The Lamron: Was a desire to stay close to home the reason for choosing Geneseo lacrosse?
Shauna Leonard: No, I was looking at other schools that were farther from home but it made the most sense for me academically and financially to come here. I had strongly considered going to Siena, Penn State and SUNY Albany, but ended up choosing Geneseo in the end.
The Lamron: With a SUNYAC berth on the line against Brockport, do you feel any additional pressure?
SL: Obviously, we work hard all year to get to the playoffs and this being my senior season I'm not ready for my collegiate career to end on this note. But we know what we need to accomplish and the pressure is not enough to affect the team as a whole. [Geneseo lost 11-9 to Brockport, despite three goals and an assist from Leonard.]
The Lamron: What's the best thing about playing for coach Carly Ritchlin?
SL: [How personable she is] on and off the field. I feel like I can approach her with any issue that I have - life and lacrosse.
The Lamron: Does she get the team extra fired up when Cortland comes up on the schedule?
SL: Absolutely, it's her alma mater and there are always bragging rights at stake. There is also a strong mutual respect between the two clubs.
The Lamron: Last week you won almost every award available. How does the recognition feel?
SL: It is always nice to get recognized but beating Cortland would have been the icing on the cake. The game at Buffalo State was especially bittersweet as senior co-captain Maggie Benham tore her ACL.
The Lamron: Were you aware of the Geneseo records for goals and points coming into this season? Did you think about the fact that you had the potential to break those this season?
SL: I had no idea about it until I tied the record against Elmira and coach made the announcement.
The Lamron: What are you going to miss the most when the season ends?
SL: Everything. We became a family as a team, we worked hard together and played with a lot of heart. More than anything, I don't want to grow up.