Countdown to lacrosse: Chelsea Lanzoni

Jan. 19, 2014

Chelsea Lanzoni
Senior, Defense, 5-7
Annapolis, Md.

In 19 days, the Vanderbilt lacrosse team begins the 2014 season on Feb. 7 at Kennesaw State. To get ready for the 19th season in program history, vucommodores.com will spotlight all 29 players and coaches Cathy Swezey, Susan Ellis and Julie Gardner. This segment will offer an inside look into the team on and off the field.

Today, Chelsea Lanzoni, who wears jersey No. 19, continues our countdown. A senior from Annapolis, Md., she played in 15 games last year and started six. A four-time Academic All-American at Annapolis High School she has continued her academic brilliance at Vanderbilt. She has made the SEC Academic Honor Roll all three years. She is majoring in human and organization development with an emphasis in international leadership and development.

Why did you choose Vanderbilt?

I chose to come to Vanderbilt because the girls on the team seemed to mesh better than any others I had come across. Everyone seemed very genuine, and was very easy to get along with. Moreover, the school’s location in the heart of Nashville was very enticing. I liked that while it was in a very cool city, it also had its own beautiful campus. Finally, the school size and good athletic presence all allured me to attend Vanderbilt over other schools. It seemed like it had the best of all worlds to offer.

The thing that impresses me most about Coach Swezey: Her ability to balance the duties of being a mom (to three children) with coaching a Division I sport and successfully managing 29 girls on the team

Age I picked up a lacrosse stick: Four years old

I picked my jersey number because: Different, unique and a new number that I’d never had before

When I was a kid I tried to be like: Mia Hamm

A few words that describe the way I play: Quick and shifty

What I need to improve on to be a better player: 1 versus 1 skills and overall presence on defense

Favorite part about playing at Vanderbilt: Living in Nashville and being able to experience everything that it has to offer

Favorite sport other than lacrosse: Football

Favorite musical performer: The Civil Wars

Favorite movie: Life is Beautiful

Favorite midnight snack: Pizza

Favorite thing about myself: Adventurous spirit

Worst habit: Nail biting

Dream Date: Johnny Depp

The best tasting food I can make: Chocolate mousse

My bucket list includes: Sky diving, bungee jumping, hiking the Pacific Crest Trail and living abroad

Interesting fact about myself: I’ve been a vegetarian for six years.

Ultimate vacation destination: Thailand

Favorite athlete to watch in another sport: Troy Polamalu

The most famous person I’ve met: Madonna

The person I’d love to trade places with for a day: Dalai Lama

Most important thing I’ve learned since coming to Vanderbilt: To take advantage of every moment; life flies by.

The best advice I’ve received (which came from her mom): Never to let fear get in the way of anything

My advice to young people is: Never ask yourself ‘What if?’