A pair of Upper Dublin lacrosse players, Danielle Ferguson and Stephanie Speese, will be taking their talents to the collegiate level.
Danielle Ferguson – Florida Southern College (Lacrosse)
Major: Undecided
Final list of colleges: Florida Southern, Ursinus, West Chester
Reasons for choosing Florida Southern: “From the moment I stepped onto the beautiful Florida campus, I knew it was the school for me. It has a very welcoming and homey atmosphere, paired with awesome academics and an amazing coach. It had so much to offer but came with the comfort of small classes, which I prefer.”
What was the progression that led you to playing collegiate lacrosse? “Before my sophomore year, I had never even touched a lacrosse stick. I played basketball my entire life, so when I stepped onto the field, things came naturally to me, along with the guidance and help from Coach Cross, who was always willing to help me improve.
“I fell in love with lacrosse and just couldn’t get enough, so the summer after my junior year I began the recruiting process. I played club lacrosse (Ultimate Goal Lacrosse), and they helped me find Florida Southern.”
Coach Dee Cross says: “Danielle is a two-year varsity starter. She was a basketball player who decided to play lacrosse during her sophomore season. Before her junior season, she decided to concentrate on lacrosse, and by the third week of the season, she had worked her way into the starting lineup due to an injury (to a teammate). She worked hard and was determined to stay on the field as a starter, and she did just that. Danielle has a passion for the sport now and is excited to play at Division II Florida Southern College. She has family in Florida and is from a big family of 11 siblings. Danielle is one of those players who may not rack up all of the stats, but she loves to play and will give 100 percent every minute of every game.”
About Danielle:
Favorite food: Candy
Favorite movie: Toy Story 3
Favorite music: Dave Matthews Band
Stephanie Speese – Franklin & Marshall College (Lacrosse)
Major: Undecided
Final list of colleges: Franklin & Marshall, Monmouth
Reasons for choosing Franklin & Marshall: “I loved the small school atmosphere and the intimate appeal. Also, when I met the team, I (immediately) felt accepted and knew this team was the perfect fit.”
What was the progression that led you to playing collegiate lacrosse? “I have played lacrosse my whole life – growing up in Maryland, I was raised on the sport. I was late in the game though to start recruiting when in my junior year I started looking and contacting coaches, but as soon as I was in contact with F&M, I was set.”
Coach Dee Cross says: “Steph is a three-year varsity starter, and she decided before her junior season that she would like to continue to play at the collegiate level. Before that, she thought she was done after high school. After she made that decision, she took her game to the next level. She had made honorable mention all-league as a sophomore and then made first team in her junior and senior seasons. Steph became the backbone of our low defense during her junior and senior seasons, helping us get to the state playoffs her junior year. She has great defensive awareness and knows when to double team. She is tenacious and will not be denied a groundball. Steph is a true competitor, and we will miss her leadership on defense next year. I know she will succeed at Franklin and Marshall, and I am excited to see what she can do.”
About Stephanie:
Favorite food: Tomato Pie
Favorite movie: American Beauty
Favorite music: Dave Matthews Band
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