Freshman Phenoms: SU WLAX blazing trails in Inside Lacrosse’s Top 100
By Sydney Chan | @SydneyO_Chan
“You can expect a lot from us this season. We’re young, fast, and all very committed to winning,” Syracuse women’s lacrosse player Molly Guzik remarked. Guzik is the 11th-rated freshman in the nation according to Inside Lacrosse Magazine’s Power 100 Incoming Freshman Rankings, alongside teammates Lexi Reber (14), Mileena Cotter (29), Caroline Trinkaus (39), and Annie Parker (Watch List). Orange Head Coach Kayla Treanor has always been willing to give her young talent a chance to shine — get to know the five rising stars expected to see plenty of action on the field!
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#11 Molly Guzik (Spencerport, New York)
Pre-Game Hype Song: “Be Careful,” Cardi B
As a competitive kid growing up, Guzik played every sport available to her, from soccer and basketball to softball and volleyball to football and cheerleading, and of course, lacrosse.
She started playing the latter in fifth grade and has always loved the creative aspect of the sport. “My favorite part about lacrosse is being able to craft your own playing style. There’s always something to learn, and there’s always a way you’re able to grow your game,” she reflected. Guzik played for Spencerport High School and Monster Elite Lacrosse Club, where she was continuously put in a competitive atmosphere and “became addicted to getting better and being able to compete amongst the best players.”
Committing to SU was a way of extending that ambitious atmosphere Guzik knew and loved. “From our incredibly passionate coaches, to our supportive fans and alums, you really feel all the love here at Syracuse,” she said. “My favorite part of the program so far has been the relationships I’ve built with my teammates. We really are a special team on and off the field, and that is our greatest strength,” she added.
Guzik is looking forward to the Orange’s first contest on February 7 — the Cuse hosts UAlbany at 1:30pm. “One game at a time,” she said.
#14 Lexi Reber (Bryn Mawr, Maryland)
Pre-Game Hype Song: “Say it,” Flume
Reber started playing lacrosse when she was just four years old, in a recreational environment; later, she played for Hereford Lacrosse Club, C2 Lacrosse, and M&D Lacrosse, while playing for The Bryn Mawr School all four years of high school. Reber has also represented the States on the U16 and U18 National Teams.
“I love playing lacrosse because it’s rooted in team play. You have to play together in order to succeed, and I’ve been able to form so many close relationships and meet some of my best friends because of this,” Reber explained. “I also love pushing myself to be the best player, teammate, and person I can be and being surrounded by people who want to do the same,” she continued.
Reber chose Syracuse because of the team culture and coaches. “My favorite part has to be the people. I’ve met some of my best friends here. The team was welcoming from the second I moved in, and we continue to support and motivate each other every day.”
Reber is most looking forward to playing at Maryland on February 15 and at UNC on February 22, since she has close friends on both teams and knows they will be high-level competitions.
#29 Mileena Cotter (Canton, Michigan)
Pre-Game Hype Song: “Kickstart My Heart,” Mötley Crëw
“It was the one sport I tried that clicked,” Cotter reflected. Lacrosse is not super widespread in Cotter’s home-state of Michigan, but her nanny at the time played at a local college, Concordia University, and promised Cotter that she would show her the basics of the sport after she finished her school work. “I was in fourth grade and fell in love with a sport my family knew nothing about,” she laughed. Her brothers play hockey, but her family “supported [her] more than [she] could’ve asked for.” She reminisced, “I was given every opportunity possible to shoot for my dreams. I wanted to play lacrosse every single day, so I did.”
In her freshman year, Cotter realized that if she wanted to play in college, she would have to play on a team on the East Coast to elevate her game. Michael McLaughlin, the Head of SkyWalkers Lacrosse Club, gave her a chance to play on the number three team in the nation at the time. Cotter moved to Maryland to live the summers to play with SkyWalkers, and “from there on, I wanted to make him proud and give back by making it as far as I could with the sport,” she said. “Lacrosse has given me something of my own to work at and really love and be thankful for,” she added.
Committing to Syracuse was a gut-feeling decision. “Knowing that I could be in a culture with such wonderful people gave me such pure excitement. That excitement has still not gone away to this day — all of my expectations before getting here have been exceeded,” she remarked. “What a privilege it would be to be coached by Kayla Treanor and Caitlin Defelice, and now, I still have immense overwhelming gratitude to be learning from them. I followed my gut to this wonderful place, [and] it’s better than I could have imagined!” Cotter exclaimed.
Cotter is looking forward to the Cuse’s game at Pittsburgh on March 15. “Some of my biggest supporters and people that have been key parts of my lacrosse journey are going to be going to that game. Having some familiar faces, family, coaches, and friends in the area will just give me an extra loving boost.”
#39 Caroline Trinkaus (Ridgefield, Connecticut)
Pre-Game Hype Song: “Lucy (Ryan Dominic Remix),” Bryce Fox
Trinkaus’s first introduction to lacrosse was watching her older sister play. Quickly following, Trinkaus picked up a stick of her own, and played for CT Grizzlies throughout middle school and high school. She competed for the Canterbury School during her freshman year of high school and Ridgefield High School for the last three years.
“My favorite part of lacrosse is the competitiveness of it along with being able to play with the teammates I’m surrounded with,” she began. “We have so much fun together but make each other better at the same time.” Like many of her fellow teammates, Trinkaus “chose Syracuse because of the people. The competitive atmosphere with everyone around you who wants to win and get better is inspiring,” she added. The amazing coach staff was another important factor to Trinkaus’ choice to commit to SU.
Trinkaus is looking forward to all of the games this season, but especially the team’s last regular season game. The Orange host the 2024 ACC and 2024 National Champs Boston College on April 17.
Watch List Member Annie Parker (Portsmouth, New Hampshire)
Pre-Game Hype Song: “Big Energy (feat DJ Khaled) – Remix,” Latto, Mariah Carey, DJ Khaled
Parker also began her lacrosse journey by following in her older sister’s footsteps. Parker started playing in third grade with her sister and two brothers, and she later competed with Mass Elite and Portsmouth High School. “I just love the sport,” Parker put simply. “All my friends have come from lacrosse.”
Parker’s older siblings went on to play at the collegiate level and have always been her “inspiration.” Growing up in a very lacrosse-involved family, Syracuse’s passion for lacrosse and its school spirit and academics made it the clear choice. “I love the Newhouse school and love my coaches and my teammates. We’re a super close team,” she added.
Like Trinkaus, Parker is most looking forward to playing Boston College. “I’ve always wanted to beat them, and I feel like this is our year!”
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Guzik, Reber, Cotter, Trinkaus, and Parker suit up in Orange for the first time on February 7, when Syracuse hosts UAlbany for its home-opener. Faceoff is scheduled for 1:30pm.
For Friday’s updates and season-long coverage, follow @SydneyO_Chan and @CitrusTVSports on X.
