Kris Rhim
@Legendary_Kris
At 5’7, senior Attacker Shelby Corsano stood about 12 yards from the net on Stagg field last Saturday as women’s lacrosse took on Coast Guard.
The All-American quickly cut through the middle and received a pass from Kayla Schroeher. Corsano turned towards the net and scored her first goal of the day.
The goal marked Corsano’s 160th goal of her career; the most ever in program history.
Corsano didn’t stop there.
She finished the game with five goals en route to a 17-6 dominating win over the Bears.
Corsano has been a superstar for the Pride since her sophomore season. She scored 56 goals, led the Pride to its third NEWMAC title in five years and helped the program earn a trip to the Sweet 16 of the national tournament.
In her junior year, she elevated her game to an even higher level and was recognized for it. She became the first IWLCA All-American in Division III in program history and earned NEWMAC Athlete of the Year.
With such a decorated career, it’s almost ridiculous to think that in high school Corsano was a star in a different sport—Volleyball.
Corsano was an all-state volleyball selection in high school.
“I actually liked volleyball a lot more than lacrosse,” she said.
Springfield women’s lacrosse coach Kristen Mullady knew how good Corsano was at volleyball and was unsure if she’d be doing both at Springfield College.
“We knew she was going to play lacrosse no matter what, we were just unsure if she was gonna do volleyball and lacrosse,” said Mullady.
When Corsano first started practicing with the team, she showed flashes of being a good player, but never looked the part of a future superstar.
“She was really raw,” said Mullady. “Her skills were definitely not developed. She was just a very strong athlete and got so much better quickly. From coaching her you though you could see though she had a ton of potential.”
During her first year, Corsano struggled with transitioning into being a college athlete.
“In high school it was definitely more laid back. It was just fun to be a part of a team and represent your town,” said Corsano. “Once I got here it was definitely a culture shock, because you lift twice a week, and you condition twice a week. Sometimes you think, ‘Why am I doing this? I have a test tomorrow or a paper due the next day.’ But being a part of a special team and girls I look up too it makes it easier to go to practice when I don’t want to.”
Even with the tough adjustment to the collegiate level, Corsano always comes to practice ready to work.
“She’s a positive person. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her have negative body language,” said Mullady. “Her freshman year and sophomore year it took her awhile to build the confidence she has now, but she has 100 percent composure; so that helps her be the athlete she is now.”
The Pride dominated opponents during the regular season last year; going undefeated against NEWMAC opponents. This accomplishment earned the team the No. 1 seed and home field advantage throughout the tournament.
In the championship game, the women took on the Babson Beavers who they defeated earlier in the season. On this day, however, Babson came out on top. and the women watched as the Beavers celebrated the title on Stagg Field.
This season, Corsano is focused on avenging that loss and making a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
“Winning NEWMACs is definitely a big goal of ours. We want to come back and beat Babson, hopefully on their on field this year. And then, just make a run at the NCAA tournament.”