Molly Malone started as a freshman on an RBC team that reached the Shore Conference championship game.
By Rich Chrampanis
RED BANK – Red Bank Catholic lacrosse defender Molly Malone has given a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse in the Atlantic 10 Conference at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Like many current high school athletes, Molly had to endure an especially stressful recruiting process due to COVID-19. Despite missing her entire sophomore season at Red Bank Catholic because of the pandemic, Malone was able to garner multiple Division I offers. In a poignant interview with The Two River Times, the RBC junior spoke candidly about the tough recruiting road, playing an unheralded po- sition and the excitement of returning to the field this spring with her Casey teammates.
TRT: What was the moment like when you called and committed to Duquesne?
Malone: Before I made the call I was nervous for some reason, so when I finally told Head Coach Desrosiers I was ready, it felt like three tons of bricks came off my back. Ask anyone who has been through the recruiting process for any sport and they’ll tell you how stressful it is. Now add COVID onto it. I went into September 1st with absolutely no expectations and was honestly very nervous to see if I attracted any interest. So getting those calls and offers in itself was amazing. But to finally be able to come out on top of it all, is just an indescribable feeling of relief.
TRT: Recruiting was a tough challenge during the pandemic. How did your trip to Pittsburgh come together and how import- ant was it for you to see the campus?
Malone: Definitely was one of the biggest challenges I have experienced. My dad and I tried to visit every school I was in contact with. So after a few calls with Coach Desrosiers, my dad and I planned a visit to Pittsburgh as well as scheduled and participated in an admissions tour. Regarding visiting campuses, it wasn’t on the top of the list of must-haves to commit. Also, the pandemic has made traveling very difficult, so I wasn’t opposed to committing without seeing the campus. But now that I have, I am super glad I visited. And I highly recommend everyone visits campus before committing.
TRT: What advice would you give to recruits who are having a tough time due to COVID?
Malone: To the kids who haven’t had anything go their way, keep going. The amount of calls or offers you get doesn’t reflect you as a player and especially does not determine your self-worth. In general I think a lot of players misconstrued their vision of themselves based on this process. Especially when comparing yourself to others is almost impossible not to do. But try and remind yourself you can’t compare apples to oranges and that no one has the same journey. Keep your options open and don’t be too quick to say no to a school. Ask players who have committed questions about how they talked to coaches, players, how they got on campus, etc., so when your moment comes you’re ready. Wear a chip on your shoulder, show everyone and yourself that you deserve the attention and offers. Keep the fiery mindset and most importantly, keep working hard. You never know what could happen.
TRT: Playing defense in lacrosse is tough and often goes unrecognized. What drew you to playing “D” and what satisfaction did you get helping your team without scoring goals?
Malone: I 100% believe defense across all sports doesn’t get the attention it deserves. I mean just look at the All- Shore Conference lacrosse teams for girls. I know too many defenders who deserve a spot, but go unrecognized. Defensively speaking, I had absolutely no interest in playing until I was coached under Lori Johnson and Patra Acquaviva. They saw something that none of my other coaches did. After experiencing the bond of the defensive unit/family and the overall mindset defenders have, I just couldn’t go back. Our work usually goes unnoticed, so to be able to quietly celebrate with the people who really appreciate what happened (the other defenders) is the best feeling in the world. To add onto that, the feeling of shutting down an attacker and stripping the ball from them couldn’t be replaced by a million goals. It’s really just the satisfaction I get from being able to help my team in different ways, so I don’t have to score to contribute something.
TRT: You missed your entire sophomore season because of the pandemic. How excited are you to get back with RBC, a team that has a number of D1 players returning?
Malone: I cannot express how stoked I am to be back with RBC. My freshman year was one of the best experiences I have ever had. And I can’t wait to make more memories and go into games with one of the best teams I have ever been on. Our team dynamic/bond was and always is exceedingly tight and strong, so not being able to be with them was difficult. Although it is great that we have division one players returning, I am looking more forward to seeing how other players have developed as well as the additions we have to the team and what they can contribute. New players are always exciting, especially when they make up two grades.
TRT: Who do you want to thank for helping you get to this great moment in your career?
Malone: There are way too many people to thank. However, my teammates always come first to mind. I would not love this game as much as I do without them. And you can’t do something you don’t love five days a week. Actually, I attribute most, if not all, of my success to them. Next would have to be my coaches. Most of my coaches I have known for what seems like forever. So thank you to all my coaches in all sports for your unconditional support and guidance. And a special thanks to coaches Kelly Knapp, Valentine Barnaby, Chris Raichle, Troy Maddison, Nikki Pineda and especially my dad. In addition, I want to thank the coaching staff at Duquesne for taking their time to recruit and commit me. And a very special thanks to Coach Lori Johnson for treating me as one of her own. I would not be where I am without her. I also have to thank my club team, Jersey Shore Select, for being a safe space to learn and grow into the player and person I am today. Finally, I want to thank my family and friends for being there for me. This pro- cess would have been impossible without all of you.
This article originally appeared in the Jan. 21, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
