By Elijah Alvarado, Sports Editor
Sports can be highly competitive, especially at the collegiate level, as many athletes try to continue their careers professionally. High standards are being set in the Sunshine State Conference (SSC), more specifically in women’s sports.
On Feb 10, Jessica Harclerode, a senior majoring in elementary education and goalie for Women’s Lacrosse at Saint Leo University, set a new level in the SSC, breaking the record for career saves in women’s Lacrosse.
According to Saint Leo Athletics, she passed Florida Tech’s goalie Stephanie Stuart, who previously led the conference with 504 career saves. Achieving a milestone can have different effects on everyone, but it is a step forward. Harclerode currently holds 509 saves.
“I felt really accomplished, and it was kind of like a full circle moment, because when I got to Saint Leo and I played my first season as a freshman, I was breaking school records,” said Harclerode.
“Ultimately, my goal was to be able to do more than that, and I think standing on the field as a senior, just taking it all in and my teammates cheering me on from the side, it was really a full circle, amazing moment,” added Harclerode.
Accomplishing a milestone is typically a feel-good moment for that individual to celebrate, but for Harclerode, celebrating a personal milestone is a moment that is shared with everyone.
“As a captain, I always want to make my team proud and show them I’m capable and they can look up to me. So, I think it was just a proud moment for a lot of people, including myself,” said Harclerode.
Just like any other challenge or obstacle, it takes a lot of mental and physical strength to give the best performance possible and be satisfied no matter what. Over time, Harclerode has seen significant growth in her career.
Harclerode has had many bright moments in her career, but after hitting such a major milestone, it has given her a mental boost on the field, which will lead her to success in the future.
“I feel like really nothing can stop me now,” stated Harclerode.
Now that Harclerode has set the record for career saves at the college level, many youth athletes are looking up to her.
“There’s always highs and lows, and without self-confidence and belief in yourself, you’re never going to reach the goals you want to get,” said Harclerode.
