Crusader Nation

4 Crusader Nation • Spring 2015 Consistency starts at the top Opponents will square off against a program that has been remarkably consistent under Head Coach Stepha- nie Ridolfi. Consider these numbers: In 12 seasons under Ridolfi, the Crusaders have posted Patriot League records of .500 or better nine times, made the league playoffs seven times, played in five championship games and won two titles. The secret to the program's success? In a word, consis- tency. "When you have a consistent coach and a con- sistent way of doing things, eventually that starts to build success," Ridolfi said. "Over the years, the program starts to run itself in a way. But with lacrosse evolving constantly, there are always ways to get better." One of those ways, Ridolfi said, is recruiting: "That's where we have to step up our game." That means looking at high school players earlier in their careers. "Right now," Ridolfi said, "we're recruiting soph- omores and some programs are getting freshmen." Improving on the recruiting trail also means expanding the College's traditional geographic base of New England and the New York/ New Jersey area. "We're definitely trying to dip a little more south, into the Maryland-D.C.-Virginia area, which has such a storied history of lacrosse," Ridolfi said. The addition of Baltimore's Loyola University to the Patriot League should help. "Now that we're playing more down there, there's more exposure to high school and club coaches, and that's a huge advan- tage," Ridolfi said. Coaching assist Getting more eyes on play- ers in more places is a tall task for Ridolfi and her one assistant coach, Meghan Smith. An effort involving parents, alumni and others is underway to raise money to hire a second assistant. The goal is to make a five-year commitment to the position. The need for the addi- tional coach comes down to staying competitive in the dynamic environment of col- lege lacrosse. "We're one of the few Divi- sion I schools that doesn't have one," said Dom Di- nardo '75, P17, 06, father of sophomore player, Hannah, and one of the effort's chief proponents. "In order to keep up, it's very important we do." Director of Athletics Nathan Pine echoed that sentiment: "Adding a second assistant will go a long way to helping the program." And Pine knows a thing or two about successful lacrosse teams. His last job before Holy Cross was at the University of Maryland, right in the center of the lacrosse- rich Mid-Atlantic. "You look at the history of the Mary- land program — that's what we aspire to, where we'd like to head, but it will take a while to get there. It takes investment in facilities and coaches, but it starts with recruiting talented student- athletes." A team united The student-athletes who do choose Holy Cross find an instant and lasting camara- derie on the field and off it. Senior Sophia Agostinelli saw the team's bond in ac- tion on her recruiting visit: "I got lost on my first day on campus. The girls who were hosting me looked all over for me and eventually chased me down. That first day sold me on the school." Success away from the game It also doesn't take long for players to understand the rigors of being a student- athlete at Holy Cross. As consistent as the team has been on the field, play- ers have performed just as strongly in the classroom. Consider another stat: 117. That's the number of Patriot League Academic Honor Roll picks during Ridolfi's tenure. "Part of that success is a result of getting mature and responsible student-athletes to come to Holy Cross," as Ridolfi said. Another part is keeping players on track once they're on campus. "Here at Holy Cross, aca- demics is their number one priority, and we try to give them opportunities so they know that's at the forefront," said Ridolfi. For the athletes themselves, the regimented nature of a student-athlete's life can be a benefit. Take Agosti- nelli, a biology major in the premed program. "The time restraint," she said, "makes me do work." Moving on up With the progress the pro- gram is making, it's hard for supporters not to be excited for what spring 2015 holds. As for expectations, those never change. "We always want to make it to the tournament, make it to the championship game every year," Ridolfi said. "And I think we're in good shape this year." The Crusaders celebrate after a goal in last year's Patriot League semifinal game. (Above) Head Coach Stephanie Ridolfi is in her 13th season leading the Crusaders.

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