TWO SABRES FIND LACROSSE SUCCESS

Four years ago South Mecklenburg High School seniors Cherilyn Hallyburton and Nicole Nixon didn’t know a single thing about the sport of lacrosse.  Now as they prepare for graduation in two weeks, both of these young ladies are set to play lacrosse at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, NC.  It’s been quite a journey for the pair.

Four years ago Nicole’s mom Sherry Put her foot down and refused to let Nicole play football.  The decision led to a whole new journey for Nicole and her close friend Cherilyn.

“I wanted to play football because a girl at my middle school played and I thought it was really cool but of course my mom said no. Then one day at lunch these two senior girls randomly came up to me and my friends asking if we wanted to play lacrosse. We had never heard of it before. Well no one said anything and I felt bad so I signed up.  I think it was the best decision I have made because I have loved it ever since.”

Cherilyn jumped right in with Nicole and off they went on their lacrosse journey.

“It has been extremely enjoyable learning to play lacrosse,” said Cherilyn.  “Because it was not very popular in North Carolina when we started, it has been both challenging to play and promote our sport. I have also enjoyed being on a team.  Playing a team sport adds a dynamic that you cannot get in some sports.”

Ironically this was Cherilyn’s first attempt at playing an organized sport.  Nicole had played soccer, volleyball and basketball, so the idea of playing sports was nothing new.

From the very first practice, both players received great instructions from coaches Amy Steinmetz, Ellie Jennings and Maggie McKenna.

“I have to say my freshman coach and my coaches this year have really helped me to become the player I am today,” said Nicole.  “Amy Steinmetz (my freshman coach) taught me everything she knew and helped me stick with playing lacrosse even when I didn’t get it at first. Ellie Jennings and Maggie McKenna have taught me so much with changing up my position this year and even running as much as we did. I never thought I could run two miles, or 75 sprints and still be able to run at practice but after their coaching it just feels weird not even running a mile every day.”

The player’s hard work combined with excellent coaching put both young ladies in position to play college lacrosse.  They took a visit to Lees-McRae and fell in love with the team and college.   Their college decision became very easy following the trip.

With Lees-McCrae now set as the destination, South Mecklenburg Lacrosse Coach Ellie Jennings took a few moments to reflect on both players and their accomplishments.

“I feel so blessed to have such amazing talented young ladies be a part of a team that has worked so hard and accomplished so many goals this season. Cherilyn and Nicole have demonstrated leadership on and off the field. Their spirit and love of the game has inspired many of the other teammates.  I am so proud of the two of them and I am confident they will succeed on the field as well as through the other ventures of life.”

The South Charlotte Sports Report congratulates Cherilyn and Nicole on their wonderful accomplishments.   We are very proud of both young ladies for realizing the importance of having an open mind to new.  The South Charlotte Sports Report sends out a challenge to Cherilyn and Nicole to follow the “Pay it Forward” concept. Nicole and Cherilyn can share the magic of lacrosse with others in hopes that it rewards someone else’s life as well.

Publishers Note:   The opportunities for female lacrosse players grow with each day.  We strongly encourage young ladies in South Charlotte to take a look at this exciting sport.  We believe this is a sport where college scholarship opportunities are about to enter into a major growth period.