Q&A with Morgan Widner

As we prepare for our home series against Notre Dame in the Carrier Dome on Thursday, March 11th (7 PM., ACC Network Extra) and Sunday, March 14th (12 PM, ACC Network), we continue our Q&A series to help you get to know the Orange with Morgan Widner.

You're from Texas, which isn't typically thought of for lacrosse. How did you get involved with the sport?
My friend group – we were all super athletic and their older brothers went to private schools and played lacrosse. Their dads started lacrosse for all of us because we were really athletic girls – we played soccer, volleyball, track and everything.

Did you always take the draw?
I didn't take the draw until my Junior year of high school. I don't know why I didn't do it before. I was always pretty tall. But for some reason right before my junior year I just started focusing in and I was talented. I worked really hard and saw it as a path to recruitment and playing in college so I took it and ran with it.

The rules seem to change from year to year on the draw. How do you adapt?
It was definitely very hard. My sophomore year, after my freshman year where I had a lot of success, they changed almost everything so that was the biggest adjustment. Girls on the line couldn't run in until there was possession, we had to hold our sticks parallel to the line. It was hard, but it's really just work and reps and muscle memory.

The draw is so important. Do you feel pressure to get your team the ball?
Sometimes there is pressure, like for overtime games or if we really need this draw. In the very moment there can be pressure. But I try to trust in my ability, trust in my circle girls, trust in the coaches, and just kind of pray it's going to go well.

Your season was cut short last year. How did it feel to be back out there in the season opener?
It was so amazing. I kind of forgot what it feels like to play in a game or even be on the sideline and cheer for my friend's success and my teammates' success. It was just so fun. It made me remember why I love lacrosse, and why we love competing and why were here – at the end of the day, win a national championship.

Having it be taken away from you, does it make you appreciate it more?
It definitely does. Walking through my ACL (injury) was the first time I really got to appreciate the game and appreciate the team, and appreciate everyday at practice. But then again, it happening, when we were well on our way to a championship, I believe, last year. A group, my class, who has worked so hard, it was just heart breaking. I am thankful for everyday to play, practice, everything.

What is your major?
I am a grad student in sports venue and event management in Falk. And my undergrad was in communication and rhetorical studies.

Favorite class at Syracuse?
I love my graduate program I am in right now because I am so passionate about sports as I am personally playing and now I am developing a professional passion. Our program is very small so I have a very good relationship with all of my professors. It makes school so fun and exciting.

Go-to pregame meal?
I have an obsession with jalapenos. I don't know why. I put jalapenos and hot sauce on everything so as long as I am getting something spicy in me. I think it might be a little bit of my Texas twang, but I love spice.

Go-to road trip bus snack?
Big Gold Fish Girl. Love some Gold Fish, or a nice orange – orange slices are my favorite.

Who is best dressed on the team?
Alex Marino. She is always looking sassy coming in and out of practice.

Who is the best dancer?
Either Molly (Carter) or Vanessa (Costantino). They are always busting out the moves. But maybe Molly Carter.

Which teammate are you looking forward to watching this season?
I think I am the biggest fan of Morgan Alexander. Being my best friend and walking through knee surgeries together, I can't express how much love I have for that girl. And seeing her everyday after everything she's gone through, it inspires me and it makes me emotional.

Syracuse University Athletics

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Molly Carter

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Morgan Widner

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