Special Commencement Ceremony Held for Lacrosse Seniors

Meredith College held a special commencement ceremony for its USA South Championship Lacrosse team seniors on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, in the Johnson Hall Rotunda.

The 11:30 a.m. ceremony was held because the team qualified for the NCAA Division III tournament, and round one will occur on May 13, the same day as Meredith’s regular commencement exercises. 

Lacrosse team seniors Madeline Horrell, Kylie Phillips, Allison Schuh, Meredith Sinkler, Isabella Steele, and Victoria Witmer participated in the ceremony.

Vice President for College Programs Jean Jackson, ’75, Provost Matthew Poslusny, and Chaplain Stacy Pardue helped the College provide team members with a full commencement experience. As has been the case in previous years, participants enjoyed shortened versions of baccalaureate, class day, and commencement. 

Those in attendance included the players’ teammates, families, friends, and members of the Meredith community.

Head Lacrosse Coach Lauren Scott said this year’s team overcame a lot of injuries and adversity.

“We were able to pull out some really hard-fought wins by playing for each other in our toughest moments,” said Scott.

Reflecting on the team’s ninth consecutive USA South tournament title, Scott observed their legacy of success is no accident.

“Each year our program discusses how it takes a full year to build a championship team,” she said. “We work hard year-round, in and out of season, to compete on championship weekend. This year when things got tough for us we were able to fall back on our training. This mentality helps us become champions every year.”

Scott said the lacrosse athletes are dedicated to excelling both in the classroom and on the field.

“When Meredith holds a special commencement for our graduating seniors, it is a full-circle celebration of all of their hard work and dedication,” she said. “It makes the moment extra special to be able to celebrate both of these successes with their friends, teammates, professors, and families.”

About the Lacrosse Program

The Meredith College Lacrosse program was established in 2012. The 2023 Avenging Angels’ first-round game in the NCAA Division III Tournament will be against the Presidents of Washington & Jefferson College.

In 2023, the Meredith athletic department had its first USA South Hall of Fame Inductee in Carlee Joseph, ’18, a four-year star on the women’s lacrosse field for Meredith from 2015-18.

Learn more about Meredith Athletics at goavengingangels.com.