Taylor Cummings is a three-time Tewaaraton Award winner, a member of the U.S. women’s national team, the inaugural Athletes Unlimited Lacrosse champion and the head coach at McDonogh (Md.). “Taylor’s Takes” is presented by Gait Lacrosse. Be legendary.
With less than two months to go in this year’s women’s lacrosse season, I’m trying to savor every opportunity I get to watch the superb talent on the field. It has truly been one of the most exciting collegiate seasons ever, in part because of the growth we’re seeing from players across Division I from month to month. That growth is leading to more parity between teams and closer matchups, which is so important for the development of our sport.
At this point in the season, fans are seeing more freshmen start to find their grooves and step up more consistently when called upon. Sophomores and juniors are looking far more comfortable in their upperclassmen roles and are becoming confident leaders on and off the field. From the super seniors and seniors playing the last few games of their collegiate careers, we’re witnessing an uptick in hustle plays, gritty performances and simple but joyous celebratory hugs with teammates. Knowing that the end is near is so hard for these players and makes every little moment more special.
While this point in the season is a positive turning point for some in terms of performance and confidence, others have been establishing themselves from the very first whistle of the 2022 season. End-of-year awards are months away from being announced, but there are a few frontrunners that have been leading their teams the entire season.
Below are my picks for midseason positional players of the year and my predictions for the Tewaaraton Award finalists. We will find out how accurate I am come May!
MIDSEASON ATTACKER OF THE YEAR
CHARLOTTE NORTH, BOSTON COLLEGE
Reigning Tewaaraton Award winner Charlotte North has had another season with highlight reel moments and is continuing to lead the charge for Boston College. With 69 points in just 12 games, North is consistently putting up big numbers on the offensive end and continues to draw the eyes of multiple defenders at once. Her presence on the draw circle has also improved this season, as she has snagged 87 draw controls for the Eagles so far. With a ton of personal veteran leadership and talented teammates alongside her, North looks primed to help BC make a run for it’s fifth straight Memorial Day Weekend appearance.
MIDSEASON MIDFIELDER OF THE YEAR
ALLY MASTROIANNI, NORTH CAROLINA
In my opinion, Mastroianni is the most solid two-way midfielder in Division I by a long shot. She is an integral part of UNC’s draw team, is a triple threat on the offensive end as a dodger, cutter and feeder, and can also handle any matchup on the defensive end. Her stat line is exactly what one would expect from a top two-way midfielder at this point in the season — 26 goals, five assists, 14 ground balls, three caused turnovers and 79 draw controls. Mastroianni is a veteran leader who will do anything her team needs to be successful and has been an integral part of UNC’s success thus far.