – swimming, track and field, and basketball. There, she realized her passion was swimming and decided to continue her favorite sport.  Tara pursued swimming in college at Monmouth University, joining their Division I Swim program.  She competed as a freestyle and backstroke swimmer, earning many honors during her time as a Hawk.  She was a four-time MAAC All Academic Team member and a four-time CSCAA Scholar All-America Team honoree.  Balancing the demands of academics and swimming, Tara’s commitment shone through. 

        Post-college, she continues to be a source of inspiration by coaching high school swimmers and providing private swim lessons.  She also still keeps fitness a high priority in her life, by working out at Fitness By The Sea, swimming, yoga, and competing in open water swim races.  Read about how swimming played a part in Tara’s life!

Q: What sports did you play growing up?

      I only did swimming!

Q:Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?

      I was nervous about not being able to keep up with the other athletes and not being competitive/good enough.

Q: What female athletes (or any athletes) did you look up to?

      I look up to surfer Bethany Hamilton and former swimmer Missy Franklin.

Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?

      Besides the wins and the PR [personal record] times throughout the years, my favorite memories were meeting my college teammates who turned into my second family.  I’ve made so many life-long friends through swimming.

Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?

        Playing sports has given me more than I could’ve ever imagined. As I mentioned above, sports gave me teammates and coaches that turned into family and never ending support system. Besides the physical aspect, sports strengthened me mentally as well. Swimming shaped me to be a competitor, to be disciplined, showed me what commitment is and what it meant to stay committed, and taught me how to be humble and driven. Sports showed me how to push the limits and overcome obstacles such as mental and physical tiredness and to enjoy the good, the bad and everything in between.

Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are just starting off in sports?

        Find something to smile/laugh about and at least one positive takeaway every day. Swimming is not an easy sport. It’s physically and mentally demanding, but it’s a love like no other. Every practice, meet, and race is different. Outcomes will vary, your times will drop, some cases you’ll add time, you’ll be praised and you’ll be humbled, you will smile and you will cry at times but it’s all part of the amazing journey. If you find at least one good thing that happened that swim session and focus on the positives, you’ll continue to stay on the grind and continue to beat any odds to be the athlete you’re meant to become.

        Meet Maureen! Maureen is a sports enthusiast and college lacrosse coach from Trumbull, Connecticut. Her journey through various sports—lacrosse, soccer, basketball, softball, skiing, and snowboarding—painted a picture of passion and commitment. Yet, it was lacrosse that truly captured her heart and set the stage for her athletic journey ahead.

        During her days at St. Joseph’s High School, Maureen emerged as a standout athlete, garnering recognition as a three-time All-Conference player, two-time All-State performer, and team captain in lacrosse. Simultaneously, she showcased her skills as an All-State athlete in soccer, leaving an indelible mark on her alma mater.

        Taking her talents to the University of New Haven, Maureen made waves in the Division II lacrosse scene. As a four-year starting goalie for the Chargers, she clinched titles such as 2009 Northeast-10 Conference Goalkeeper of the Year, Northeast-10 Conference Team twice, IWLCA All-North Region Team twice, and the WomensLacrosse.com Division II All-Rookie Team.  Leading her team with finesse, she secured an impressive 637 saves, and the all-time saves leader for the New Haven Chargers. Maureen showed leadership on and off the field, holding a captain role her senior year. 

        Beyond her playing days, Maureen’s love for lacrosse continued in her coaching roles. Starting with the Nor’easter Lacrosse Club in 2012, she fine-tuned the skills of aspiring collegiate players. Her coaching journey continued at the Division II Southern Connecticut State University from 2013-2017.  In 2017, Maureen made the move to Massachusetts as the Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach at Endicott College, where she still currently resides as head coach.  Under her guidance, the team has achieved remarkable success, boasting impressive records, such two  perfect 8-0 conference record and CCC Titles in 2018 and 2019, 2019 CCC Team Sportsmanship Award, and a 52-19 (.732) overall, 29-1 (.967) in conference record at Endicott. Maureen was also awarded Coach of the Year three times!

        Maureen’s impact extends beyond the scoreboard.  She currently serves as the Nor’easter Lacrosse Recruiting Coordinator and the Peak Goalie Girls Director.   Her unwavering passion for expanding the reach of lacrosse and empowering high school athletes to pursue collegiate dreams shines through.   As we explore her reflections on athletics, it becomes evident that lacrosse and sports, under her guidance, have not only shaped her life but also served as a catalyst for the growth and triumph of those she coaches. Let’s read more about Maureen as she continues to inspire and lead in the world of lacrosse!

Q: What sports did you play growing up?

      I played lacrosse, soccer, basketball, softball, skiing and snowboarding.

Q:Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?

      Nope! My mom was an athlete and it’s all I ever knew.

Q: What female athletes (or any athletes) did you look up to?

      Pat Summit, Maya Moore, Jenn Rizzotti, Peekaboo Street, Devon Wills (which is awesome because now I consider her a friend), Brianna Scurry, Mia Hamm, Diana Tourasi, Sue Bird

Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?

        One of my favorite memories with sports was during college.  My college team at New Haven beat CW Post for the first time in the program’s history!  They were one of the top teams in the nation and went on to win the NCAA Championship that year.  One of the reasons I loved that game so much is because I felt like I unlocked a big piece of the mental game of lacrosse.  I went into the game with the “cool, calm, and collected” mentality mainly because I didn’t feel the pressure to win.  I played so loose, took risks, didn’t second guess myself, and just trusted my instincts.  After that game, I felt like I was able to directly correlate my mental state and positive loose minded thinking with success.  It was a really fun way to help my team win the biggest game in a few years!

Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?

        I think sports, especially for young females, can be a massive source of confidence for your social life and really all aspects. If you don’t feel like you fit in somewhere (like school, or with groups of friends) but you’re athletic, you find your place in sports. Sports are for everyone.

Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are just starting off in sports?

    Try everything, play your strengths, and focus on big concepts (balance, agility, speed, strength). All those big concepts will help in a variety of sports and really set you up for success in the future. Play as many as you can, for as long as you can. Remember you are “playing”… sports are fun. Don’t ever forget that!

        In the future when you’re job hunting, one of the first questions employers are going to ask you is if you played team sports… leadership, teamwork, and confidence are all qualities employers are looking for and they tend to hire athletes first!

        Meet Kristen!  Kristen is a life-long softball player from Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, and currently residing in Wall Township.  Kristen currently works at L’Oreal in brand finance, a role that frequently has her going back and forth to New York City.

        Kristen started on her athletic journey in recreational soccer, basketball, and softball. Yet, it didn’t take long for her to discover that softball held a special place in her heart. Her passion for the sport flourished through both travel softball and her high school varsity years at Hunterdon Central Regional High School.

        Kristen’s academic pursuits led her to The College of New Jersey, where she studied International Business with a minor in Spanish. At TCNJ, Kristen was also part of the Division III Softball Team as a shortstop. She emerged as a key contributor, ranking among team leaders with a .327 batting average and helping her team get to the NCAA Regional Tournament twice. Beyond athletics, she balanced her commitments by being an active member of Delta Sigma Pi, a co-ed professional business fraternity.

        Post-college, Kristen’s devotion to softball didn’t waiver. She seamlessly integrated fitness into her routine, and currently participates in Crossfit classes at Fitness By The Sea in Avon, NJ. Her love for the game continued as she joined a co-ed softball league alongside her husband, Mark, and occasionally plays in women’s tournaments. Kristen’s love for fitness goes beyond the softball diamond, and running has also become a passion of hers.   Kristen has completed three half marathons, numerous 10k’s, 5-mile runs, and local 5k’s.

        Kristen’s commitment to softball and her passion for fitness is an example of a dedicated athlete whose love for the game transcends the boundaries of youth and collegiate sports. Let’s read more about Kristen!

Q: What sports did you play growing up?

        Growing up I mainly played softball. I started out playing recreation softball until I joined my first travel softball team at age 10. I continued playing travel as I got older and went on to play in high school and college. I also played recreation soccer and basketball when I was younger, but softball was truly my passion.

Q:Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?

        I don’t recall being hesitant about starting softball mainly because of my dad’s influence. He played baseball his entire childhood and transitioned to playing slowpitch softball as an adult. I had many fond memories of attending his softball games as a kid. Fun fact – my dad’s softball number was 24 so when it came time for me to choose a jersey number on my first travel softball team, I chose #12 since I was “half” of my dad. I continued wearing the number throughout my softball career, even in college!

Q: What female athletes (or any athletes) did you look up to?

        Growing up I looked up to Jennie Finch. She was an extremely talented player at Arizona and went on to pitch for Team USA in the Olympics. I admire Jennie because she became the face of softball and brought so much respect to the game. I was even lucky enough to meet her multiple times after my collegiate career. She hosts an annual coaching clinic in the town I grew up in, and I was asked to be a volunteer. Hearing her speak about her career in person was an incredible moment for me.

Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?

     It’s so difficult to chose just one memory over the years. One of my favorites was the annual spring break tournament trips we would take down to Florida when I was at TCNJ. For an entire week we were 100% focused on softball – no classes, no parties, no distractions. We spent time bonding as a team and would even take day trips to Disney World or Universal. It was always my favorite way to start off the season.

Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?

    Playing sports has shaped me into the person I am today. Sports teach you that not everything in life is fair – sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose. Not only did sports teach me how to be a good teammate, but also how to be coachable. These are both attributes that I carried into my professional work life. Sports also brought me true friendship. My former softball teammates from high school and college are still some of my best friends to this day.

Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are just starting off in sports?

         My advice would be to have fun and enjoy it! I remember countless weekends growing up when my friends would invite me to events, but I always said: “sorry I can’t, I have softball”. At the time I felt like I was missing out. Those long tournament weekends were some of the most fun I had throughout my childhood. Now as an adult, I make the active decision to participate in softball because I miss those days when it was such a huge part of my life.

        Introducing Lauren! Lauren grew up in Point Pleasant and currently resides there with her husband and two young boys. While she dedicated 11 years as a Special Education Teacher, Lauren recently embarked on a new chapter in Edtech.

         Her love for sports dates back to her childhood, where she actively engaged in soccer, lacrosse, and basketball. Lacrosse, however, emerged as her true love, leading her to play at Georgian Court University in New Jersey. Lauren managed to balance soccer and lacrosse at GCU for a year, showcasing her multifaceted athletic ability. As a two-year captain, three-time First-Team All-Conference, and three-time First-Team All-Tournament player, she left an indelible mark on the field.  During her time at GCU the lacrosse team became CACC Conference Champions in 2010 and 2011. 

        Beyond college, Lauren’s passion for lacrosse continued to flourish. She spent years coaching club lacrosse and took on the role of Head Varsity Lacrosse coach in Point Pleasant for five years.  Lauren took the team from three consecutive losing seasons,  to clinching the first B South Championship in the program’s history. Lauren’s coaching excellence was recognized when she received the Ocean Star Coach Of The Year award, and her team was honored with the Sportsmanship Award.

        Away from the lacrosse field, Lauren remains committed to an active lifestyle. Her love for fitness is infectious, and she strives to instill the same passion in her boys. Whether working out in the gym, riding the Peloton, or an outdoor run, Lauren’s dedication to staying fit is unwavering. In fact, she’s currently training for her second half marathon in April.  Lauren’s passion for lacrosse and fitness and growing the game is evident.  Let’s meet Lauren!

Q: What sports did you play growing up?

         I played soccer basketball and lacrosse!

Q:Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?

      I don’t like to be bad at anything so I was hesitant to start lax my freshman year.

Q: What female athletes (or any athletes) did you look up to?

      I loved Christie Pearce!  She’s local and from my town, we even went to her house trick or treating. She was my favorite soccer player!

Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?

    Playing travel soccer since 1st grade and all the tournaments we went to.  My favorite tournament was going to Hersey when I was younger, and smelling the chocolate!  It was a fun core memory as a little kid, getting ready to have a fun tournament with all of my friends and also enjoying the environment being away at Hersey.

Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?

  It’s what you do when no one is watching, that’s how you build character.

Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are just starting off in sports?

      I am who I am because of playing sports. I was always busy running to practice every night. Sometimes 2 a night. This busy lifestyle shaped me as a very involved, organized and dedicated person. I love staying active learned time management from a very early age. It’s what you do when no one is watching, that’s how you build character.

        Meet Amanda!  Amanda is an educator, coach, wife, and mom.  She is from Ocean Township, NJ, which is where she began her love for sports and fitness.  

        During high school, Amanda played field hockey, indoor track, and lacrosse.  She was a particularly fast sprinter, racing the 55 hurdles, 55m dash, and 200m sprint.  As a three sport athlete, she was able to stay fit for each sport throughout the year.  After tearing her ACL and meniscus during her junior fall field hockey season, Amanda worked hard to follow her passion and rehabilitate for lacrosse.  She went on to continue her lacrosse career in college and follow her passion.

        Amanda earned a scholarship and continued her athletic career playing DII lacrosse at Southern Connecticut State University 2007-2008.  After one year, she transferred to Georgian Court University, and played her remaining three eligible years back closer to home.  During her time at GCU, they won the CACC two years in a row. Along with athletics, Amanda majored in English, Education, and Special Education.  

        Post college athletics, lacrosse has stayed an important part of Amanda’s life.  Growing the game of lacrosse is a huge passion for Amanda, and she’s introduced lacrosse to many new athletes for over a decade.  She has held several coaching positions, dating back to 2012 when she coached 5th and 6th graders for the Wall Lacrosse Club.  She is now going into her tenth year as the Wall Lacrosse Club Girl’s Program Director and twelfth year as a coach.  There, she manages 4-5 teams, scheduling, finances, and manages over 100 youth players in grades K-8.  She has taken many things she learned as a college athlete and brought it to this program.  She not only continues to share her passion for lacrosse at Wall, but she was the head varsity girl’s lacrosse coach at Neptune High School for three seasons, along with being the head varsity field hockey coach at Neptune from 2014-2020.  During her tenure as head coach, her team broke many records, including goalie saves, as well as having one of the most successful field hockey seasons in 10+ years.  She also helps support the game by officiating, and has been a lacrosse referee since 2016.  

        Although Amanda has had to step down as head varsity coach for field hockey and lacrosse due to having two young children, she is still active in sports.  She is still very active with her son, and is excited he’s exploring playing soccer, and will soon be starting basketball, gymnastics, and T-ball.  She wants to have him try everything! He loves going to her youth lacrosse practices and games.  When Amanda isn’t coaching or chasing around her four and one year old sons, she is a Reading Specialist in an elementary school, and most recently won Teacher of the Year for the 2023-2024 school year.  She believes that focusing on physical fitness and well being sets an example to her children.  Amanda strives to instill that mindset to them as they grow. Read how Amanda started her athletic journey!

Q: What sports did you play growing up?

       I didn’t start playing sports until I was in high school. I played field hockey, lacrosse, and ran indoor track.

Q:Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?

      The uncertainty surrounding sports initially held me back, and it wasn’t until high school that I decided to dive in. Discovering my natural talent as a fast sprinter fueled my eagerness to become an athlete. With a leap of faith, I embraced sports, participating in field hockey, indoor track, and lacrosse beginning my freshman year of high school. Thriving particularly in track and lacrosse, I found joy in the camaraderie of team sports and the pursuit of physical fitness. Embracing a multi-sport approach, I grasped the advantages it offered, realizing how it would significantly impact my future career path.

Q: What female athletes (or any athletes) did you look up to?

       As I think back to my time in high school, I realize I did not have a female athlete I looked up to.  Females weren’t really in the media and we did not have access to social media like we do today.  I wish I had a female professional lacrosse player to look up to as I played!

Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?

    As a player, my favorite memory was when we won the CACC my senior year (and junior year) of college at Georgian Court.  That feeling of winning a huge championship game is something I miss so much!  As a coach, it was playing my alma mater, after losing to them 0-10 earlier in the season, making a comeback and going into overtime after my captain scored off of a corner in the last 10 seconds.  We ended up losing 2-3, but that was the best game my team has ever played. Their heart and determination were unmatched that season, and I was so proud of them.  I had a really strong group of senior leaders that year, and It will forever be my favorite coaching memory.

Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?

         The impact of sports has had a profound effect on my life. My journey as an athlete has been the cornerstone of my career achievements. During college athletics, I learned invaluable lessons in discipline, problem-solving, time management, leadership, and the significance of collaborative effort towards a shared goal. I was fortunate to have influential coaches who have inspired me to excel both as an athlete and as an individual. As a coach and educator now, I aspire to emulate those positive role models and foster the same values to my athletes and students that were instilled in me.

        Through grit and perseverance, I witnessed firsthand that relentless dedication can turn dreams into reality. Earning a scholarship and competing in Division II Women’s Lacrosse, a sport that I love, was extremely rewarding. Moreover, the friendships I have made along this journey will last a lifetime. Fast forward to the present—I am a proud coach, youth lacrosse girl’s program director, lacrosse official, and an educator, honored recently as the recipient of the 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year award.  Sports have been the foundation that have shaped me into the person I am today, and I remain forever grateful for the opportunities they’ve afforded me.

Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are just starting off in sports?

        For young girls stepping into the world of sports, I offer this advice: Embrace the unknown and avoid fixating on a single sport too soon. In my role as a high school coach and youth program director, I advocate for athletes to explore a variety of sports rather than specializing early on. The advantages of being a multi-sport athlete are numerous. Beyond honing time-management abilities, engaging in multiple sports enhances overall health, boosts athleticism, and cultivates leadership skills that will serve them well in their future endeavors.

        Introducing Ashley Golin (DeBello)! A lifelong athlete, Ashley passionately shares her love for fitness as the co-owner of Fitness By The Sea in Avon, New Jersey, all while juggling the role as of a mom of two.

        Ashley’s athletic journey kicked off early with basketball, softball, and soccer, with soccer taking the spotlight in high school, where she made history as the first freshman on the varsity team. Her commitment led to accolades on the All Shore Team and All Division Team.  She was on many travel teams in NJ. Soccer became her primary focus and the sport she was most passionate about.

        Venturing to the University of Delaware Ashley transformed from a freshman walk-on to a scholarship athlete for their Division I Soccer program. Post-college, her enthusiasm for fitness thrived. In 2014, she co-founded Fitness By The Sea, a crossfit/boot camp style gym, where she consistently inspires athletes. Even as a mom, Ashley remains a daily workout enthusiast, exemplifying dedication to her two children. Notably, she’s conquered three half marathons and most recently, the New York City Marathon.

        Ashley seamlessly applies the lessons learned from her athletic journey to enrich her daily life, embodying a holistic approach to health and wellness.  A force to be reckoned with at the gym, Ashley is actively competitive, always trying to better herself and others.  Now read all about how Ashley started her athletic journey!

Q: What sports did you play growing up?

         I played pretty much every sport until high school. Once I was in high school, I focused on playing soccer only.

Q:Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?

        No! I played sports since I was able to. I didn’t love softball or basketball but I loved soccer. I was excited to continue to play and truly focus on the sport.

Q: What female athletes (or any athletes) did you look up to?

        When I was younger, I always looked up to Mia Hamm.

Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?

      The camaraderie between you, your players and your coaches. Also winning haha! Also just being an athlete and knowing people knew I was an athlete. You had a different type of respect.

Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?

      When I was in high school I was on 3 soccer teams. I would go from one practice, to another to another. After all 3, my mom would blow dry my hair while I studied or did my homework. I think by being disciplined and focused it truly helped shape who I am today as a mom, wife and business owner. I still workout daily and enjoy challenging myself. I think with my history of playing soccer competitively, it helps me every day physically and mentally.

Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are just starting off in sports?

      Shoot for the stars but always remember to have fun. If at any point, it is no longer enjoyable re-evaluate because it can ruin the sport for you!

        Meet Corinne! Currently a dedicated mother of two and a High School Health and Physical Education Teacher in Brick Township, she shares her passion for fitness that originated during her days as a student athlete.

        Corinne’s journey began at Brick Memorial High School, where she left an indelible mark on the lacrosse field. A three-year varsity lacrosse captain and two-time MVP, she garnered accolades such as First Team All Division and Second Team All Shore. Her leadership role was evident as she transitioned to collegiate lacrosse at Georgian Court University in New Jersey. A skilled midfielder and two-time captain, Corinne earned First Team All Conference and was crowned the CACC Player of the Year in her senior season. 

        Her love for lacrosse endured, and Corinne continued to inspire others at Brick Township, serving as the head varsity lacrosse coach and assistant field hockey coach. Last season, she took the year off after having her second baby.  Corinne’s commitment to fitness remained unwavering, particularly gaining momentum after college lacrosse ended. Beyond coaching, she carves out time for workouts with her two children, often embarking on runs with her kids in their jogger stroller. 

        Corinne’s running endeavors include various races, such as half marathons and 5ks, with a noteworthy achievement being the Atlantic City marathon in 2016, where she completed it in an impressive time with 3:41. Running has evolved into her favorite form of fitness, and she takes pride in passing on her love for lacrosse and fitness to both her athletes and children.

Q: What sports did you play growing up?

        I played many sports including soccer, softball, basketball, tennis, and lacrosse. Lacrosse was the sport I was most passionate about and what I focused on.

Q:Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?

      I was always competitive from a young age and played many sports growing up, but as I got older I wanted to try new sports but was hesitant because I wanted to be the best. If I wasn’t the best or it didn’t come super easy to me, I had doubts. I realized that with sports, like with many things in life, you need to work hard, have patience, and don’t be afraid to fail. Not everything is always going to come easy.

Q: What female athletes (or any athletes) did you look up to?

      During my middle school years, my dad used to take me to the Notre Dame women’s college basketball games.  My family is huge Notre Dame fans!  I enjoyed going to the games and really looked up to the players. They became an inspiration for me for sports and that is when I started the game of lacrosse.

Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?

      Too many amazing memories to pick just one! From high school being the apart of the first team to ever qualify for the state tournament.  From college at GCU, I loved our countless wins, OT goals scored, championships, to my final last game as a collegiate player crying on the field for hours with my teammates because it was too hard to hand up my uniform.  And of course the friendships made from college lacrosse are friendships that will last a lifetime.

       Another memory is now coaching my own high school program with OT wins, making history making the SCT tournament, and more accomplishments that they achieved.  Now, I look forward to making memories with my own children through their future sporting events.

Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?

      Playing lacrosse throughout high school, college, and immediately coaching after has helped shape me into the person I am today. Hard work ethic, motivation, commitment, perseverance, self-confidence, teamwork, and making sacrifices are some of the qualities I instill today.

        Playing lacrosse and coaching has also helped shape me into the mom I am today! I hope that many other female athletes can have the same experiences I did. It starts with getting involved with sports from a young age and believing in yourself. When challenges arise, find ways to work through them, you’re stronger than you think! Being apart of a team is so important, as you become a part of something bigger than yourself.

Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are just starting off in sports?

      Don’t be hard on yourself! The mental game is more challenging than than physical game. But it’s important to understand that making mistakes and being uncomfortable in moments is all part of it and how you grow as an athlete and person. Be confident, have fun, and enjoy the game! It’s the best getting to be a part of a team!