By Taylor Albright
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/28/11
Archbishop Carroll senior attack Sheila Johnson has committed to play Division II lacrosse at Shippensburg University.
Johnson helped Carroll win its 10th straight Catholic League championship in 2010. She also plays club lacrosse for the Phantastix.
“My visit went really well,” said Johnson, who will go in undeclared. “The two girls I stayed with made me feel welcome and I felt like I fit in with the rest of the team as well.
Johnson’s high school coach, Loraine Beers, was the first to suggest looking at Shippensburg, saying she has heard nothing but good things about the lacrosse program. Johnson went on a visit in the summer, which then led to her going back to her official visit in the summer. Shippenburg is coached by Pottsgrove alum Mia Gambino Hall.
“Coach Hall was so welcoming and told me all about the program and her goals for the team,” Johnson said. “After visiting all of the schools I felt like Shippensburg was right for me in academics and lacrosse.”
Johnson is the sixth Archbishop Carroll player to commit to play college lacrosse. Hannah Schmitt (midfielder) has signed with Loyola, Alyssa DiBona (midfielder) has committed to Brown, Bernadette Gennaro (midfielder) has signed with Iona and Nora McGeever (goalie) has signed with St. Joseph’s. Also, junior Maddy Lesher (midfielder) has committed to Loyola.
Johnson also is the fourth Philly senior to commit to Shippensburg, following Springfield-Delco’s Kristy Reid (goalie) and Courtney Kennedy (midfielder) and North Penn attack Garrie Grenfell.
Johnson believes the Patriots can defend their league title this year and also challenge for the state crown.
“This season I hope to become a better player and help my team in winning the Catholic League Championship as well as competing for the state title,” said Johnson.
