Only 13% of female lacrosse players successfully make the leap from their high school to college teams, according to the NCAA. Even rarer, at only 3.8%, is getting the opportunity to playing lacrosse for a Division 1 school. Shana Hecht has conquered both odds and is headed to play Division 1 lacrosse next year at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT.

Shana, the Wildcats goalie, has been playing lacrosse for over eight years, but “it’s been nonstop” since she joined her travel team freshman year.

She loves the pace of the game and the chance to play such an integral role on the field. “It’s such a rush when I get to stuff a player, clear it to my team, and score five seconds later,” Shana said.

Shana repeated her junior year at Williston after leaving her old school, Spanish River High School in Boca Raton, FL. Because of her desire to play lacrosse in college, Shana decided to start searching for boarding schools that would allow her to pursue her dream. “I chose Williston because it was so welcoming and more focused on their students,” she said. She also really liked the lacrosse program and wanted to be a part of the team.

The girl’s lacrosse team at Williston is well-ranked and performed exceptionally well in the 2017 spring season.

Shana admires the “dynamic of the team,” and believes it makes them closer. She said she loves the “long bus rides, spring training in Florida, dance circles, and pregame celebrations.” She added that “it’s just great being on a team where they love the sport just as much as you.”

The girls on the lacrosse team are highly supportive of Shana, including junior Emma Gentile. Emma is new to the school but has witnessed Shana play lacrosse.

“I really look up to her,” said Emma. “Shana works so hard and never gives up.” Emma is set to play on the lacrosse team with Shana, and is “excited to have her as our goalie.”

Similarly, senior Marielle McEnaney admires Shana’s work ethic. Marielle played soccer with Shana this fall and was able to watch Shana on the field.

Marielle said, “Even though soccer isn’t Shana’s main sport, she was always so encouraging and uplifting during long practices.” Marielle added that she “really appreciated Shana’s ability to take corrections from coaches.”

Shana has to work extremely hard and must constantly stay focused due to her position as goalie. In lacrosse, the goalie is one of the most critical players on the field. Since only one goalie is taken per recruiting class, it’s hard to get numerous offers to play at the college level. Shana said that “lacrosse is gaining in popularity,” which makes getting these few offers even more competitive.

At her November 10 signing ceremony, Shana said “the feeling of finally joining the Sacred Heart lacrosse team is almost surreal.”