Prior Ready to Faceoff this Spring
Prior Ready for Faceoff
By Jill Bradford
From spending a semester abroad in Salamanca, Spain, to being an Orientation Leader and Secretary of Class Council, all while balancing the responsibilities of being a student-athlete from the Women's Lacrosse team, there is no doubt in anyone's mind that Meredith Prior has taken full advantage of what Merrimack College has to offer.
Last year, the lacrosse team finished with a record of 8-8 overall and 7-3 in the conference, making it to the Northeast-10 Semifinals. This spring, along with seniors: Erica McMahon, Kelly Pasquantonio, Mia Basile, Maddie Basile, and Jamie-Lee Whiteway, Prior is set to lead her team to a Northeast-10 Championship.
"Our team has so much potential and I know that this year is our year," she commented. "We have been a good team for my past three years, but we want to be a great team, and this is our time to prove it to the rest of the conference."
Without a doubt, Head Coach Corinne Baker understands the potential that Prior is referring to. Recently, the women's lacrosse team was picked to finish eighth in the country this year according to the Lacrosse Magazine preseason poll. "We have talked a lot in our off-season about overcoming the 1-goal-game bump, and instead of losing a big game by one or two goals, winning them by five or six. It will come down to possession minutes, passion, and sacrifices. It is no secret that we are looking for some national spotlight of our own," Baker said.
The women's lacrosse team has one vital aspect that makes them stand out among its competition, and that piece is leadership.
"Our senior class represents every positional aspect of the field, and provides our rising underclassmen with the structure, knowledge, and experience that will be required for us to meet our goals this year," Baker commented. For the rapidly growing program, leadership will be an essential part of the team's success.
Prior's work ethic has not gone unnoticed by Baker as she describes her athletic development throughout her career. "Meredith has consistently been one of our hardest working players, with an attitude of always learning and striving to get better. We have a very aggressive style of attack, and I am thankful to have Meredith in there gauging to slow things down or push the fast break," Baker said. "She has worked hard and should reap the benefits of a career at Merrimack."
As a Spanish and Secondary Education Co-major with a minor in Business, Prior will graduate this spring with options as to what she would like to do professionally. At the top of her list, Prior would like to teach at a Boston public school while acquiring a Master's degree in Sports Leadership at Northeastern University. She does not fail to recognize her motivation behind such goals. "Being on an athletic team is the best preparation for life. It teaches you how to pull through problems, work with a team, and push yourself further than you ever thought you could," Prior explains.
Associate Professor of Education, Deborah Margolis said, "Meredith's academic work was always a priority and at the same time she is incredibly committed to her sport and her team."
Like most student-athletes, Prior agrees that a busier schedule forces her to stay committed to her activities and focused on her goals. She exemplifies how at Merrimack a well-rounded work ethic academically and in extracurricular activities equals success.
The Women's Lacrosse team opens its season Friday, March 19th at Dowling at 4:00 P.M.
