New team, new start
BUTLER TWP — Kate Quinlan will soon be starting over in lacrosse — with a program that is just starting up.
The Butler senior — coming off a 23-goal season last year — signed a letter of intent recently to continue her academic and lacrosse career at Lewis University, a Division II school in Romeoville, Ill.
“I found out about them through one of my best friends on our travel team,” Quinlan said. “We got in touch and it all worked out.
“I'm excited about it. It's a great opportunity.”
Quinlan played for the True club team — based in Cranberry Township — during the summer. One of her teammates there was Emily Meredith, a Seneca Valley High School player who committed to Lewis earlier.
“I played on one of True's national teams and the coach at Lewis was coaching that team,” Meredith said. “That's how I found about it.
“They're looking for players and I'm glad Kate is going there. We'll probably be roommates.”
Lewis will debut its first women's lacrosse team Feb. 24. This year's roster has 13 freshmen, two sophomores and a junior.
Kirk Lamitie is the Flyers' coach. He began the lacrosse program at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago in 2014. That team went winless in its first season.
In 2017, the squad finished 15-2 and shared the Midwest Women's Lacrosse Conference championship.
Lewis will play in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Conference (GLIAC).
“I'm a goal scorer, playing an attack position, and I feel like I can go in there abnd make an impact, maybe set some early records,” Quinlan said.
Quiinlan plans to major in nursing. She also considered Lock Haven and Wilmington (Del.) before deciding on Lewis.
She played for the True club team for four years, also as an attack player.
“Her shot is very hard,” said Annie Tigano, who served as Butler interim lacrosse coach last year. “Kate has one of the hardest shots I've ever seen in high school.
“I think this school will be the perfect fit for her. She keeps improving and getting better. Joining a brand new program will give her a chance to grow with that team.”
Tigano described Quinlan as “a vocal player who knows how to get other players motivated. I wouldn't be surprised if she becomes one of the leaders on the team.”
Quinlan has no definite goals in mind once she begins her collegiate career.
“I just want to get better and help the team build a tradition,” she said. “Playing travel club lacrosse helped to expose my name. It got me out there.
“Going out there (to Lewis) with one of my best friends just adds to it. That will definitely help me.”
Other Butler girls lacrosse players who have extended their careers in college include Morgan McLaughlin and Reanna Everton at Slippery Rock, Allie Houk at Liberty, Alyssa Oleneck at Lock Haven, Bailey Kraus at West Chester and Lauren Miller at Gannon.
