Kaitlynn Lazaro '21 Recruiting Profile

Hurling a yellow ball past an opposing goalie always draws loud cheers and a few groans. Cheers get louder after the referee’s whistle and signal, which is quickly followed by hugs and high fives. When my teammates score, I’m usually behind all of that celebration. You can find me behind the restraining line, clapping and yelling kudos to my girls. I used to play up front but I’ve enjoyed my time in the backfield. I play defense and I’ve learned that I have a natural ability to play the position. It’s true that my defensive goals are to keep the offensive cheers at a minimum. As I see plays unfold, I move to spots and passing lanes to disrupt any flow that the Attackers attempt to establish. When the ball is on our side, my teammates and I can’t stop talking. Topics are fairly common: who’s on the right, who’s on the left, who has ball and if someone wants to switch. We never talk about slides because if you talk about it, it’s already too late. Due to my size, sphere violations and errant checks aren’t a common practice for me. I’d prefer to beat them with my speed so that I could get in front of my rival. Once I’m in front, I will extend my stick to make me appear taller and wider. Sometimes the offense doesn’t see me and that’s ok. Opponents feel welcomed into the eight when they feel a soft nudge from me to their hip signaling a warm ‘hello’. While defense isn’t a glamorous position it speaks true of the student and person that I am: I look ahead, get in front of any obstacles that come my way, work with others, request help when needed, quickly formulate a game plan, and execute.

Kaitlynn Lazaro

Instagram:  @kaitlynnlazaro