Lacrosse Seniors Honored in Special Commencement Ceremony

Meredith College held a special commencement ceremony in Johnson Hall for its USA South Championship Lacrosse team members at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 11, 2022.

The ceremony took place because the team qualified for the NCAA Division III tournament and round one will occur on May 14, the same day as Meredith’s regular commencement exercises.

President Jo Allen, ’80, Vice President for College Programs Jean Jackson, ’75, and Provost Matthew Poslusny helped the College provide team members with a full commencement experience. Graduating seniors Olivia Blake, Caroline Butler, and Maya Flake enjoyed shortened versions of baccalaureate, class day, and commencement.

Watch a video of the ceremony.

Approximately 75 people attended, including the players’ teammates, families, friends, and members of the Meredith community.

Blake’s mother, Angie Blake, was pleased by the celebration.

“I really appreciate it,” she said. “It’s special because she gets to be with the people she’s spent the most time with over the past four years.”

Fellow lacrosse player Lauren Olive, ’22, will graduate in December. She and her teammates said they were happy to be there to honor the graduating seniors.

“It’s a more intimate graduation,” said Olive. “We’re so glad to be able to celebrate with our teammates and their families.” She added, “The best part is that we get to go to the NCAA tourney!”

About the Team

Meredith Lacrosse celebrated their 8th consecutive USA South Tournament Championship on their home field in Raleigh, for the first time in program history after seven previous championships held at a neutral site. Meredith’s lacrosse team will take on Stevenson University in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, May 14.

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