Women’s recruits: Carroll’s Burns twins decide separately to stay together at ODU

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/24/09

Archbishop Carroll senior twins Alexandra and Carolyn Burns said the plan was to pick their college without worrying about where the other sister would go.

But, it was no surprise that they both chose to sign letters of intent to play next year at Old Dominion.

“We never initially planned to stay together,” said Alex, a defender who like her sister was an Academic All-American last year. “We decided to both see where it ended taking us, and it ended up taking us to the same place. It was a little ironic.

“She decided first and I was still looking at other schools. I went for my visit and I just had so much fun.”

Carolyn agreed: “It was very much up in the air. We decided to look at schools separately and it just so happened that we both fell in love with old Dominion.

“I was looking for a city school and I wanted a country mix. It’s along a river and they have a new sports complex. The city of Norfolk is five minutes down the road. I really liked the campus and next year they’re starting a football team.”

At ODU, the Burns twins will play for veteran coach Sue Stahl, a former Temple assistant National coach who also is a member of the U.S. Lacrosse National Hall of Fame

At Temple, Stahl coached Chrissy Poplawski, who has coached the Burns twins in the summer club team, the Phantastix.

“I knew somewhat of coach Stahl from my summer coach,” said Alexandra. “I just loved the feeling when I went down.”

Carolyn plays defensive midfielder and Alexandra is a point/cover point. They are two of seven Division I signees for Carroll, which is seeking its ninth straight Catholic League championship this season under coach Lorraine Beers.

The Patriots will be playing in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) for the first time and also figure to make some noise in the PIAA playoffs. They will be the favorite to win the District 12 title.

“That will be exciting because at the end of previous seasons we would win the Catholic League and not be able to go further,” said Carolyn. “Carroll has always had the ability to do that.”

“I’m excited because we’ll be playing so many good teams this year,” added Alexandra. “Going to the playoffs is great, just so we can prove ourselves and prove we’re not just good in the Catholic League.”