By Darryl Grumling
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/8/10
Strath Haven junior defender/midfielder Summer O’Donnell has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at Drexel University.
O’Donnell had 36 ground balls, eight assists and six year, helping the Panthers (21-5) reach the first Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association championship game.
“I chose Drexel for a few reasons,” O’Donnell said. “They have strong academics and a co-op program where I can gain real job experience, along with a great lacrosse program. I think the school’s academic opportunities plus the lacrosse team represent the right combination for me.”
O’Donnell, who plays for the Phantastix club team, plans to major in Elementary Education.
Under coach Anna Marie Vesco, the Dragons, who compete in the Colonial Athletic Association, are off to a 5-1 start this year.
There are a number of Philly grads on the squad: Kelli Joran (Downingtown East), Kaitlin Harris (Archbishop Carroll), Amanda Gregg (Upper Dublin), Mariana Uribe (Notre Dame Academy), Allegra Gerhardt (Conestoga), Emily Bauer (Bayard Rustin), Ali Allen (Phoenixville), Krista Gerstenberger (Phoenixville), Julia Lanzetta (Ridley), Morgan Holbrook (Bayard Rustin), Charlotte Wood (Conestoga), Sarah Bauer (West Chester East), Jaclyn Klunder (Conestoga) and Rachel Behrendt (Dowingtown East).
“I liked the coaches’ enthusiasm for the game and felt the players were easy to get along with,” O’Donnell said. “I feel the CAA is a challenging conference and Drexel always competes to be the best. They play as a team and seem to have real chemistry. I want to be part of a program like that. Plus, they have great new athletic facilities.”
O’Donnell also plays soccer at Strath Haven; is involved in Diversity Trainers and the Black and Silver Service Club; and volunteers at Taylor Hospital.
The Panthers – despite the loss of several key seniors – have high expectations this year under first-year head coach Jen Duckenfield.
“At Strath Haven, our ultimate goal is always states,” O’Donnell said. “Although we lost a few key players to graduation, our plan is to work hard together as a team to succeed this season.”
