Jefferson Teacher Named to
Lax Hall of Fame
Tricia Martin Simon was one of the best players in the country during her years starring on the Duke University women's lacrosse team. The three-time NCAA Division I All-American will soon be immortalized as one of the best to ever play the sport in the metropolitan area.
The former Huntington High School great is set to be inducted into the Long Island Metropolitan Lacrosse Foundation's Hall of Fame during the organization's 28th annual dinner on Friday, February 8 at the Huntington Hilton in Melville.
Martin, who is now married and known as Tricia Simon, is one of the greatest players ever to don a Huntington uniform. A two-time high school All-American, she was a prolific scorer for then Blue Devil head coach Mary Paar and her speed and agility made her nearly impossible to defend against. She was picked to play on the prestigious Long Island national school girls' team.
"I am very honored to be receiving this award and look forward to sharing it with all who helped make my dreams a reality," Simon said. "I could have never done it without the support of my family and the amazing Huntington community!"
After graduating with Huntington's Class of 1996, Simon headed off on an athletic scholarship to Duke, where she immediately made her presence felt. She started all 68 college games she played in, scoring 161 goals and adding 75 assists for 236 points, the fifth highest total in Duke's history.
Among Duke's best players ever, Simon is tied for fourth in goals, fourth in assists and fourth in shots on goal with 375. Her 139 ground balls place her tenth in that category. She was introduced to lacrosse at a young age by her family.
By any measure, Simon's collegiate career was nothing short of amazing. A three-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference nominee, she is a member of the ACC's 50th Anniversary Team. Ironically, both Huntington and Duke University are known as the Blue Devils.
A two-time Duke team captain, Simon's nine points against Vanderbilt on March 19, 1999 are the most for any women's lacrosse player at Duke. She notched eight points three times against Notre Dame, Boston College and George Mason in 1998.
The owner of some sensational seasons, Simon had 54 goals and 23 assists in 1998 and 42 goals and 30 assists in 1999. She led Duke into the NCAA Division I tournament three times and was named to the NCAA All-Tournament team each year. Simon also played with the United States developmental lacrosse team for two years. It's comprised of the best young players in the country.
Upon graduation from Duke, Simon was awarded the ACC Plaque for Excellence, Scholarship and Athletics. She returned to Huntington and embarked on a teaching and coaching career. Simon was named Suffolk Coach of the Year in 2004 and her Blue Devil lacrosse teams reached the county finals several times. Today she is a classroom teacher at Jefferson Primary School on Oakwood Road. She has served on the Huntington Village Lacrosse Club board of directors as both the high school liaison and as secretary.
The Jefferson teacher is married to Justin Simon, a four-year letter winner for the Yale University basketball team. A graduate of Kings Park High School, Justin Simon is an assistant men's basketball coach at Yale.