Jenna Brodkin
Executive Sports Editor
Senior and UC Davis commit Kate Donnelley was recognized by U.S.A. Lacrosse as an All-American alongside 500 of the nation’s best players. Donnelley is a starter for the Mira Costa Lacrosse Team and led the Mustangs last season to an impressive 17-5 record and a deep playoff run.
“I am extremely honored to be recognized by U.S lacrosse, it is definitely an achievement,” Donnelley said. “I seriously wouldn’t be here without my coaches. Their endless support and encouragement since I joined the team has helped me so much, and I want to thank them for nominating me to be considered an All-American.”
According to Donnelley, she started playing lacrosse when she was in 2nd grade and it was all thanks to her dad. He would spend multiple hours a week teaching Donnelley how to play. Donnelley knew right away the game of lacrosse was her passion.
“I enjoy playing the game of lacrosse so much because of how fast-paced it is, that aspect has always stuck out to me,” Donnelley said. “I was also inspired by all my amazing club coaches growing up and they never let me give up on my dream and pushed me when it got hard.”
Currently Donnelley is in off-season with just a few practices each week. According to Donnelley, however, one of the biggest challenges of playing the sport is keeping a balanced life, especially during Spring season.
“When I entered high school, I had to learn how to balance academics, friends, lacrosse and stay healthy was definitely a challenge,” Donnelley said. “Once I figured out a routine, I was able to equally dedicate my time to all things important to me, one of them of course being lacrosse.”
The U.S.A All-American Award recognizes athletes for their skill and sportsmanship. The award is administered by local and area chairs and selections are made by coaches within each geographical area.
“This award truly made all the long drives and plane rides, early morning workouts, and tough practices worth it,” Donnelley said. “Seeing all my hard work pay off by being awarded this was definitely the highlight of my summer and a great way to start off my senior season.”
Donnelley looks forward to her senior season, and according to her, the team has been putting in a lot of hard work during the off season. They plan on continuing this in the fall and winter to prepare for the season.
After high school, Donnelley will continue playing at the University of California, Davis. According to Donnelley, the girls lacrosse program at this school has a close team culture that she can’t wait to be a part of.
“During the 2024-2025 season the UC Davis women’s lacrosse team will compete in the Big 12 conference and I cannot wait to support them and watch them kill it,” Donnelley said. “I can truly see myself excelling at Davis under the amazing coaching staff and the spport of all the players.”
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