Who is Nancy Hickling. What were her achievements in women’s lacrosse at Colgate University. How did she contribute to the team’s success throughout her collegiate career. What academic honors did she receive during her time at Colgate.
Nancy Hickling’s Rise to Prominence in Colgate Women’s Lacrosse
Nancy Caroline Hickling emerged as a formidable force in women’s lacrosse at Colgate University, leaving an indelible mark on the program during her four-year tenure from 2004 to 2007. Her journey from a freshman with limited playing time to a senior captain showcases her dedication, skill development, and leadership qualities.
Freshman Year: Laying the Foundation
In her freshman year (2004), Hickling’s playing time was limited, but she made the most of her opportunities. She appeared in three games, marking her collegiate debut with a groundball in a victory against Holy Cross on March 13. This early experience laid the groundwork for her future success.
Sophomore Breakthrough: Establishing a Defensive Presence
Hickling’s sophomore season (2005) saw a significant increase in her role on the team. She appeared in 17 games, starting the last 12 of the season. Her defensive prowess became evident as she contributed to a Colgate defense that allowed just 8.75 goals per game, the lowest in the Patriot League.
- Collected 17 groundballs throughout the season
- Recorded a season-high three groundballs against Holy Cross
- Caused seven turnovers
- Secured five draw controls
How did Hickling’s performance impact the team’s defensive statistics? Her contributions helped solidify Colgate’s reputation as a defensive powerhouse in the Patriot League, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the following years.
Junior Year: Consistency and Versatility
In her junior season (2006), Hickling demonstrated remarkable consistency and versatility on the field. Starting all 19 games, she established herself as a key player in multiple aspects of the game.
- Finished fourth on the team with 35 groundballs
- Recorded a season-high six groundballs against Yale
- Caused 13 turnovers throughout the season
- Posted eight draw controls
- Registered one assist against George Washington
What made Hickling’s junior year performance particularly impressive? Her ability to contribute across various statistical categories showcased her well-rounded skill set and her importance to the team’s overall success.
Senior Year: Leadership and Peak Performance
Hickling’s senior season (2007) was marked by leadership and peak performance. Serving as a team tri-captain, she started 17 of Colgate’s 18 games, further cementing her role as a defensive anchor.
- Caused 18 turnovers, ranking third on the squad
- Finished fourth on the team with 30 groundballs
- Recorded a season-high seven groundballs and five caused turnovers in a single game against American
How did Hickling’s leadership impact the team in her senior year? As a tri-captain, she likely played a crucial role in guiding younger players, setting a high standard for work ethic, and maintaining team morale throughout the season.
Academic Excellence: Balancing Athletics and Academics
Throughout her collegiate career, Hickling demonstrated a commitment to excellence both on the field and in the classroom. She was named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll in her sophomore, junior, and senior years, highlighting her ability to balance the demands of Division I athletics with rigorous academic pursuits.
Why is academic performance significant for student-athletes? Hickling’s consistent academic achievements underscore the importance of maintaining a well-rounded college experience and preparing for life beyond sports.
High School Career: Building a Strong Foundation
Hickling’s success at Colgate was built upon a strong foundation established during her high school years at Joel Barlow High School.
- Earned two letters in lacrosse
- Led the team to the 2003 Southwest Conference championship
- Earned four letters each in soccer and basketball
- Captained both soccer and basketball teams as a senior
- Led the soccer team to the 2001 Southwest Conference championship
How did Hickling’s multi-sport background contribute to her success in college lacrosse? Her experience in various sports likely enhanced her overall athleticism, leadership skills, and ability to perform under pressure.
Personal Background and Family Ties
Nancy Caroline Hickling was born on April 3, 1985, in Schenectady, New York. Her family background includes a strong connection to Colgate University, as her father, Jeff Hickling, graduated from the institution in 1977. This family tie to Colgate may have influenced her decision to attend the university and continue her athletic career there.
How might Hickling’s family background have impacted her college experience? The shared connection to Colgate through her father likely provided her with valuable insights into the university’s culture and traditions, potentially easing her transition into college life.
Academic Pursuits at Colgate
At Colgate, Hickling pursued a double major in English and Education. This academic focus demonstrates her interests beyond the lacrosse field and her preparation for a potential career in teaching or a related field.
How does a student-athlete’s choice of major impact their overall college experience? Hickling’s decision to pursue a double major in English and Education showcases her commitment to academic growth alongside her athletic achievements, preparing her for diverse career opportunities post-graduation.
Legacy and Impact on Colgate Women’s Lacrosse
Nancy Hickling’s four-year career at Colgate University left an enduring impact on the women’s lacrosse program. Her progression from a freshman with limited playing time to a senior captain and defensive stalwart exemplifies the growth and development possible in collegiate athletics.
- Consistent defensive presence over three years as a starter
- Key contributor to Colgate’s strong defensive record
- Leadership role as team tri-captain in senior year
- Multiple appearances on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll
What lasting impact did Hickling have on the Colgate women’s lacrosse program? Her combination of athletic excellence, academic achievement, and leadership likely set a high standard for future players, contributing to the program’s culture of success both on and off the field.
Statistical Highlights and Career Progression
Hickling’s statistical improvements throughout her career demonstrate her dedication to continuous improvement:
- Freshman Year: Limited playing time, 1 groundball
- Sophomore Year: 17 groundballs, 7 caused turnovers, 5 draw controls
- Junior Year: 35 groundballs, 13 caused turnovers, 8 draw controls
- Senior Year: 30 groundballs, 18 caused turnovers
How do these statistics reflect Hickling’s growth as a player? The steady increase in key defensive statistics over her four years at Colgate illustrates her development into a reliable and impactful defender for the team.
The Importance of Versatility in Women’s Lacrosse
Nancy Hickling’s career at Colgate exemplifies the value of versatility in women’s lacrosse. While primarily known for her defensive skills, she also contributed in other areas of the game, including draw controls and even occasional offensive plays.
Why is versatility crucial in lacrosse? Players who can contribute in multiple facets of the game provide their teams with strategic flexibility, allowing coaches to adapt to different opponents and game situations more effectively.
Defensive Specialization and Its Impact
Throughout her career, Hickling developed into a defensive specialist, consistently ranking among the team leaders in groundballs and caused turnovers. This specialization played a crucial role in Colgate’s defensive success during her tenure.
How does a strong defensive presence like Hickling’s impact a team’s overall performance? Reliable defenders not only prevent opposing teams from scoring but also create opportunities for their own team to gain possession and initiate offensive plays, making them invaluable assets to any lacrosse squad.
The Role of Academic Success in Student-Athlete Development
Nancy Hickling’s consistent appearance on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll highlights the importance of academic success for student-athletes. This achievement demonstrates her ability to excel both on the field and in the classroom, a balance that is highly valued in collegiate athletics.
Why is academic success important for student-athletes? Strong academic performance ensures that athletes are prepared for life after sports, opens up more opportunities for graduate studies or professional careers, and sets a positive example for teammates and future players in the program.
Balancing Athletics and Academics
Hickling’s ability to maintain high academic standards while competing at the Division I level in lacrosse is a testament to her time management skills, dedication, and work ethic. This balance is particularly impressive considering her role as a team captain and key defensive player in her senior year.
How do student-athletes like Hickling manage to balance their athletic and academic responsibilities? Effective time management, support from coaches and academic advisors, and a strong personal commitment to excellence in both areas are crucial factors in achieving this balance.
The Impact of Multi-Sport Athletes in Collegiate Lacrosse
Nancy Hickling’s background as a multi-sport athlete in high school, participating in lacrosse, soccer, and basketball, likely contributed to her success at the collegiate level. This diverse athletic experience is increasingly valued in collegiate recruiting across various sports.
Why do coaches often prefer multi-sport athletes? Athletes who have competed in multiple sports tend to have better overall athleticism, adaptability, and a more diverse skill set that can translate well to their primary sport at the collegiate level.
Transferable Skills from Other Sports
Hickling’s experience in soccer and basketball likely provided her with skills and attributes that enhanced her lacrosse performance:
- Improved footwork and agility from soccer
- Enhanced court awareness and spatial recognition from basketball
- Leadership skills developed through captaining multiple teams
- Mental toughness and adaptability from competing in different sporting environments
How do these transferable skills benefit a lacrosse player? The combination of physical attributes and mental skills gained from multiple sports can give athletes a competitive edge, allowing them to adapt more quickly to the challenges of collegiate-level lacrosse.
The Evolution of Women’s Lacrosse and Hickling’s Era
Nancy Hickling’s college career from 2004 to 2007 coincided with a period of growth and development in women’s lacrosse. During this time, the sport was gaining more recognition and visibility at both the collegiate and national levels.
How did the landscape of women’s lacrosse change during Hickling’s collegiate career? The early to mid-2000s saw increased media coverage, growing participation rates, and evolving strategies and techniques in women’s lacrosse, setting the stage for the sport’s continued expansion in subsequent years.
Colgate’s Position in the Lacrosse Landscape
Colgate University, competing in the Patriot League, has consistently fielded competitive women’s lacrosse teams. Hickling’s contributions helped maintain and enhance the program’s reputation during her tenure.
What role do programs like Colgate’s play in the broader landscape of women’s lacrosse? Mid-sized Division I programs often serve as proving grounds for talented players, contributing to the overall growth and competitiveness of the sport at the collegiate level.
Legacy and Future Prospects
As Nancy Hickling concluded her collegiate career in 2007, she left behind a legacy of athletic excellence, academic achievement, and leadership. Her journey from a freshman with limited playing time to a senior captain and defensive anchor serves as an inspiration for future Colgate lacrosse players.
How might Hickling’s experiences at Colgate have prepared her for life after college? The combination of athletic competition, academic rigor, and leadership opportunities likely equipped her with valuable skills transferable to various career paths and life challenges.
Potential Career Paths
Given Hickling’s academic focus on English and Education, several career paths might have been open to her after graduation:
- Teaching at the secondary or post-secondary level
- Educational administration
- Sports coaching or administration
- Writing or journalism, potentially with a focus on sports
- Graduate studies in education, English, or a related field
How do the skills developed through collegiate athletics translate to professional success? The discipline, teamwork, time management, and leadership skills honed through sports often prove invaluable in various professional settings, giving former student-athletes a unique edge in their careers.
The Broader Impact of Student-Athletes like Nancy Hickling
Student-athletes like Nancy Hickling play a crucial role in shaping the culture and reputation of their institutions. Their ability to excel both athletically and academically serves as a powerful example of the student-athlete ideal.
Why are well-rounded student-athletes important for college athletic programs? They demonstrate that athletic and academic success are not mutually exclusive, helping to validate the role of sports in higher education and inspiring younger athletes to strive for excellence in all areas of their lives.
Inspiring Future Generations
Hickling’s journey from a multi-sport high school athlete to a successful collegiate lacrosse player can serve as an inspiration for young athletes considering their own paths in sports and education.
How can stories like Hickling’s impact aspiring student-athletes? By showcasing the possibilities for growth, leadership, and success in collegiate athletics, these narratives can motivate young athletes to pursue their dreams while maintaining a balanced approach to sports and academics.
Conclusion: Nancy Hickling’s Enduring Legacy at Colgate
Nancy Hickling’s four-year career at Colgate University exemplifies the transformative power of collegiate athletics. Her progression from a freshman with limited playing time to a senior captain and defensive standout illustrates the potential for growth and development within a supportive athletic program.
Hickling’s consistent academic achievements, alongside her athletic accomplishments, highlight the importance of maintaining a balance between sports and studies. Her multiple appearances on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll serve as a testament to her commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
As a leader and key contributor to Colgate’s women’s lacrosse team, Hickling played a significant role in the program’s success during her tenure. Her defensive prowess, versatility, and leadership qualities undoubtedly left a lasting impact on her teammates and the program as a whole.
While this article concludes Nancy Hickling’s collegiate story, it’s clear that her experiences at Colgate laid a strong foundation for future success. Whether she pursued a career in education, sports, or another field entirely, the skills, discipline, and perseverance developed during her time as a student-athlete would continue to serve her well in all of life’s endeavors.
Nancy Hickling – Women’s Lacrosse
Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content
-
Summary -
Media -
Season -
Career -
Historical
Summary
Biography
As a Senior (2007): Named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll .
.. Served as a team tri-captain … Started 17 of Colgate’s 18 games … Caused 18 turnovers, which ranked third on the squad … Finished fourth on the team with 30 groundballs … Picked up three or more groundballs in five games … Recorded a season-high seven groundballs and five caused turnovers at American on Mar. 24.
As a Junior (2006): Named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll … Started all 19 games … Finished the season fourth on the team with 35 groundballs … Picked up a season-high six groundballs against Yale on Mar. 14 … Had three games with four or more groundballs … Picked up three or more groundballs on five occasions … Caused 13 turnovers on the season … Recorded a season-high two caused turnovers against Yale on Mar. 14 and Albany on Apr. 4 … Posted eight draw controls on the season, including a campaign-high two against Oregon on Mar. 30 and Holy Cross on Apr. 21 … Recorded one assist against George Washington on Mar.
16.
As a Sophomore (2005): Named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll … Appeared in 17 games … Started the last 12 games of the season … An important member of a defense which allowed just 8.75 goals per game, the fewest in the Patriot League … Scooped up 17 groundballs on the season … Posted a season-high three groundballs in a win against Holy Cross on Apr. 23 … Picked up two or more groundballs in four of the Raiders’ final five games … Caused seven turnovers and had five draw controls on the season.
As a Freshman (2004):
Appeared in three games … Picked up a groundball in her first collegiate game, a win at Holy Cross on Mar. 13.
High School:
Earned two letters in lacrosse at Joel Barlow High School … Led team to the 2003 Southwest Conference championship … Earned four letters in both soccer and basketball … Captained both teams as a senior … Led soccer team to the 2001 Southwest Conference championship.
Personal:
Nancy Caroline Hickling was born on April 3, 1985 in Schenectady, New York … Daughter of Jeff and Kathy Hickling … Father graduated from Colgate in 1977 … Has one brother … Majoring in English and education.
There is no related content available.
Videos Snapshot
Headlines Snapshot
slice(0,2)”>
Photos Snapshot
Season Stats
Season:
There are no statistics for this selected season available for this player.
There are no statistics for this selected season available for this player.
Career Stats
There are no statistics available for this player.
-
24
2006Junior
Defender
5’7″
-
24
C
2007Senior
Defender
5’7″
© 2023 Colgate University Athletics
Roster of M&D Lacrosse Club
Women’s 2023 Roster
Player & Info
Ht
Yr
Wt
Abria Moffitt
Mid
FL: Celebration
5’4″
’23
115
A-
R
Ava Krasauskis
Def
MD: Pasadena
5’10”
’23
130
A+
R
I’m an aggressive defender and a coachable, multi-sport athlete.
I have a 4.8 GPA. I play for M&D Lacrosse Club and attend Archbishop Spalding High School.
Bella Marrone
Mid, Def
FL: Orlando
5’5″
’23
A+
Caitlyn Gross
Att
MD: Phoenix
5’9″
’23
135
A
R
Starting attacker on M&D 23 Black, freshman on varsity at St. Paul’s School for Girls and 3 sport athlete. Team first player with high IQ and excellent student.
Caroline Lockyer
Att
MD: Owings Mills
5’6″
’23
120
A-
R
Coachable, team player with extremely strong Lax IQ. Aggressive multi-sport athlete who’s always determined to get better in all fields.
Emily Cutair
Att
MD: Baltimore
5’8″
’23
130
A
B
So excited to have this opportunity!
Kate Webb
Att
MD: Ellioctt City
5’9″
’23
A-
R
Team player with strong Lax IQ. Multisport athlete that has a positive and coachable demeanor. Aggressive but disciplined.
Lauren Lapointe
Att
MD: West Friendship
5’9″
’23
145
A+
R
🙂
Sarah Kleber
Mid
FL: Orlando
5’6″
’23
133
B+
R
i love running
Player dominant hand (R – Righty, L – Lefty, B – Both). Related Stories |
