Queens women's lacrosse has every reason for confidence as they start classes next week. Ten players carried a 4.0 GPA this past fall. Nine more matched it in the spring. Head Coach Kelly McQuilkin isn't surprised: "This team is very self-driven in the classroom. They have high expectations for themselves both in the classroom and on the field," she says.
That mindset is built into the program on purpose. McQuilkin points to five core values: every detail matters, the golden rule, team over me, gratitude, and all in. She describes the culture as family-oriented, competitive, and tight-knit all at once.
Sydney Fraser '27 is grateful for the lessons learned outside of academics during her time at Queens. "While you can learn teamwork and collaboration in a classroom, nothing compares to the trust and teamwork that come from playing a sport," she says. It's taught her to communicate, support her teammates, and stay focused, skills that carry over into a demanding class schedule just as much as a close game. "It is important to always work hard and do the best you can, even on days when you are not feeling 100 percent," she says. "Giving your best effort, both on and off the field, shows commitment to yourself and your team."
Playing a Division I sport at an academically rigorous school places a high demand on each athlete. "They learn time management, and their professors are incredibly helpful and supportive," McQuilkin says. What's made the biggest difference academically, she says, is simple: players build real relationships with their professors, starting on day one.
Lola Vandemark '27 has adapted to what she calls a way of life. "Being on the women's lacrosse team means being immersed in high standards," she says. "You communicate early and often, you show up first, you sit in the front row, and you make sure you're connected with your professors from the beginning." Those standards, she says, are embedded in the culture: "It's just what you do."
Echoing her teammates, Kira Blomeke '28 knows that the skills she's honed to balance lacrosse with her coursework will make all the difference for her future self. "My coach has always been very clear that our academics come before our sport," she says. "Both my coaches and teammates hold me accountable to a high standard academically." Players are expected to be attentive and respectful in class, show up, and keep their grades up, with resources on hand if they need help. "I have learned how important time management and communication are," she says, "and these are standards I know I will continue to carry with myself after college."
McQuilkin has intentionally built a program that graduates high-achieving women. Donor support gives Women's Lacrosse the staff, the study resources, and the flexibility that let a player get to office hours between practice and travel, study between lifts and film, and earn a 4.0 — all while feeling like they're a part of a family.
Get Involved This Year
This kind of support doesn't happen without a community behind it. Royal Ralliers, our new way for fans, families, and alumni to show up for the Royals jersey, launches this fall: cheer from the stands, share a post, or start a conversation with a fellow fan. Learn more and sign up today.
We also invite you to mark your calendars for October 2-9, when the Queens Athletics community joins together in support of our student-athletes for Investing In Champions, the annual week of giving. Early giving starts now, and your support unlocks benefit tiers and Royals Club membership. If you're interested in building momentum and increasing the impact of your gift, reach out to us at athletics@queens.edu to set up a giving challenge.
