Photo Courtesy of Sports Information
By Carly Mersky, Staff Writer
Senior Tori Lombardi is an early childhood education and special education major and plays midfield on the women’s lacrosse team,from Parsippany, N.J. During her free time, she likes to workout, go on hikes and adventures, meet up with friends, hang with her family and try new things.
Along with lacrosse, Lombardi used to play basketball and run cross country.
“Basketball was my main sport and my passion. I picked up lacrosse at a much later age and learned to love the sport as well. I wanted to go to school for basketball, but lacrosse was in my favor,” Lombardi said.
Lombardi shared that her lacrosse inspiration is a middle school friend who went on to play D1 at Old Dominion University and now coaches there.
What drew Lombardi to the lacrosse team at Susquehanna was a game she saw during her senior year of high school between Susquehanna and Scranton.
“I met up with the team and coaches afterwards and they made me feel like family immediately,” she said.
“I loved the school for my major, the size and it’s small welcoming community, but this was just another thing to add to the list. Certain players, who are now alumni, narrowed my decision down right away. The girls and the coaches were so friendly, I had already felt comfortable. To this day, I am close with the player who helped me make my decision on Susquehanna,” Lombardi said.
Some of her favorite memories with the team are going to Puerto Rico for spring break one year and playing games there, as well as going to Maryland and practicing on the University of Maryland’s field. She also enjoyed playing on the USA Women’s Lacrosse field.
If she could, she would relive that game..
“It was one hell of a game and a tough competition. Even though we lost we played our hearts out. I had to mark up and face guard one of McDaniel’s best players all game. I scored two goals that game with the help from my amazing teammates. We all had our heads in the game and were in it the whole time. The year prior, McDaniel really upset us, so we improved tremendously the next time we played them,” Lombardi said.
Being a student-athlete has taught Lombardi many things. The most important concepts to her are self-discipline and a good work ethic. Lombardi said: “As a student-athlete, I need to set goals, prioritize tasks and give it my all every day. I am responsible for organizing my time for academics, practices, lifts, games, travel time, fun with friends, etc., and having self-discipline and a good work ethic helps to balance all these things. There are many times I would miss out on events but being committed to a team comes with added responsibilities.”
However, Lombardi also ensures that she makes time to be with her friends. “I was able to create friendships with those who will always be there for one another and to make fun when we need a laugh,” Lombardi said.
“As an athlete, you learn to work with different people, as a team, to accomplish goals. There are many personalities on a team, and I always remain positive and open to everyone, which I hope is contagious. I also must be flexible to change and accept compliments and constructive criticism to make me work harder,” said Lombardi.
“There are highs and lows. I work hard every day to make myself a better person and player. Yes, I want to win, and I go into each game with a positive mindset, but there are times of disappointment. I must remember that the next time is an opportunity to improve.”
Her advice to the first-year lacrosse players would be most importantly to take care of your physical and mental well-being.
“I feel this was the most valuable to me. There are all new ‘firsts’ – the first year of college, being on your own, balancing academics/sports – and to do this, you need to be aware of your body.”
She also adds, “be proactive in talking to coaches, friends, advisors if needed; eat well – you’re burning a ton of calories and need the right nourishment. Compete each day to be your best individual self. Work hard and improve on skills where needed to be the best teammate you can be. You may be asked to play a different position or to try new things – be flexible and open to these ideas. This will help in becoming a stronger player. Lastly cherish the time with your team and at the university. As a freshman, I was fortunate to have upperclassmen who took us under their wings, and I will always remember that. The past four years went so quickly, and I am fortunate to have had the experience of being a student-athlete.”
What she is going to miss the most is playing a sport that she loves and being on a team. “Once I graduate, I will not be playing on a competitive team anymore. I can pass the ball with friends or play pickup, but I will miss that tough competition. I will miss the teamwork and hard work that developed every year you play with one another. I will miss the fight that we give and even the bruises we receive from playing tough.”
“Sports have always been part of my routine, and after graduation it will be very unusual and uncomfortable to adapt to. I will miss lacrosse, my teammates and my coaches very much. I am grateful for the opportunity Susquehanna University has given me as a student-athlete— learning while being able to play the sport I love.”
