By Riley Fontana
Hometown Weekly Reporter
There is no shortage of local athletic talent and recently four girl’s lacrosse players were given the title of All-American. All Americans are amateur athletes who are considered some of the best in their chosen sport. Lacrosse players from Walpole, Needham, Medfield and Westwood were given this title for the 2024 season.
Kelly Blake is a midfielder from Medfield and has been playing since she was five years old. Being named an All-American was a huge honor for Blake. “I was very happy to hear that I was named an All-American, and was very grateful to all the teammates and coaches I have had along the way to get me to the point I am at,” she said. “None of it would have been possible without any of their guidance and support.” The support system she had throughout her lacrosse career has made her who she is as a player. “I would like to thank my parents, especially my dad. He was my youth coach from 1st-8th grade and really got me into the sport,” she said. “I also would like to thank my high school coaches, Mary Laughna and Kelsey Buff for always being there for me and making high school lacrosse so competitive and fun. I am also very grateful to my coaches at Laxachusetts for shaping me into the player I am today.” Blake currently plays at Boston College.
Ellie Thomas is a goalkeeper from Needham and has been playing since she was in 6th grade. The honor of being an All-American was huge for Thomas, “I honestly couldn't be happier about being named an All-American,” she said. “Those were always the girls I idolized when I was younger, and I have always hoped my name would be with theirs someday. I feel really fortunate for all of the opportunities that have been given to me, so it was pretty cool to get to share the news with all the people who’ve supported me.” Her support system helped to form her into the player she is today and she is so grateful for everyone in her life. “I’m so beyond lucky that I’ve had so many people who’ve been in my corner throughout this entire journey,” she said. “I can’t thank my parents enough for the support they’ve given me. Having them on the sidelines cheering for me made all the difference. Also, I want to thank Kailie Kelly and Central Lacrosse, Needham High lacrosse alum Lilly Callahan, and my mentor/coach/“big sister” Julia Rowland. I would not be the player or person I am today without you all.” Thomas is currently playing at the University of New Hampshire.
Caitlyn Naughton is a midfielder from Walpole and has been playing lacrosse since 4th grade. She was very happy to be an All-American saying “Being named an All-American is truly an honor and I’m happy to be named alongside so many amazing lacrosse players. My experience with lacrosse has been amazing, I grew up making so many friends and memories from it. I’ve learned so many things like teamwork and how to push yourself.” Her support system was a massive part of becoming the player she is today. “There are so many people I’d like to thank but most importantly my parents for taking me to the long practices and tournaments. It definitely would not have been possible without them,” she said. “I’d like to thank my club and high school coaches for pushing me to be the best player I can be. Also, my teammates have given me the best memories throughout the years of lacrosse. Definitely couldn’t have done any of it without my teammates pushing me and teaching me new things each game/practice.” Naughton is gearing up to play lacrosse at UMass Amherst.
Caroline Nozzolino is an attack from Westwood, where she started playing in the 3rd grade joining with her friends. Being named an All-American was huge for her, following in family and friends' footsteps. “I was both surprised and incredibly excited, as becoming an All-American had always been a goal of mine,” she said. “I remember looking at the newspaper as a kid to see names like Madison Ahern and my own teammates like Riley Harrington, whom I idolized. So seeing my picture and name in the same list was an amazing moment for me.” Her family has been a huge support system for her, following her aunt, Callie Rose, legacy. “If you know me, you know how vital my family’s support has been throughout my journey. I don’t think they missed a single lacrosse game last year - especially my cousins, aunts, parents, brothers, and grandparents,” she said. “My grandma and mom have dedicated their summers to taking me to tournaments all over the state, to the point where my teammates affectionately call my grandma “Gram”.” Beyond her family, coaches and teammates played a huge role in shaping her into the player she is today, “I also owe a huge part of my growth to my coach Margot Spatola, and the Mass Elite club program. I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by amazing mentors and teammates. I am truly grateful for the support of my family, coaches, and teammates, as they have shaped me into the person and player I am today, and taught me the mental and physical toughness it takes to reach my goals.” Nozzolino is verbally committed to play for Brown University.
These lacrosse players are just the start for all players named All-Americans. Local players are committing themselves to their chosen sports every day, proving themselves to be dedicated and talented players.
