On Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010, Abington seniors Carli Fitzgerald and Molly Seefried inked their names on letters of intent to accept lacrosse scholarships to Temple University.
The dangerous duo – who also happen to be best friends – have been part of three consecutive SOL National Conference championships. Both have played varsity since their freshman year.
Last year, Seefried contributed 65 goals and 25 assists. She also had 45 draw controls, 18 ground balls and 12 caused turnovers. Fitzgerald had 51 goals and 25 assists with 31 draw controls, 36 ground balls and 31 caused turnovers. Both were first team all-SOL selections last year.
Carli Fitzgerald – Temple University (Lacrosse)Major: Nursing
Final list of schools: Temple, St. Joe’s, West Chester
Reasons for choosing Temple: “Once I met the coaches, I decided that is definitely what I liked, and the program seemed better.
“Molly and I have been best friends since third grade, and Temple and St. Joe’s were at the top of both of our lists at the end, but we didn’t decide because each other was going there. It kind of happened like that. We both really liked it.”
When did you start thinking about playing lacrosse at the collegiate level: “I tried out for a tournament team the summer after ninth grade, and there were college recruiters at the tournament. Once they started contacting me and I started getting letters, I decided I would like to play in college.
“I’m really excited.”
Former Abington coach Julie Martinez says: “Carli is one of my favorite players I have ever coached. She is an absolute hustler, and her basketball background makes her an intuitive defender. She is easily able to pick off passes, and she knowingly forces her attacker into double teams and/or her weak side. She is a gazelle who can run the field all day and never tire.
“The growth I have seen in Carli as a player made me proud to be her coach. She is throwing against the wall and/or shooting every day of the summer. You can’t teach that kind of passion.
“I had the pleasure to teach Carli in English class last year, so I was able to see what a tremendous person she is. She is as hard working off the field as she is on the field.”
Molly Seefried – Temple University (Lacrosse)Major: Undecided
Final list of colleges: Temple, St. Joe’s, Drexel
Reasons for choosing Temple: “I know Temple is in the city, but it felt like it was an actual campus inside the city, and it just felt so comfortable. The coach is just so nice and is so easy to talk to. They do a lot of things - they adopt a kid and do a lot of community service.”
What was the progression that led you to start thinking about a scholarship? “A lot of older girls who were on my team have gone, and I have been on club teams since I was in ninth grade. This was always a goal – I always wanted to play in college.
“The fact that we were on a winning team just made me love lacrosse so much more. To have a great coach that was leading us – we won the Suburban One League three years in a row. (To have it end like) this is unbelievable.”
Former Abington coach Julie Martinez says: “Molly is a low attacker who can be counted on to score goals and dish out assists each and every time she steps out onto the field. She is a leader on the attacking end of the field, constantly moving and directing her teammates to create space. Her vision is impeccable, which sets up many of her teammates to create scoring opportunities.
“Molly’s split dodge stifles defenders, and her left hand is easily as strong as her right hand. Best of all, Molly was a primary connector in midfield transition. She always seemed to be in the right place at the right time, making cuts upfield to move the ball towards the cage.
“Molly is a relentless re-defender. She caused many a turnover in the offensive end to regain possession for Abington. Any 50/50 ground ball in the attacking end was undoubtedly going to be Molly’s, and she would fight to make sure of it. Somehow, Molly does it all with poise and confidence. Simply put, Molly is a winner.”
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