Madison Sweeney, the two-year girls lacrosse captain, has worked hard to prove her skills in the competitive sport over the years. Through her dedication, she was able to make a commitment to play Division I lacrosse at the University of Connecticut during her junior year. In this article, she discusses the recruitment process and gives us an inside look on her high school career and goals for the upcoming spring season.

Q) What sport do you play?
A) Lacrosse

Q) What position do you play?
A) Midfield/attack

Q) Why did you choose that sport?
A) I chose to play lacrosse because it is a well rounded, team sport that involves a lot of different skills.

Q) How long have you been playing?
A) I have been playing lacrosse since 1st grade

Q) What are you going to miss most about your sport?
A) I am continuing to play in college, however I will miss my high school friends and coaches that have supported me throughout my journey.

Q) Do you want to continue your sport in college? If so, a division or just a club?
A)I am continuing to play Division I lacrosse at UCONN. After my first lacrosse camp at UCONN it struck my interest immediately and I was beyond impressed by the facilities and coaching staff. I loved all of the girls when I visited and it truly felt like home.

Q) Do you only participate in that sport at SHS or outside of school?
A) I have also been playing club lacrosse since 3rd grade and my club is called the CT Grizzlies.

Q) What’s your favorite experience from your sport?
A) My favorite experience from my sport was winning the national championship at the American Select Tournament 2 years in a row. I played for Connecticut and we competed against different regions from around the country. The game was streamed on TV and it was one of the most competitive games I have ever played in. It felt surreal and I couldn’t believe it when my relatives sent me a picture of myself on TV. Not only was that really cool for our team and to show how Connecticut is dominating the lacrosse world, but it showed how overall lacrosse is growing as a sport and really getting on the map.

Q) Have you received any recognition or honors from playing your sport? If so, what are they?
A) 1)University of Connecticut, Division I Lacrosse Recruit, Fall of 2024
2)All FCIAC tier 2 First Team 2023
3)MVP Award, Stamford High School 2023
4)Varsity Lacrosse Captain, Stamford High School, 2023, 2024
5)American Select All-Tournament Team 2024 Second Team
6)American Select, CT Region Champions 2022 and 2021
7)All-FCIAC Girls Lacrosse Honorable Mention 2022 and 2021
8)Impact Player of the Year Award, Stamford High School 2022
9)Rookie of the Year Award, Stamford High School 2021
10)Ruden Report-Fairfield County Player of the Week 4/11/21, 5/09/22, 4/1/2023
11)AU Futures Team, CT Region 2021

Q) How have your experiences from the past 4 years of high school been different from the start of your career?
A) My experiences from the past 4 years of high school have been very different from the start of my lacrosse career. Not only have the girls gotten bigger and stronger, but the skill gap closes as everyone picks up the same stick skills, speed, and techniques as you. Lacrosse became very competitive for me with my club and I decided in 7th grade that I wanted to try out for the best club in the state! I ended up making the team (CT Grizzlies), but after just one fall season I tore my ACL. That had a significant impact on my lacrosse career physically and mentally. I was unsure if I was going to be able to play again, let alone get recruited. After I recovered from my ACL tear and made it to high school I had to start from the ground up with a program that lacked experience. Over the past four years I have worked very hard to recruit new girls, train them, coach them, and become friends with them whether they are in elementary school or on the Stamford High School team. Our program has grown so much and really taken a leap from where it was when I was just a freshman.

Q) What are your hopes/goals for the spring season?
A) My hopes for this season is to make it to FCIAC for the second time in program history (last year was the first), be the top ranked team in Tier II of the FCIAC, and win at least 2 state games!

Q) Can you specify what the recruitment process was like for you?
A) Overall, the recruitment process was stressful, but it’s worth it and you will find a home. There is a place for everyone, not only in sports, you just have to be patient. I’m super excited to go and play up at UCONN, but focused on finishing my senior year strong!