For senior lacrosse player Annie Battista, who signed an NCAA D1 National Letter of Intent on November 11, receiving the official letter was no surprise. She had already verbally committed to her school earlier in the summer and was anticipating the letter her coach said she would receive soon. But as she opened the letter that arrived at her home, Battista breathed a sigh of relief.
Three other senior women’s lacrosse players shared the same experience.
For seniors Annie Battista, Jenn Etzel, Lisa Barnaba, and Alex Mezzanotte, signing a National Letter of Intent brought much relief. By signing, each senior committed to play lacrosse for their chosen school for at least one year.
Battista admits that although the letter was not unexpected, she was “excited” to read it. “Everything was so official,” she said. Battista committed to play starting defender for Mount St. Mary’s University “I think it’ll be fun, but also challenging,” said Battista.
Etzel noted being excited, but also a little anxious for her letter to arrive. “I just wanted to be done with everything,” said Etzel. Although her position will not be definite until she begins playing for the University of Denver, she hopes to play midfield attack, which is her usual position.
Barnaba committed to play goalie for Fresno State University in California, and was extremely relieved. “Now I know exactly where I’m going and I don’t have to think about it,” said Barnaba.
Along with much excitement and relief, however, the letters of intent also brought a lot of pressure. “It’s a big pressure because they’re paying me to play…It’s kind of my job,” said Mezzanotte, who will be attending Hofstra University.
Each senior can sense the expectations and responsibility that come with committing. “They expect me to perform well, on the field and academically,” said Mezzanotte.
Overcoming being a new member on each team will also be a challenge. “There’s lots of pressure now; we’re the youngest, so we’ve got to prove ourselves,” said Etzel.
Barnaba said that no matter what she will “do her best.” And although there are lots of expectations involved, each senior is ready to take the challenge head-on.
“It’s going to be a new experience, and I’m really excited,” said Mezzanotte.
Alex Bahr can be reached for comment at [email protected].