This was supposed to be Darcie Smith’s final season wearing the blue and gold uniform for the Hofstra Pride women’s lacrosse team. However, when the coronavirus pandemic canceled the remainder of the season with the team on a two-game losing streak, Smith knew that this was not how she wanted to be remembered.
“We never got the opportunity to make up for those two games. We would have had our Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) weekend by now,” Smith said.
On March 30, the NCAA Division I Council voted to allow schools to provide spring-sport student-athletes an additional season of competition and an extension of their period of eligibility. Smith and her senior teammates Alexa Mattera and Alyssa Parrella decided to take advantage of this opportunity for one final ride in the spring of 2021.
“I wanted to get to finish my career on my own terms. It is really exciting to get to play with the people who I started my collegiate career with, like Alexa [Mattera] and Alyssa [Parrella], for one more time,” Smith said. “Not only that, but we can definitely build off of the success we have had thus far, while helping the underclassmen continue to grow and get better each and every day.”
Smith may be one of the best people to help the younger classes of women’s lacrosse players grow and develop during their time with the Pride. She is considered the best draw control specialist in program history, ranking first all-time at Hofstra in the category. Before the season was cut short, Smith had 46 draw controls, 11 ground balls, 10 caused turnovers and a goal. In her four-year career, she has totaled 207 draw controls, 109 ground balls, 59 caused turnovers and 10 points (eight goals and two assists).
“Last season is really when I started focusing on the draw more and more. Our assistant coach Amanda Johansen has helped me tremendously with that as well, ever since she joined our program last season,” Smith said. “Whether it has been different techniques I work on every day at practice or getting stronger in the weight room, it has all helped me to improve my game. It has not been easy, but the support of my teammates and coaches has really helped me throughout this process.”
While Smith may miss draw controls, practices and the feeling of joy after a win, she says that what she misses most of all is her teammates.
“I miss being on the road with all the girls. It may be a long bus trip, but you don’t even think about it when everyone is together. It is such a great environment to be around,” Smith said. “I definitely do not take any of that for granted. It’s a great feeling just being around your teammates and getting to see them every day.”
Smith says she would not change a thing about her time with the Pride, but looking back on her four years at Hofstra, she does have some advice for her past self.
“No matter what happens, no matter what you go through it is going to be okay in the end. You face tough times and you might just want to give up, but at the end of the day everyone has your back no matter what,” Smith said.
To Smith, her legacy as a great leader on and off the field is more important than any statistic or record.
“I want to be remembered for making the people around me better,” she said. “It is a team sport. I want to go down as someone who was always there for the team, willing to do anything I could to help others, being the person that anyone can go to – not just for lacrosse, but for help in school or just advice with their everyday life,” she said.
Although Smith’s senior season did not go as planned, she is excited to finish what she, Mattera and Parrella started on their own terms. From her outstanding work ethic to her leadership qualities, Smith will continue to have an amazing impact on the Hofstra Pride women’s lacrosse program and everyone involved.
“We are going to come out swinging next year,” she promised. “And we want to be better than ever.”
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics
