Who is Nancy Hickling. What were her accomplishments in lacrosse at Colgate University. How did she contribute to the team’s success throughout her collegiate career. What academic achievements did she attain during her time at Colgate.
Nancy Hickling’s Journey Through Colgate University Lacrosse
Nancy Hickling emerged as a formidable force in women’s lacrosse during her tenure at Colgate University from 2004 to 2007. Her progression from a freshman with limited playing time to a senior captain showcases her dedication and skill development throughout her collegiate career.
Freshman Year: Taking the First Steps
In her freshman year (2004), Hickling’s playing time was limited, but she made the most of her opportunities:
- Appeared in three games
- Picked up her first collegiate groundball in a victory against Holy Cross
This initial experience laid the foundation for her future success and provided valuable insights into collegiate-level play.
Sophomore Success: Establishing a Defensive Presence
Hickling’s sophomore year (2005) marked a significant turning point in her collegiate career:
- Appeared in 17 games, starting the final 12
- Became an integral part of Colgate’s defense, which allowed just 8.75 goals per game (lowest in the Patriot League)
- Collected 17 groundballs, with a season-high of 3 against Holy Cross
- Caused 7 turnovers and secured 5 draw controls
How did Hickling’s defensive skills contribute to the team’s success? Her ability to disrupt opponents’ plays and secure possession for Colgate played a crucial role in the team’s defensive dominance.
Junior Year: Elevating Her Game
In her junior season (2006), Hickling continued to improve and solidify her position as a key player:
- Started all 19 games
- Ranked fourth on the team with 35 groundballs
- Caused 13 turnovers
- Recorded 8 draw controls
- Contributed offensively with an assist against George Washington
Hickling’s consistent performance and increased playing time demonstrated her growing importance to the team’s strategy and success.
Senior Year: Leading by Example
As a senior in 2007, Hickling reached the pinnacle of her collegiate career:
- Served as a team tri-captain
- Started 17 of 18 games
- Ranked third on the team with 18 caused turnovers
- Finished fourth with 30 groundballs
- Recorded a season-high of 7 groundballs and 5 caused turnovers in a single game against American University
What impact did Hickling’s leadership have on the team? As a captain, she not only contributed on the field but also guided and inspired her teammates, fostering a culture of excellence and determination.
Academic Excellence: Balancing Athletics and Education
Throughout her time at Colgate, Hickling demonstrated that she was not only a talented athlete but also a dedicated student:
- Named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll in 2005, 2006, and 2007
- Majored in English and Education
How did Hickling manage to excel both academically and athletically? Her consistent presence on the Academic Honor Roll highlights her ability to balance the demands of rigorous collegiate studies with the commitments of Division I athletics.
High School Achievements: A Foundation for Success
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
- Contributed to the soccer team’s 2001 Southwest Conference championship
This diverse athletic background undoubtedly contributed to Hickling’s well-rounded skill set and leadership abilities at the collegiate level.
Legacy and Impact: Nancy Hickling’s Contribution to Colgate Lacrosse
Nancy Hickling’s journey through Colgate University’s lacrosse program is a testament to perseverance, skill development, and leadership. From her modest beginnings as a freshman to her role as a senior captain, Hickling consistently improved her game and contributed to the team’s success.
Her defensive prowess, evidenced by her impressive stats in groundballs and caused turnovers, was a crucial element in Colgate’s competitive edge. Moreover, Hickling’s ability to balance academic excellence with athletic achievement sets an inspiring example for student-athletes.
How did Hickling’s career at Colgate shape her future? While information about her post-collegiate life is limited, the skills, experiences, and education she gained during her time at Colgate undoubtedly prepared her for success in her chosen fields of English and Education.
Statistical Highlights of Nancy Hickling’s Colgate Career
- Groundballs: Consistently ranked among the top players on the team
- Caused Turnovers: Peaked at 18 in her senior year, ranking third on the squad
- Games Started: Progressed from 3 appearances as a freshman to starting 17 of 18 games as a senior
- Academic Achievements: Named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll for three consecutive years
These statistics underscore Hickling’s growth as a player and her consistent contributions to the team’s defensive efforts.
The Importance of Versatility in Lacrosse
Hickling’s career at Colgate highlights the importance of versatility in lacrosse. While primarily known for her defensive skills, she also contributed in other areas:
- Draw Controls: Secured important possessions for her team
- Offensive Contributions: Recorded an assist, showing her ability to transition into attack
- Leadership: Served as a captain, demonstrating skills beyond the field
How does versatility benefit a lacrosse player and their team? Players who can contribute in multiple areas of the game provide their coaches with tactical flexibility and can adapt to different game situations, making them invaluable team members.
The Role of Family Support in Athletic Success
Nancy Hickling’s personal background provides insights into the support system that contributed to her success:
- Born on April 3, 1985, in Schenectady, New York
- Parents: Jeff and Kathy Hickling
- Father graduated from Colgate in 1977, establishing a family connection to the university
- Has one brother
How does family support and legacy impact an athlete’s college experience? For Hickling, her father’s alma mater connection to Colgate may have provided additional motivation and a sense of belonging, potentially contributing to her success both on and off the field.
Developing Leadership Skills Through Sports
Hickling’s progression to team captain in both high school and college demonstrates the leadership development opportunities provided by sports:
- High School: Captained both soccer and basketball teams
- College: Served as a tri-captain for the lacrosse team in her senior year
What leadership skills are cultivated through sports captaincy? Roles like these often develop skills such as communication, motivation, problem-solving, and decision-making under pressure – all valuable attributes in both athletic and professional settings.
The Impact of Division I Athletics on Academic Performance
Hickling’s consistent appearance on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll while competing at the Division I level is noteworthy:
- Balancing rigorous academic requirements with demanding athletic commitments
- Developing time management and prioritization skills
- Applying discipline and focus from athletics to academic pursuits
How do the skills developed through Division I athletics translate to academic and professional success? The ability to manage multiple responsibilities, perform under pressure, and maintain focus on long-term goals are highly transferable skills valued in many professional fields.
The Evolution of Women’s Lacrosse in Collegiate Sports
While the article focuses on Hickling’s individual achievements, her career also reflects the growing prominence of women’s lacrosse in collegiate sports during the mid-2000s:
- Increased competition and skill level in conferences like the Patriot League
- Growing recognition of women’s lacrosse as a major collegiate sport
- Opportunities for female athletes to excel both athletically and academically
How has the landscape of women’s collegiate lacrosse changed since Hickling’s playing days? The sport has continued to grow in popularity, with increased media coverage, improved facilities, and expanded opportunities for female athletes at both the collegiate and professional levels.
The Value of Multi-Sport Athletes in Collegiate Lacrosse
Hickling’s background as a multi-sport athlete in high school (lacrosse, soccer, and basketball) likely contributed to her success in collegiate lacrosse:
- Diverse skill set developed through different sports
- Mental toughness and adaptability from competing in various athletic contexts
- Reduced risk of burnout and overuse injuries compared to single-sport specialization
Why do many collegiate lacrosse programs value multi-sport athletes? The varied experiences and skill sets these athletes bring often translate well to the dynamic nature of lacrosse, allowing for more creative and adaptable play on the field.
The Role of Defense in Lacrosse Success
Hickling’s defensive contributions were a key factor in Colgate’s success during her tenure:
- Part of a defense that allowed the fewest goals per game in the Patriot League (2005)
- Consistently high numbers in groundballs and caused turnovers
- Ability to disrupt opponents’ offensive strategies
How does a strong defense impact a lacrosse team’s overall performance? A solid defensive unit not only prevents goals but also creates turnover opportunities, allowing for quick transitions to offense and setting the tone for the entire team’s play.
Preparing for Life After College Athletics
Hickling’s choice to major in English and Education, combined with her athletic experiences, positioned her well for life after college:
- Developing communication skills through English studies
- Gaining leadership and instructional experience through Education coursework
- Applying teamwork and discipline learned through athletics to future career paths
How do the lessons learned through collegiate athletics apply to professional life? The time management, teamwork, leadership, and performance under pressure experienced in college sports often translate directly to success in various professional fields.
In conclusion, Nancy Hickling’s career at Colgate University exemplifies the potential for growth, leadership, and success in collegiate women’s lacrosse. Her journey from a freshman with limited playing time to a senior captain and defensive standout is a testament to her dedication, skill development, and the opportunities provided by collegiate athletics. Hickling’s ability to excel both on the field and in the classroom sets a strong example for future student-athletes, highlighting the possibility of achieving balance between academic and athletic pursuits. Her story not only celebrates individual achievement but also reflects the broader advancement of women’s lacrosse as a significant collegiate sport, inspiring future generations of female athletes to pursue excellence in all aspects of their college experience.
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./cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60794897/LXM18_PENN_037_.0.jpg)
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 |
