Moorestown's Quinn Nicolai: S.J. girls' lacrosse player of the year
Asked what she would remember most about this season, Quinn Nicolai at first didn't mention anything that actually happened on the field.
Asked what she would remember most about this season, Quinn Nicolai at first didn't mention anything that actually happened on the field.
She didn't even mention anything that happened during the season.
"A lot of people don't know this, but we had 16 seniors on the team this year. Only four of them started," Nicolai said. "And before the season, it was stressful because the coaches went back and forth on whether there would be cuts or not.
"I just thought it was amazing that every senior wanted to be on the team whether they were going to play or not. They had grown up in this program, and it was a dream for them to be on this team.
"And I was so glad when they decided not to cut anyone, because this season wouldn't have been the same without those seniors. I give them so much credit. The bond on our team was incredible this year, and that's what I'll remember most."
Perhaps more than any other Moorestown great, Nicolai was known for the respect she had for the Moorestown program.
She knew the history, and was well aware of the fact that she was playing for one of the country's most decorated high school sports programs.
And she never took her talent or place on the team for granted.
It's part of why Nicolai, this year's Inquirer player of the year in girls' lacrosse for the second consecutive season, was able to maximize her talent.
"Her love for the program was apparent every time she stepped on the field, and there was never a moment when she wasn't pushing herself as well as her teammates to be the best," said Quakers coach Deanna Knobloch. "When she spoke, everyone listened intently and fed off of her enthusiasm or direction.
"Quinn was the heart and soul of our team and the one player everyone looked up to for guidance and inspiration. As a senior and captain, she wore her heart on her sleeve and taught everyone the true meaning of hard work and dedication. She is a game changer, and when she starts taking control everyone rallies behind her."
Nicolai, a Penn State recruit, generated 60 goals and 28 assists against one of the best schedules in the state. She led Moorestown to a 20-3 record and an appearance in the Group 3 state championship game and was named an all-American for the third straight season.
For her career, she finished with 201 goals and 81 assists. And she lived up to the number on her jersey: 51.
The No. 51 at Moorestown is passed down from player to player to whoever most exemplifies star power and leadership for Moorestown.
It's been worn by some on the best high school lacrosse players in the country, and Nicolai lived up to her elite company.
"Wearing No. 51 was obviously a huge honor," Nicolai said. "I just wanted to be the best leader I could be because I know the girls who came before me, and they are the ones who inspired me to play hard. They're the ones who taught me how to play the game. So I wanted to make them proud.
"I viewed No. 51 as much more than what you do on the field. It's about leadership, so I also wanted to make sure I did the best I could for my teammates."
Nicolai, who said she passed the number along to junior attack Robin Panzarella after this season, said she'll always be a Quaker. And as much as she has left her mark on the program, the program has left its mark on her.
"The best part is I'll be playing against a lot of my old teammates next year in college," she said. "And that's the thing about being a part of Moorestown girls' lacrosse. It's an experience like no other, and it's something you can be proud of forever."