Junior girls lacrosse captain Alivia Lugo scored her 100th career goal on April 2 in a game against Morristown. Reflecting on the moment, Lugo described the game as “very stressful,” but once she secured the goal, she felt as though “a weight had been lifted off [her] shoulders.” Looking ahead for the rest of the season, Lugo has high aspirations. She aims to be “a good leader on and off the field” while striving to help her team win both county and state championships.Beyond high school, Lugo is set to continue her lacrosse career at Brown University. “I’m really excited to play alongside such talented athletes and continue growing my love for the game,” she said.
The Wire sat down with Lugo to talk about the big moment and her history with lacrosse that led up to it:
What inspired you to start playing lacrosse?
I first became interested in lacrosse after watching my dad and brother passing the ball in our backyard. I picked up a stick, started playing, and quickly fell in love with the sport.
How has lacrosse shaped you as a person, and what does it mean to you?
Lacrosse has played a significant role in developing my leadership skills. It has given me a new perspective on stepping up in big moments and learning how to adapt when faced with challenges. The sport has taught me resilience and the importance of teamwork.
How did you feel leading up to your 100th career goal, and what was it like to achieve that milestone?
Going into the game, I felt a lot of pressure because I knew Morristown was a strong team. The anticipation made the game very stressful, but the moment I scored, I felt an immense sense of relief. It was as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and I regained my confidence.
What are your goals for the remainder of the season?
My main focus is to continue being a strong leader on and off the field while helping my team win as many games as possible. A big goal for us is to compete for county and state titles. On a personal level, I want to keep improving my game and growing as a player.
Are you excited to continue your lacrosse career at Brown University?
Absolutely! I’m really looking forward to playing alongside such talented athletes and competing at the collegiate level. It’s an incredible opportunity to further develop my skills and continue growing my love for the game.