By Ryan McCord
Women’s lacrosse senior co-captain Becky Thorn’s teammates marvel at her perseverance in successfully returning from a back injury that ended her 2006 season.
“She is the heart of this team,” All-American Kimberly Hillier said. “She’s like my left arm. I can’t play on the field without her. She’s my wingman.”
Not only did Thorn suffer what she calls a “freak” injury during a routine drill in practice nearly a year ago today, but the 2005 All-American wasn’t even appointed captain status. Though her mother called her crazy and lobbied that she stay off the field in 2007, Thorn couldn’t help but attempt to seize the opportunity granted by her medical red-shirt status and return for one last shot at winning the CAA Championship.
While Thorn was a little surprised, the fifth-year senior suggested that last season’s sideline coaching/cheerleading contributions played an integral part in officially landing such an honorable role as captain.
“Definitely an honor, knowing they respect and listen to you,” Thorn said of her commissioned status. “As captain everyone looks at you to say something. If they see you giving up, they’re gonna give up. If they see you hustling ’till the last minute of the game, they’re going to hustle to the last minute of the game.”
During the past year of recovery, Thorn has experimented with various types of physical therapy techniques along with, “every muscle relaxer on the market.” She identifies the deep tissue massage to be the most effective escape from an injury so constantly aggravating.
“I walk away crying but it feels so much better the next day,” said Thorn, a Physical Education major. “It’s helping me through it, especially being out on the turf again. That’s a lot of pounding.”
While the past year on the lacrosse field has been quite a challenge for Thorn, she still manages to make time for her off-campus hobbies that include sharing lessons and coaching in a youth league. Unlike most contemporary college students, Thorn is not a fan of the television or computer.
“Lacrosse is my spare time,” Thorn said. “Coaching is personal enjoyment. I love helping kids. This is something I look forward to down the road as well.”
She lives near campus with her grandmother, where she embraces the quiet atmosphere and turns in comfortably each night on a new Posteurpedic (and spine friendly) bed.
Thorn grew up in Holbrook and was a three-time All-Suffolk County honoree in high-school. She was recruited by powerhouses Syracuse, Maryland and Loyola, but it wasn’t just being 30 minutes away from home that ultimately convinced her in committing to the Pride.”It was all about team unity,” Thorn said. “I took recruiting trips and basically everyone was surrounded by players of their own class. When I cam to visit here, a senior hosted me.”
The freshman to senior bond actually circulates even further than just the women’s team itself. Thorn had nothing but neighborly things to say about the Hofstra men’s lacrosse squad. Members of both teams hang out on weekends, around the training room, in study hall, and even attend each other’s games.
“We respect each other,” Thorn said. “We sit in one spot in the stands so they know we are there. It’s really a close unit with the men’s team.”
The women’s team begins CAA conference play towards the end of the month, and Thorn believes the Pride has the potential to take home some medal, while Hillier is just thrilled the midfielder is back for another run.
“She gets everyone motivated constantly. When she scores a goal she makes everyone excited.”