Shea Scully Signs with Bridgeport
Shea Scully, a Huntington High School senior, has signed an NCAA letter of intent to attend and play lacrosse at the University of Bridgeport next year. She's the first recruit to sign with Bridgeport's new head coach Kate Backman.
Bridgeport will begin its first season of NCAA Division II play next spring after being elevated from club to varsity status. "I am excited to continue my lacrosse career at Bridgeport because I will be a part of history as they start their new lacrosse program," Ms. Scully said
"Shea is such a fun, thoughtful and generous individual who brightens the lives of her coaches and teammates," said Nancy Wilson, Huntington's head coach. "Shea has a genuineness that draws her teammates to her and enables them to be better on and off the field. Despite the joy that emanates from her, she is a tenacious and strong willed defender. She is a key contributor to our defensive unit supporting the zone and man to man pressure systems."
The senior is interested in pursuing a fashion merchandising major, which isn't offered at many colleges. "Bridgeport happens to have a great fashion merchandising program and that is what originally attracted Shea to the school," said Carol Scully, Shea's mother.
"Shea does not back down from her opponents and makes their drive to the net a brutal experience," Ms. Wilson said. "Shea makes sure she is a resource outlet for her goalie and is assertive with ground ball opportunities. She exhibits communication skills and offers fiery words which motivate her teammates. Her ability to motivate and support the game of lacrosse extends beyond our team to that of the future Huntington lacrosse athletes. It has been a fabulous experience watching Shea lead clinics and participate with the Booster Club camp. Her work with the young athletes is inspiring and uplifting. She has found ways to engage the young athletes while helping them to feel good about themselves and the sport."
When Ms. Scully visited the Bridgeport campus this past October, she met with Ms. Backman, who had been appointed the previous month after coaching at Quinnipiac University. The new coach brought the Scully family on a campus tour, along with two freshmen players.
Shea Scully immediately felt comfortable with the coach and the players. The teenager also liked the idea of having her two sisters a short distance away. Casey Scully is a junior on the Iona College women's lacrosse team and Matte Scully is a sophomore lacrosse player at Stony Brook University.
Bridgeport's proximity to the Long Island Sound was another selling point. "Shea liked that the ferry was a very convenient way to get to and from school," Carol Scully said.
Ms. Scully is looking forward to her senior season with the Blue Devils and one last hurrah with her Huntington teammates. The teenager said she feels "extremely lucky" to be going away to a school where she can continue playing lacrosse and which offers the academic major he wants to pursue.
"I have really enjoyed working with Shea and watching her develop both as an athlete and individual," Ms. Wilson said. "Her spirit and skills will certainly be a welcome addition to the Bridgeport program. I believe there is nothing beyond her reach and that she will make an impact on the program at Bridgeport. I wish her success and dreams fulfilled as she takes this next step in her life."