said. “We’ve always been good friends.”) So Sileo became a feeder, most comfortable setting up teammates like Petersen. In college, surrounded by even more finishers, Sileo perfected her vision. LIU Post coach Meghan McNamara, who also coached Sileo’s older sister, Nicole, watched the younger sister pile up assists as a junior. Sileo didn’t play behind the cage back then; she often fed from the 12-meter fan. It didn’t take McNamara long start to visualizing the kind of college career Sileo could have. “I was just like, ‘I love this kid,’” McNamara said. “She looked like she would be so much fun to coach. She had so much potential.” Where else can that potential possibly
take Sileo? She’s ahead of the curve. Not only does Sileo own the NCAA records — with 420 career points, she’ll likely surpass Jen Adams (445) as the all-time leader in any division — but also thanks to credits accumulated in high school, she graduated early last year with a degree in psychology. She’s now working on a master’s degree in clinical mental health. “I’ve always been interested in people
and their relationships and how they interact and how their minds work,” Sileo said. “I love that type of stuff.” You don’t need Sileo’s vision to see a
bright future. About the only thing Sileo has trouble seeing is just how awesome her college career has been. “I’ve never really pictured that part of it,” she said. “I wanted a national championship. Then I focused on doing it twice. Now I don’t have to be upset and have all the what-ifs running through my head. That happened throughout high school: ‘Oh, I wish I made this goal. I wish I made this pass.’ All those little plays don’t matter because we won.” Sileo attributes the titles to her teammates. She sees the whole field. And there are 11 other players. “It’s a tribute to her,” McNamara
said. “She’s such a selfless player, and I’m even more proud because of her character. For her, it was always just how the team embodied each other. She’ll probably reflect more on it all when she’s out of college. Then she’ll understand what incredible accomplishments she’s had.” Until then, Sileo will be too busy visualizing the next victory to see the big picture. LM
A Publication of US Lacrosse
Best BETS
Attacker of the Year JACKIE SILEO, LIU POST
Sileo has a preternatural ability for finding an open scorer and double-digit assist games are not uncommon. Division II’s all-time points leader and a two-time NCAA champion, Sileo has one more season to add to her already impressive legacy.
Midfielder of the Year JESSICA PANDOLF, LOCK HAVEN
On offense (64 goals in 2013), Pandolf is patient, can challenge 1-on-1, draw the double and dump, read screens and pick off ball. On defense (21 caused turnovers) her speed allows her to take chances.
Defender of the Year TAYLOR NORWOOD, INDIANA (PA.)
The three-time all-region selection had 33 caused turnovers in 2013 along with 38 ground balls, 31 draw controls and two assists, while helping the Crimson Hawks put up the PSAC’s second-stingiest defense.
First-Team All-Americans
A Kathleen Conese, Le Moyne, Sr. • A Sarah Oor, Limestone, Sr. • A Caroline Lamere, Rollins, Sr. • A Jackie Sileo, LIU Post, Sr. • M Jessica Pandolf, Lock Haven, Jr. • M Samantha Stavish, Dowling, Sr. • M Devan Crimi, Adelphi, Sr. • M Katie Rotan, LIU Post, Sr. • D Katherine Athens, Pfeiffer, Sr. • D Megan Collins, Le Moyne, Sr. • D Jacqueline Williams, Adelphi, Sr. • D Maia Czarnecki, Limestone, Sr. • D Melissa Rohr, LIU Post, Sr. • D Taylor Norwood, Indiana (Pa.), Sr. • G Katie Hammerer, Florida Southern, Sr. • G Ally Dorman, Bentley, Sr.
Sleeper Team LINDENWOOD
The first-year NCAA-eligible program from St. Charles, Mo., will play six top-15 teams and three 2013 South Region playoff teams. The Lions are capable of pulling off an upset, as they showed when they took Rollins to the brink last season before falling by a goal.
Rookie of the Year CASSLEY JACKOWSKI,
ROBERTS WESLEYAN
An Under Armour All-American at Lafayette (N.Y.) High, Jackowski twice put up nine assists in a high school game and ranks among the top 10 scorers in New York high school history.
Breakout Player RACHEL O’BRIEN, ADELPHI
The Northeast-10 Rookie of the Year started all 21 games during her freshman season, ranking second on the Panthers in points (75), goals (56) and assists (19). One of Rob Grella’s first recruits should be Adelphi’s next big star.
Bracket Buster INDIANA (PA.)
The Crimson Hawks have been on the verge of PSAC greatness and boosted their non-league schedule by adding Lindenwood, Florida Southern and Rollins this season. No one would want to face this defense in the NCAA tournament.
February 2014 >> LACROSSE MAGAZINE 75
Kelly Award (Goalie of the Year)
KATIE HAMMERER, FLORIDA SOUTHERN
The 2013 IWLCA Division II Goalie of the Year ranked sixth nationally with a 51.5 save percentage and 16th in goals against average (9.68), helping the Mocs, who went 11-4 and only lost to NCAA tournament teams, to a successful second year.
©GREG WALL (KC)
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