A talented local athlete has earned a scholarship to play NCAA field lacrosse in the United States.
Linnea Ayers, 17, signed her letter of intent this week, signalling her commitment to take her skills south to play for the University of Montevallo in Alabama.
The Oro-Medonte resident is a multi-sport athlete who, primarily, plays field lacrosse and hockey.
She was a key defensive force that helped Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School win three provincial championships in field lacrosse.
“Linnea has been a great defender for us,” said Curtis Columbus, who coaches Fogarty’s field lacrosse team alongside Pat Morris. “She does a wonderful job at controlling her side of the field and will be relied on to further lead our defensive core in our drive for a fourth title.”
Ayers also helped Fogarty’s hockey team win a Georgian Bay championship and competed with the team at the provincial championship.
The Grade 12 student is also president of Fogarty’s student council.
Not only was she a starting defender for Fogarty’s powerhouse field lacrosse team, she also played for the Orillia Lady Kings program and represented her hometown at the Ontario Summer Games.
However, it was through her involvement in the Edge lacrosse club program out of Oakville that she connected with Montevallo coach Frank Rogers.
Rogers heads up a relatively young program, that only started in January of 2015.
According to her recruiting bio, Ayers also has big academic goals.
“I have a great interest in art. I would like to major in art and get my teaching certificate,” she said. “I am looking for a college that can meet these needs as well as the ability to play lacrosse at a competitive level.”
Ayers is one of several Fogarty athletes to use field lacrosse as a springboard to NCAA scholarships in recent years.
“I can’t think of another sport in Orillia that would even come close to field lacrosse in terms of the opportunities it has opened up for local athletes,” said Columbus. “We are really proud of that.”
