Tuesday, January 3, 2012

York Catholic's Ingram taking her lacrosse skills to NCAA Division I program

By RYAN VANDERSLOOT/The York Dispatch

Ingram (Robert Chadderdon)

Lindsay Ingram has been successful in almost any endeavor she's ever undertaken.

The York Catholic senior played basketball for the highly-decorated girls' team and was a member of three District 3-AA championship squads over the past three years. She's also a standout in the classroom, where she's a member of the National Honor Society.

When her school began its lacrosse program during her freshman year, Ingram decided to give it a try. She took a few private lessons, attended numerous camps, practiced rigorously and honed her skills trying to catch up to those who had been playing the sport for years.

It didn't take Ingram long to get up to speed. In fact, the York Catholic senior not only caught up, but surpassed many of her teammates and opponents. Ingram led the Irish in goals and assists during her junior season, helping York Catholic earn a berth into the York-Adams League and District 3 playoffs. She's also a force on her club team, the York Invaders. She began her high-school lacrosse career with a goal to earn a college scholarship, and she was determined to do everything she could to reach it.

Ingram's ascent in the sport earned her lots of attention from peers and coaches around the area. She won awards and was named to postseason all-star teams. It also allowed her to achieve her dream - a scholarship to St. Francis University in Loretto, Pa.- making Ingram the first player in York Catholic history to earn an NCAA Division I women's lacrosse scholarship.

We caught up with Ingram recently to talk about her commitment to St. Francis and how she got her start in the sport for this week's edition of Sports Q&A.

I understand you started playing lacrosse three years ago. What got you interested in the sport?

Lacrosse was a new sport for York Catholic High School my freshman year. The skill level varied from beginners to experienced players and I decided to give it a try. Before the season started, I contacted Jen Muston (Dragoni), head coach for women's lacrosse at York College, to receive a couple of lessons on how to hold a lacrosse stick and a cradle a ball. This experience gave me good habits and proper technique as I continued to learn.

How long did it take you to learn the game and feel comfortable in a game setting?

After my first season as a freshman, I loved the sport. I had played basketball for seven years and my speed, agility and defensive skills carried onto the field. Learning the stick skills and shooting was a gradual process. I knew I needed to work harder since I had a late start in playing lacrosse. I attended clinics, camps and continued working on my own.

Who helped you the most with your progression in the sport?

My high school coach, Rob Linthicum, saw my potential in lacrosse before anyone. His knowledge of the sport, guidance and support of me as an athlete encouraged me to pursue playing at the collegiate level. I had the opportunity to play for the York Invaders, a new lacrosse club created and managed by Dan China. Playing in summer tournaments with this team gave me the exposure to college coaches. My coaches - Rob, Dan, and Barry Mitchell - encouraged me and made me want to be a better player.

What went into your decision to commit to St. Francis?

My decision to commit to Saint Francis University was for the academic and athletic opportunities. I was accepted into the doctorate program for physical therapy and loved the rural setting of the campus. After visiting the athletic facility and meeting with the head and assistant coach, I knew I wanted to play for the Red Flash.

When did you make your final decision?

During the summer after my junior year, I decided that SFU would be the best fit because I would be able to play lacrosse in addition to studying to become a physical therapist.

How did you feel when you signed that letter of intent?

I know it sounds clich? when I describe the feeling as surreal as I signed my letter of intent, but playing Division I lacrosse was proof to me after three years of hard work that I accomplished one of my goals.

What position do you play for York Catholic?

I play center/midfield and attack. I will be playing midfield for Saint Francis University.

What are your goals for this upcoming season?

As a senior, I believe my role will be different this year. I take physical conditioning seriously and have encouraged younger players to lift in the weight room with me after school. Last year we had a successful season, making it into both district and county playoffs. This year my goal for our team is to continue progressing and make it at least one step further in this 2012 season.

- Reach Ryan Vandersloot at sports@yorkdispatch.com.

Source: http://www.yorkdispatch.com/sports/ci_19657021?source=rss

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