McGinn’s lacrosse journey leads to D’Youville

Owen Smith, Writer

March 21, 2024

OHS Senior Maddie McGinn signs her letter of intent with D’youville University to play Division II lacrosse.

Owatonna senior Madison McGinn committed to D’Youville University to play Division II lacrosse. McGinn has been playing lacrosse since third grade and has been playing on varsity since freshman year. She has been working hard and has been playing Lacrosse year-round for the last two years in hopes of improving her skills.

Committing to the sport she loves is a meaningful accomplishment for McGinn. She said, “I love the game of lacrosse, along with the environment that it puts me in. I love playing with teammates that feel like family and being able to push each other to success.” The girl’s lacrosse team has seen some recent success within the past few years as they have had nine winning seasons in a row.

D’Youville is a Division II college for girls lacrosse in Buffalo, New York. Many factors led McGinn to choose this school. She said, “I chose this school because it will provide me with academic support that will lead me to succeed in my major, Exercise Science, along with allowing me to further my athletic career with amazing facilities and coaching.” McGinn fell in love with the school at first sight when she visited in September.

Plenty of things come with competing at the next level, and McGinn knows she will have to work hard, but there is still plenty to look forward to. Some of the main things for McGinn are visiting new places and finding her role on the team.

McGinn said, “I am most looking forward to getting out of Minnesota and having the ability to explore new places. I am also looking forward to playing lacrosse at the collegiate level and being able to develop new friendships at D’Youville.”

Head Coach Dani Licht had high praises for McGinn she said, “Maddie isn’t a player that just picks up her stick for the two months of the season, she plays all year with a high-level team and there is no stopping her from achieving her goals.” Licht expects McGinn to make an impact right away with her. Coach Licht said, “She has an extremely high lacrosse IQ which has allowed her to be successful at finding the back of the net.”

McGinn will play Division II girls’ lacrosse at D’Youville University next year and major in Exercise Science.

About the Contributors

Owen Smith, Writer

Owen Smith is a senior at OHS this year, this is his first year in Magnet. He joined Magnet because he wants to be a voice for the student body of OHS and enjoys writing about sports. Smith is involved in baseball, basketball, NHS, DECA, and BBBS. When he is not playing baseball and basketball Smith enjoys hanging out with his friends and spending time with his family. He is a really big sports fan and enjoys watching all the Minnesota sports teams. Smith is looking forward to his first year in Magnet and learning more about the student body and becoming a better writer.

Mariah Cuellar, Social Media Editor

Mariah Cuellar is a senior at OHS, this is her second year on Magnet staff. Cuellar will continue running the social media for Magnet this year. Cuellar is a part of the OHS cheerleading team and cheers for football and basketball throughout the year. This year at OHS Cuellar is involved in DECA, Link Crew, Thriving Minds and Prom Committee. Outside of school she coaches a youth competition cheer team and is a YoungLife president. Cuellar is very excited to learn new things and make new friends for her final year in Magnet.