Northeast Grad Laxin’ It Up at Lycoming

Amber Graybill, a former lacrosse standout, has taken her lacrosse career to the next level. The defender is entering her second season playing for the Division III school Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA.

Pasadena Patch: What has the experience of playing college-level lacrosse been like?
Graybill: I love it. I could not even imagine not playing. If I didn’t play lacrosse I would feel left out walking around campus. Even with all of the commitments of playing a sport, it is worth it in the end. Once the games start, all of the hard work from preseason pays off and it is so worth it.

Pasadena Patch: How did playing lacrosse at Northeast High School prepare you for lacrosse at Lycoming?
Graybill: The best part about lacrosse at Northeast was my coach. She was also a club lacrosse coach, so she knew a lot of background about the game. But the level of lacrosse we play at here at Lycoming is a lot different than high school.

Pasadena Patch: Why did you choose Lycoming?
Graybill: I came to visit Lycoming in February of my senior year; and when I came up I got to watch a game and meet the girls; and that was great. I also wanted to go to a school where I enjoyed things other than lacrosse, and that was the case with Lycoming. I got involved in a sorority; and I love the small campus. And since the school is small I have really gotten to know a lot of people inside and outside of lacrosse.

Pasadena Patch: How did the team do last season? And what is the outlook for this year?
Graybill: Last season wasn’t that great, I think we only won three games. However, we lost three or four games by just two goals. I think this year we are going to be a lot better. We got a new coach in the fall and she is awesome. I have never had a better coach in my whole life. She knows everything and can answer any questions. She is just really helpful.

Pasadena Patch: What advice would you give to a younger athlete that is looking to pursue lacrosse in college?
Graybill: I would tell them to go to a school where they feel comfortable with the younger girls on the team; because those are the girls you are going to be spending the most time with. I would also tell them to go to a school where they aren’t just playing lacrosse. Lacrosse can be a big part of it, but go somewhere you feel comfortable in the classroom and everywhere else since you live there nine months out of the year.