Editor’s note: This is one of many recruit stories that Phillylacrosse.com is re-posting as it restores content as a result of its redesign this spring

By Natasha Wetten
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 12/2/09
Re-Posted 6/28/10

Merion Mercy senior midfielder Casey Rooney has signed a National Letter of Intent to play Division 1 lacrosse at the University of Delaware.

Rooney was an All-Athletic Association of Catholic Academies (AACA) choice in 2008 and 2009, helping the Bears win the AACA championship over Villa Maria (15-14) last year. Merion Mercy finished 15-5 and reached the second round of the District 1 playoffs where they fell to eventually champion Springfield-Delco, 15-14.

Rooney has not chosen a major, but is considering education. She has always been interested in Delaware. “The coaches are very nice and the girls on the team are so welcoming,” she said. “I feel really comfortable with them.”

At Delaware, Rooney will join a large group of fellow Philly seniors; Springfield-Delco’s Shannon Burns, Notre Dame’s Bridget Burns, North Penn’s Abbie Hartman and Abington’s Elizabeth Wilson. Delaware is coached by Plymouth Whitemarsh graduate Kim Ciarrocca, a former Ursinus and Temple coach and standout player at Temple.

Merion Mercy has high hopes for the 2010 season. Although they lost some key players to graduation, there are several key returnees to keep the Bears in range of another championship. One senior, Margaret Corzel, has signed with North Carolina.

“We will be good,” Rooney said. “Winning the league championship and advancing to states my senior year would be awesome.

“Playing at Merion has been amazing,” added Rooney. “We have so much fun together.”

Rooney, who plays for the Phantastix club team, enjoys playing midfield and being involved in every play.

“I am not really one to score many goals,” she said. “I am more excited about assists and being a team player, defensively.”

Tags: Delaware, Merion Mercy