Jan. 19, 2015
Swezey Interview | Ramzy Interview
In 18 years as Vanderbilt’s head coach, Cathy Swezey can’t remember having the team’s first lacrosse practice of the season on a warmer day.
With temperatures hitting a toasty and welcome 66 degrees, the Commodores took the practice field as the 2015 season opener looms less than three weeks away. The multipurpose indoor facility sat within ear shot but the team didn’t need it on such a warm day in Nashville as it prepares for the 20th season in program history.
“The first day of practice is always such a thrill,” Swezey said. “The kids have such a high level of intensity. They always seem a little faster, a little more aggressive. It is exciting. That is what you want to see out of your team. You want to know they are ready to go and fired up for the year.”
The Commodores return 20 lettermen and nine starters from 2014. Leading the way are six seniors, including captains Alex Duckenfield, Maggie Forker and Meggie Ramzy, and a talented eight-player strong junior class along with several promising underclassmen and freshmen.
Vanderbilt is hoping to build off a 2014 season that ended in a 5-12 record but featured wins over ranked opponents Stanford and Johns Hopkins and several close games, including throwing scares into perennial powers Northwestern and Florida.
The 2015 season will also be a new adventure for all involved as the Commodores enter the BIG EAST Conference after 13 years in the American Lacrosse Conference, which dissolved after last season. The BIG EAST features eight members – Cincinnati, Connecticut, Florida, Georgetown, Marquette, Temple and Villanova. The season begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7 with a non-conference battle against Kennesaw State at the VU Lacrosse/Soccer Complex.