By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/4/13
Downingtown West junior midfield-attack Breanna Gillespie has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at George Mason University.
Breanna Gillespie log:
High School: Downingtown West High School
Graduation year: 2014
Position: Midfield/Attack
College choice: George Mason University
Club affiliation: PA Express
Major lacrosse honors: 2011 Philly Showcase Fab 40 All-Star, 2012 Philly Team 4, 2012 All-League selection
What will you major in/study? Integrated Studies major with a concentration in Education
Why did you choose George Mason? “I chose George Mason for many reasons. I really liked how the campus was designed and the variety of courses that are offered. I was thrilled by how well the team got along on and off the field. Coach (Lauren) Hay and Coach (Adam) Norton really impressed me with the intensity level at practice and under their guidance the program is going to continue to grow.”
Outlook for your high school team? “Unfortunately, I tore my ACL at the President’s Cup in November and had surgery on December 17th, so I will not be able to be on the field with my high school teammates this spring. We lost a few valuable seniors last year, but the underclassmen are preparing themselves to fill those shoes. We have a tremendous senior class returning and they are ready to lead the team. We also have a new head coach, Courtney (Trego) McGinty, and I am looking forward to helping her in anyway I can to make this season a success.”
Additional comments: “I would not be the player I am today without the people that supported and helped me along the way. Most importantly, I really want to thank my parents for driving me to all of my practices and tournaments as well as attending all of my games to show support to me and my teammates.
“I would also like to thank my brother who showed me that if you try your hardest, you will succeed.
“To my coaches, you have all inspired me to be the best player that I can be. A special thanks to Coach Kevin J. Ryan for being so full of lacrosse knowledge and having such a love for the game that has pushed not only me but also my whole team to play our hardest. Thank you so much to Coach Jen O’Donnell for pushing as hard as you possibly could to make me realize that I needed to elevate my game, and for helping me through one of the toughest times of my life, when I tore my ACL. Thank you also to Coach Maryann Parsons for your dedication to our team and your help and guidance through the recruiting process. To my former HS Coach, Kelee O’Malley, thank you for giving me a chance to be a member of the varsity team my freshman year, it helped me mature not only as a lacrosse player but also as a person.
“Lastly, I would like to thank all of my West and PA Express teammates for being there for me on and off the field. I love you guys!”
Longstreth Women’s Sports, the official sponsor for Phillylacrosse.com girls’ recruits, congratulates Breanna Gillespie. Longstreth specializes in equipment, uniforms and apparel for women’s sports. Longstreth carries a huge selection of all the best women’s heads, handles, goalie gear and player accessories – including shoes and apparel. Visit longstreth.com for directions and information.
