Former Lacrosse Standout Heads to England

Philadelphia, Pa. - It has been less than four months since recent Holy Family University graduate Stephanie McNesby (Philadelphia, Pa./Archbishop Ryan) celebrated with her team after the Tigers won back-to-back Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) championships with a 12-10 victory over cross-town rival Philadelphia University. 
 
McNesby's collegiate career ended on a high note and her next chapter in her lacrosse career is set to begin --- in England.   The team's all-time leading scorer accepted a position with the English Lacrosse Association as a Local Development Officer for the Stockport Lacrosse Club for the upcoming 2013-14 season. 
 
"I am looking forward to being able to continue my lacrosse career and gain some more experience," said McNesby.  "I am excited to both be coaching and playing for Stockport, because I get the best of both worlds.  When I am not physically playing, I will be coaching.  The coaching I feel will be the most important and fulfilling job over there.  I obviously love playing the game, and now I get to put all my experiences with the game to the test.  I have always wanted to coach and now I have been given the opportunity.  Promoting the game of lacrosse in any form is the ultimate job."
 
McNesby will travel to local schools throughout Manchester and teach children the fundamentals of the game of lacrosse in an effort to spark interest in the children.  She'll have a chance to pass on what she learned and experienced as a player to them. 
 
"The most important piece of information I think I will teach the children about lacrosse is what I was told once at an Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) banquet, and that is: to never forget to give back to the sport that gave me so much.  Although these children are only starting their journeys with lacrosse, it is never too early to give back whether it is helping other children through coaching or volunteering."
 
McNesby continues, "I hope to also teach them that there is always something new to learn in lacrosse and life.  Even professional athletes continue learning every match.  This I believe will also aid the children to become the best players they can possibly be." 
 
As she mentioned, part of her duties includes playing for the Stockport's Women's team as well as coach for Stockport.  McNesby will have a chance to continue her playing career as well as take on a new role as coach. 
 
"I am extremely excited to continue my playing career," said McNesby.  "I love learning and now I will be able to learn more about the game in ways that I would not be able to learn here in the United States.  I would love to become a more diverse player because that will only help translate into my coaching career."
 
McNesby will begin training for her new position the first week of September.  While over in England, she'll have a chance to travel and is looking forward to visiting various sites across the country. 
 
"Outside of lacrosse I am looking forward to checking out the museums and football stadiums over in England," said McNesby.  "This position also allows me to travel on my spare time, and traveling in Europe is a lot cheaper than traveling in the United States.  I have wanted to travel since I was very young so I am very excited to have the opportunity to check out the world, while still playing lacrosse."
 
McNesby earned All-CACC honors for the third time in her career as she earned first team accolades for the second straight season to cap her senior season.  The former CACC Player of the Year led the team in scoring with 60 points.  She finished fourth in the CACC in that category and also ranked fourth in goals (44), sixth in assists (16) and second with 79 draw controls.
 
She wrapped up her four-year career as the program's all-time leading scorer with 211 points (154G/57A).  The three-time All-CACC selection also finished as the program's all-time leader in assists (57), draw controls (270) and caused turnovers (48).  McNesby is second in program history with 154 goals.
 
 
- HFU -