Michelle Tumolo has become one of the biggest stars in women’s lacrosse with her unique style and flashy highlight-reel skills.

She picked up the game in high school and quickly found role models in Gary Gait, Katrina Dowd and others from the Northwestern dynasty. Tumolo and lacrosse were a perfect match.

“As soon as that stick hit my hand, it was just like a magic wand, and I felt a light inside my heart and my mind," she said. "It ignited a young girl with passion and love for the game.”

Tumolo wanted to stand out on the lacrosse field and make an impact, and she's succeeded. The 2017 U.S. national team gold medalist has become one of the biggest role models in the sport, both on and off the field. She’s helped inject a level of fun to the game, and she’s helping girls who, like herself, are gay lacrosse players.

“I’ve always been myself with [my identity], but that goes along with being a role model," she said. "Kids are always messaging me on Instagram about different things, and I make sure I respond because I want to be a role model for them, because I know some people don’t have it as easy as I do.”

Tumolo spoke with Paul Carcaterra about her beginnings in the game, how she got into coaching at Wagner and why she feels the need to give back to girls who look up to her.