By Daniel Butler
LoCoSports Staff Writer
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Purcellville (April 10, 2017) — Woodgrove High School senior Catie Cavallaro has committed to Division I East Carolina University to continue her lacrosse career starting in the 2018-2019 school year.
“It’s comforting to know that everything is set up for me and I don’t have to stress out on waiting to hear back from a school,” Cavallaro said. “I can focus on lacrosse and finishing off the school year.”
The 5-foot-2 defensive midfielder is ecstatic to have finally committed to East Carolina, as she’ll be a part of the first women’s lacrosse team at ECU.
“I’m excited to be a part of the introduction of women’s lacrosse at East Carolina University,” Cavallaro said. “It is a wonderful school and a great opportunity for me to push myself and expand my skills on and off the field.”
Despite the skill Cavallaro displays while playing lacrosse, it took her a long time before she found a passion for the sport.
“Freshman year I played softball, but I was losing interest. After practice ended, I would go to the lacrosse practice and wait for my sister, and I really enjoyed the sport,” said Cavallaro — who spent her freshman year playing softball and wrestling.
However, it was her time as a varsity wrestler that really led her to trying out lacrosse.
“During practice sophomore year, when I couldn’t find a partner, I would work with our volunteer coach, Doug French — who also happened to be the JV lacrosse coach,” Cavallaro said. “He convinced me to stop softball and start up lacrosse, and after a year, I earned a starting spot on the varsity team and a state champion ring.”
The Woodgrove Wolverines have won three consecutive VHSL 4A state championships from 2014-2016, and Cavallaro is trying to help bring her school a fourth.
“This is only my third season playing lacrosse so there is a lot more for me to learn so I can be the best athlete and teammate as possible as an [East Carolina] Pirate next year,” Cavallaro said.
Cavallaro – who plays for the 3D Atlantic club team – has cherished her time at Woodgrove.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better team and environment to learn the sport,” Cavallaro said. “I cannot thank the program we have at Woodgrove enough for welcoming me into the lacrosse family and giving me opportunities like committing to continue doing what I love at a fantastic school for these next four years. The school as a whole is extremely supportive of our athletics and has helped me grow so much.”
The Wolverine senior is eager to join a brand new East Carolina team next year as she feels she has a lot to bring to the table for the Pirates.
“Wrestling has disciplined me and taught me how to be responsible when balancing my athletics with school work,” Cavallaro said. “I hope to bring this discipline to the team next year so we can reach our full potential and really shock some people who aren’t expecting much from a new team.”
