By Dakota Dobrovich-Fago, Staff Writer
Lacrosse? Soccer? It is hard to make up your mind when you are a two-sport athlete like senior Colbie Cummings, especially when the passion runs deep for both. But the decision to play at the collegiate level was an easy one to make.
“I had spoken with other coaches, but Susquehanna is the only school I applied to! I first communicated with Coach [Nick] Hoover and then, once I was here, asked to be on the lacrosse team,” Cummings said.
Balancing both the women’s soccer and lacrosse teams has been no easy task. Long days filled with classes, papers and exams mixed in with practices and games are to be expected. Juggling both sports means that Cummings does not get a break every other semester, but must put forth the effort year-round.
“I can say that I have missed out on nothing being a student-athlete,” Cummings said. “I got my semester abroad, I took my trip during the spring semester my sophomore year, and made countless more memories and friends than most. I would struggle not being a student-athlete.”
These experiences have not only made memories for Cummings, but they have also shaped her into who she is today, on and off the field.
“Lacrosse humbled me! It showed me that the difficult conditioning we do at the beginning of practice even at 5:30 a.m. is so worth it and that it pays off and it shows after two weeks of consistent work, we’re ready for a season,” she said.
Being a student athlete has also provided Cummings the opportunity to develop strong bonds with her teammates.
“Playing soccer and lacrosse gave me a diverse group of friends that I know I’ll have forever. Your teammates, especially those in your class, become your best friends,” Cummings said.
“[My b]est on field moment has to be soccer when I scored my first college goal at home against Kings, I believe, and I didn’t even know it. I thought Geena scored until I got off the field! For lacrosse it would have to be last year playing at Lycoming, just getting the time I did, I was grateful and loved every minute. [My b]est off-field moments were going to Argentina with the soccer team, which was absolutely incredible, and Puerto Rico with the lacrosse team was so much fun,” she said.
The forced break from sports due to COVID-19, while lengthy, has allowed Cummings to reflect on her life.
Cummings said: “The biggest lesson I learned is that it is day by day. Throughout my four years here I’ve been through big life changes and experiences, good and bad. Each day we wake up and do the best we can with what we’ve got.”
In regards to her future, Cummings is already prepared for her post-grad life.“I have accepted a full-time position at Packaging Corporation of America in Trexlertown, Pa. I’m very excited, I start in July,” she said.
If Cummings had to give any advice to other student-athletes she would say that work hard pays off. “Work hard in the weight room and work on yourself mentally. Have high expectations for your fitness and keep that same expectation for your mind,” Cummings said.
