Name: Maggie Hance
Age: 17 years old
School: West Morris Central
Team: Triple Threat Elite
How long have you been playing lacrosse: I have been playing since 7th grade, so about 5 years.
What is your favorite aspect of lacrosse: When something you worked hard on in practice transfers perfectly into your game, and you find the time put in pays off. Also, I love the competitiveness!
Do you have a favorite memory or moment from a lacrosse game?: The most vivid memory in a lacrosse game is the first goal I ever scored in 7th grade. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing and was so nervous about making any mistakes. I remember shooting and immediately my entire team ran to hug me! In that moment I felt a sense of friendship and support that I had never felt in any other sport and I knew that lacrosse was going to be important to me for the rest of my life.
Is there a coach or athlete that you look up to as a role model and why?: Throughout my recovery process and beyond, I have strongly looked up to the Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn. She has such an incredible work ethic and consistently pushed herself within the guidelines of safe recovery. She has gone through numerous ACL and knee injuries, yet still won a gold medal for the United States. She taught me to focus on what you can control, and to put in the work on your own.
Have you ever suffered a major sports related injury? If so, how do u feel it improved your game?: Two weeks before my freshman season I tore my ACL and was out until the following season. There is almost nothing worse as an athlete than having to sit on the sideline when all you want to do is be on the field with your friends. Although difficult, I believe this injury helped me grow mentally and physically as a player. It made me appreciate the ability to be an athlete much more, and allowed me to focus on the basics. My goal through recovery was to be able to step on the field and immediately make an impact after being cleared. For me, this meant improving my cardio and stick skills.
Do you have any other hobbies or interests outside of sports?: Outside of lacrosse, I love making art. It’s my way to relax and disconnect from the craziness.
How does being an athlete inspire you to do good?: Being an athlete inspires me to take care of myself, and to help those who are going through similar situations that I went through. Unfortunately ACL injuries are incredibly common in lacrosse and so many of my friends and teammates have experienced it also. I try to support my friends and teammates through injuries as much as I can, because they are so much easier to overcome when there is someone there with you.