By Layna Delgado
Kate Laico, originally from East Meadow, N.Y., is a graduate student who is the starting goalkeeper on the women’s lacrosse team. After transferring from Pace University, Laico has already made her mark on the team, as after just two weeks of play, she has been named NEWMAC Defensive Athlete of the Week twice. The Student had the opportunity to get to know Laico a little more while she had a break from playing.
The Student: Why did you choose to transfer to Springfield?
Laico: I was looking for a new experience lacrosse-wise, and I knew I wanted to do some type of sport-related psychology. I always loved psychology, but I wanted to do something with athletes. I wanted to help work with them. Springfield had a great lacrosse team for me to join and they had sports psychology so it was kind of the best of both worlds for me.
The Student: How did you feel coming off the shutout win against Western New England?
Laico: I was extremely nervous going into that game because it was my first game playing with a new team, and I felt like I had a lot to prove. That game was actually my first shutout in my entire life. It was really nice that I was able to start my last season ever playing lacrosse on a high note with this new team, and really show them that I’m going to be there for them this season and I care about them.
The Student: Who is your favorite lacrosse player?
Laico: Growing up, my parents always called me “Blaze” [after] Blaze Riorden because I always looked up to him. He played for the University of Albany as a goalie.
The Student: What are you most excited about this season?
Laico: I’m excited about a lot of things, one of them being this team. They have a lot of potential and everyone has been working so hard. We already have three good wins under our belt, so I think going into the rest of the season we have really good heads on our shoulders. We are definitely going to play with a lot of grit and fight for every win that we are going to earn.
The Student: Since it’s your first year at Springfield, what’s your favorite place on campus?
Laico: I love the library. I like working with friends, but finals time on the fourth floor studying with my headphones in and focused.
The Student: If you had to get rid of the dessert station or the ice cream station, which one are you choosing?
Laico: I would get rid of the ice cream station.
Photo courtesy of Springfield College Athletics