Vissari joining Div. II power
BUTLER TWP — Father knows best — and daughter listened.
When Evelynn Vissari was in sixth grade, “my dad suggested I try lacrosse. I was looking for a sport to play and he thought I'd be good at it,” she said.
Apparently, a lot of other folks agree.
Vissari, a senior midfielder at Butler, is continuing her academic and women's lacrosse career at Limestone College in Gaffney, S.C. She plans to major in pre-physical therapy.
One of the Golden Tornado's top scorers, Vissari tallied 36 goals last season and has 64 in her high school career.
“She was our leading scorer, but Evelynn can play any position on the field,” Butler girls lacrosse coach Bob Conklin said. “I started her at midfield, but she seems to love the attack position more. We moved her there and she thrived.”
“I really love playing the game,” Vissari said. “I love the coaches down at Limestone, the campus is beautiful and the girls on the team are awesome.”
Vissari also considered Florida Southern, Tampa and Queens (N.C.) before choosing Limestone.
The Saints moved into the South Atlantic Conference last season and reached the SAC title game, losing an 18-14 decision to Queens. Limestone became only the fourth school in the SAC's seven-year history to reach the conference championship game.
Limestone ended last season 10-1 in the regular season, 8-1 in conference play, and ranked No. 11 in Division II.
“They're a program that's won multiple championships and just changed conferences,” Vissari said. “I'm excited about the future there.
“I want to start my freshman year. That's my immediate goal and I know I have to work hard to become a better athlete and make that happen.”
Of the 34 players on Limestone's 2022 spring roster, only seven are either graduate students or seniors.
Scott Tucker has been the Saints' head coach for 20 seasons. His record there is 285 wins and 59 losses. His overall coaching record of 306-70 makes him the winningest active coach in Division II women's lacrosse.
Katy Phillips is Vissari's Pittsburgh Premier club lacrosse coach and likes her chances of making an impact at Limestone.
“She's going to a great program that will make her better,” Phillips said. “Evelynn is a fierce attacker. She brings a lot of speed and athleticism with her game.
“She's a versatile player who reads the play very well. She knows how to dodge and when to feed. I think she made the perfect choice (in Limestone).”
Vissari still has her senior season to play at Butler.
“I'm very hopeful we will do well,” she said. “I've enjoyed playing lacrosse in Butler, getting to know my teammates, becoming friends.
“I'm looking forward to that same thing in college.”
When she's not playing, Vissari officiates youth lacrosse and tournaments.
“She's really into the game,” Conklin said. “She will play at Limestone because of her versatility. She'll do well at any position they put her in.”
Phillips believes Vissari will get on the field for Limestone during her first season.
“I know she'll take advantage of that opportunity,” she said. “Evelynn has too much drive and too much ability. Absolutely, she'll be playing there from the start.”
