Two student-athletes in Williston’s lacrosse program earned All-American honors earlier this year. Coaches in the New England Secondary School Lacrosse Association recognized Nick Garofano ’16 of Boys Varsity Lacrosse, and Meg Szawlowski ’16 of Girls Varsity Lacrosse as top players in their respective leagues.
Garofano of Yorktown Heights, N.Y., who will continue his lacrosse career at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point next year, is Williston’s all-time assist leader (88), and second in school history in goals (111) and points (199). A captain of the 2016 lacrosse team, Garofano led the team with 34 goals and 19 assists in just 16 games. In addition to being an All-American, Garofano was named to the Western New England Division II All-League team. Garofano also finished his career on Williston’s football team as one of the most accomplished athletes in school history. As a running back, he holds the record for single-season rushing yards (1,123) and career rushing yards (2,214). This past spring, Garofano’s achievements were recognized when he was given the Dr. Frank L. Boyden Award at the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame scholar-athlete dinner. The award is given to the top prep school scholar-athlete in western Massachusetts.
“Nick was one of the strongest pure athletes as well as one of the most prolific scorers I have ever coached,” said Head Coach Christopher Dietrich. “He is a tenacious, relentless competitor who takes it as a personal challenge to win every competition put in front of him, whether that competition is a one–on-one drill at practice or a game where he is being covered by another future NCAA Division I player. Nick is a tireless athlete who I do believe has the skill set and the work ethic to not only succeed but to thrive on the lacrosse field at West Point.”
Szawlowski of Leeds led her team in goals and assists in her senior season and helped the team put together a 15-1 record. In her four years on the team, Szawlowski amassed 140 goals and 127 assists. The team, which is consistently one of the strongest in New England, had a 41-4 combined record during Szawlowski’s sophomore, junior, and senior seasons.
“Meg is one of the hardest working, most humble, team orientated, and talented players I have had the pleasure of coaching,” said Jen Fulcher, the team’s head coach. “Having her for four years in our program has been a gift.” Next year, Szawlowski will continue her lacrosse career at Central Connecticut State University. Szawlowski is the youngest in a family dedicated to the sport of lacrosse. Her father, brother, and three older sisters all played lacrosse at American International College. Her father, Michael, played a post-graduate year at Williston, graduating in 1979.