At the end of the spring 2012 season, three members of the Williston Northampton girls varsity lacrosse team—Bridget Instrum ’12 of Granby, MA; Katie Cavanaugh ’12 of South Hadley, MA; and Karly Simpson ’13 of South Hadley, MA—were honored by US Lacrosse.

The title ‘All-American’ is a designation used to honor high-school lacrosse players, both on and off the field, by US Lacrosse, a national sports organization.  US Lacrosse annually awards the title of All-American or Academic All-American to a group of athletes who have been nominated by their coaches.

An Academic All-American is defined by US Lacrosse as “a player who exhibits exemplary lacrosse skills, good sportsmanship on the field, and represents high standards of academic achievement in the classroom. This player should also have left her mark beyond the lacrosse field and the classroom by making significant contributions of service to the school and/or community.”  Nominations of All-Americans are based on athletic statistics accrued over the season including any club play.

Instrum was named an All-American.  Instrum graduated as the first two-time All-American in Williston’s history and the all-time leading scorer in the girls lacrosse program. Girls varsity lacrosse head coach Jen Fulcher had nothing but praise for her player.

“On the field Bridget is athletic, explosive, confident.  She’s the most dominant player we’ve had here,” said Fulcher. “She’s a leader of the whole while still being the kind of kid you want to coach.”

“It’s great to be recognized for your hard work,” Instrum said.

“Everyone is better for having coached her or played with her.  She will be missed,” added Fulcher.

Cavanaugh and Simpson were named Academic All-Americans.

Fulcher said, “Katie has been a real asset since the day she joined the team.  She made her mark on the program as a terrific team player.”

A two-time Academic All-American, Cavanaugh said of the distinction, “It’s a pretty big honor, especially in Western Mass. It’s very rare.”

“Prioritize, analyze, attack. Coach Fulcher taught me that and I apply it both in the classroom and on the field,” she added.

Of Simpson, who is a rising senior, Fulcher said, “Karly works hard at every piece of her game, you would want 100 Karlys on your team.  This year she has lifted all parts of her game to a real dominant level.”

“Karly is one of the best players in our league.  It’s a well-deserved recognition for her, she had an absolutely terrific all-around season,” said Fulcher.

From July 22 to 27, Instrum will compete in the Champion All-American Showcase at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World in Orlando, FL.

Both Williston graduates plan to continue their lacrosse careers in college.  Instrum will be attending Ohio State University and Cavanaugh will be at Williams College.  Cavanaugh plans on playing field hockey at Williams as well.  Simpson, a team captain, will be a senior at Williston in the fall.