After having 4-11 record in the 2010 spring season, the New Paltz Women’s Lacrosse team will look to Captain Gabrielle Dewey for some spark during the team’s current campaign.
Dewey, a fourth-year defender, transferred from Onondaga Community College in fall 2009. After winning the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Championship at her last school, Dewey said she plans on bringing her winning ways to the young New Paltz lacrosse program.
“Playing here is much different than at Onondaga,” said Dewey. “We are all focused on showing everyone and ourselves that we are a great team and that we’re getting better every day.”
Last season, Dewey started in 15 games for the Hawks and caused 16 turnovers over the course of the season. She also scored two goals and one assist from her defensive position. Even with these numbers, Dewey and her teammates know she has the potential to be even better.
“I don’t let myself slack off during workouts or practices,” said Dewey. “I push myself and encourage my team to do the same.”
Head Coach Heather Semelmacher, who is in her third year coaching the program, said that Dewey was selected captain unanimously by her teammates because of her work ethic on and off the field.
“She has very strong leadership qualities and strives for this team to be the best,” said Semelmacher. “Even in the off-season, Gabby was always working on keeping the girls playing and keeping them in shape.”
Aside from her work ethic, Semelmacher praised Dewey’s stick skill and overall level of play. Semelmacher said Dewey’s desire to learn more about the sport each day makes her an attractive captain.
“She believes you can never stop learning about this sport and all the techniques involved,” Semelmacher said.
After coming off a season where the Hawks played sub-par defensively, Semelmacher will look to Dewey to control the young group of defenders. The group gave up an average of 14 goals a game last season and she knows her team has the potential to perform better.
“She is an intense player and has an amazing sense of the field around her,” Semelmacher said. “Do not get in her way on the field because she will do anything to stop the ball and protect her goaltender.”
The 2011 Hawks are off to a hot start winning their first five games, something Dewey hopes to continue.
“I love playing this game,” said Dewey. “I think of our team as a family and I wouldn’t want to be playing next to anyone else out there.”