Lacrosse enthusiasts around the world are well-acquainted with the name Kristin St. Hilaire. Her story is not just about personal achievements but also about inspiring generations of aspiring athletes. From her high school days at Cicero-North Syracuse to her remarkable college career at the University of Massachusetts and her current role as the Head Coach at Utica University, St. Hilaire’s journey is a testament to dedication, hard work, and passion for the sport.

High School Glory

Kristin St. Hilaire’s lacrosse journey began at Cicero-North Syracuse High School in the late 1990s. During her high school years from 1997 to 2000, she was a member of the 1997 State Championship runner-up team. This early success was just the beginning of an illustrious career. St. Hilaire proved to be a force on the lacrosse field, earning a four-year letter-winner status in the sport. Her excellence did not stop at lacrosse; she also lettered in basketball, further showcasing her athleticism and leadership skills. St. Hilaire was not just a standout player; she was a captain in both lacrosse and basketball, demonstrating her ability to lead and inspire her teammates.

In her senior year, St. Hilaire received prestigious accolades, including being named 2x All-CNY and an All-American, a testament to her exceptional skills and dedication during her high school years.

Collegiate Success at UMass

Following her impressive high school career, Kristin St. Hilaire continued her lacrosse journey at the University of Massachusetts from 2000 to 2005. Her time at UMass would prove to be a defining chapter in her lacrosse career. She started in all 67 games of her collegiate career, showcasing remarkable consistency and dedication.

St. Hilaire’s leadership abilities did not go unnoticed. She was named a team captain for two consecutive years, exemplifying her role as a leader both on and off the field. Her accomplishments on the lacrosse field were numerous and included being named the 2004 Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year.

Throughout her collegiate career, St. Hilaire consistently earned accolades, such as four consecutive selections to the Atlantic 10 All-Conference 1st Team from 2002 to 2005 and two IWLCA All-Region 1st team selections in 2004 and 2005. Additionally, she was recognized for her exceptional performances in the Atlantic 10 All-Tournament Team in 2003 and 2004. Her senior year was further highlighted by her selection as a North/South Senior All-Star.

Her impact on UMass lacrosse history is undeniable. St. Hilaire finished her college career ranked 12th nationally for ground balls. Moreover, she concluded her time at UMass as the all-time leader in caused turnovers (CT) and second in ground balls (GBs), records that still stand to this day.

Post-Graduate Club Play and Recognition

Kristin St. Hilaire’s passion for lacrosse extended well beyond her college years. She joined the Laxified Club team (now Luvlax) in the post-graduate phase of her career. Her talent and leadership continued to shine on the club stage, resulting in multiple Lake Placid Summit Tournament championships. St. Hilaire’s contributions to the sport were further recognized when she was named to the 25th Lake Placid Summit Silver Anniversary team, celebrating her remarkable career and impact on the sport.

Coaching Career at Utica University

After experiencing remarkable success as a player, Kristin St. Hilaire transitioned into a coaching role at Utica University in 2007, where she has remained the head coach to the present day. Her tenure as head coach at Utica has been nothing short of remarkable. Under her leadership, the program has flourished, and she holds the distinction of being the winningest coach in Utica University’s history.

St. Hilaire’s coaching career at Utica has been characterized by excellence. With an overall record of 129-91, she has led her team to five consecutive appearances in the Empire 8 Championships, a testament to her coaching expertise and ability to inspire her players to reach new heights.

Conclusion

Kristin St. Hilaire’s lacrosse journey is a remarkable story of dedication, hard work, and a passion for the sport. From her high school days at Cicero-North Syracuse to her record-breaking college career at the University of Massachusetts and her current role as the head coach at Utica University, St. Hilaire’s impact on the lacrosse world is undeniable. Her legacy as a player and coach continues to inspire future generations of athletes, cementing her status as a true lacrosse legend.