With snow falling and tensions running high, the Lehigh women’s lacrosse team had just seven minutes to warm up before its matchup against College of the Holy Cross on April 12 in Worcester, Massachusetts.
But the Mountain Hawks’ sophomore defender Camilla Madonna didn’t let the weather disrupt her focus.
Madonna delivered a season-best performance, recording four caused turnovers and two ground balls in a 12-10 win that earned her Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week honors.
She’s started every game this season, and she currently leads the team with 15 caused turnovers and 12 ground balls — doubling her stats from her first year.
However, Madonna didn’t begin her Lehigh career in the starting lineup. She said her coach gave her an opportunity to start midway through last season, and she’s held the role ever since.
“My role on the team has grown a lot, and I am really grateful my coaches and teammates have trusted me to step up into that position,” Madonna said.
With the game against Holy Cross being consistently back and forth with four ties and Lehigh’s lead never exceeding three goals, she credited her teammates for keeping her mindset positive.
“I think what helped the most in that game was just our mental toughness and all my teammates cheering on,” Madonna said. “It was so fun to be a part of.”
Sophomore defender Grace Mawicke said she’s noticed Madonna’s growth, both in her play and her leadership.
Mawicke said Madonna showed mental toughness during the game, consistently found the ball when the team was struggling and was effective at advancing it up the field. She said Madonna played a role in nearly every moment of the game.
She also credited Madonna’s preparation and knowledge of the game, or “lacrosse IQ,” as contributors to her success.
“She’s someone who is always watching lacrosse,” Mawicke said. “She studies other teams, watches highlights and comes into practice with advice or adjustments.”
First-year defender Hannah Cross said Madonna’s approachability and consistency have helped her transition to college lacrosse.
“She’s just someone you can count on,” Cross said. “As a first-year, it’s nerve-wracking, but Camilla is always checking in on us, making sure we know the plays, and she leads by example. You can see how much she cares about the team.”
Cross also said after every game, a storybook award is given to a teammate. She said Madonna earned the award for her performance at Holy Cross.
To Cross, earning the award shows Madonna’s consistency and ability to show up for the team.
Despite stepping into a leadership role this season, Madonna said she still looks up to many of her older teammates and credits them with helping her grow on and off the field.
“I look up to a few older girls on my team, and although I am young, I try my best to lead by example and grow the most I can with my teammates,” she said.
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