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The Daily OrangeWLAX | Walk-on freshman Thurston plays crucial role as SU's backup goalie
By Alexandra Rowley
Posted: 3/27/08, 1:14 AM EST Section: Sports
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"Who me?" Thurston said. "Yah absolutely!"
Her shocked response was appropriate, considering she is playing behind Liz Hogan, who has led No. 6 Syracuse to a 7-2 start. Given the large shadow cast over her, Thurston is not used to the spotlight shining her way. And she's OK with that.
"Liz is a phenomenal goalie," Thurston said. "I'm completely fine helping her whenever, even if that means I don't play."
Thurston is content with being the backup goalie for now because she did not come to Syracuse to play lacrosse. As a walk-on, Thurston came to SU seeking the "full college experience," and at the last minute decided that she wanted to give her high school passion of lacrosse a chance at SU.
Despite that, she's managed to appear in three games, allowing four goals on six shots.
"I came here for the academics, but it just happened that this fell into my lap," said Thurston of lacrosse.
Even after being recruited by big-name schools such as Boston University, Holy Cross and Lafayette (Pa.) College, Thurston was still adamant about attending SU, regardless of the fact she was not recruited by the Orange.
"My dad really encouraged me to look at all my options and really pushed for Lafayette, but I'm stubborn and knew Syracuse is where I belonged," said Thurston, who is from Ridgewood, N.J.
Thurston said she has wanted to go to Syracuse since her sophomore year in high school when she came and visited her cousin, Andrew Sullivan, who was a member of the men's lacrosse team. After a campus tour, Thurston said she knew Syracuse was where she felt at home. Two years later, Thurston showed up at the lacrosse tryouts in August ready to showcase her talent.
"There was a lot I had to prove," the freshman said. "I had to prove I was even eligible to walk onto the team, yet alone be on it. It was nerve-wracking at first, but once I got to know the girls it was just awesome."
Almost immediately after making the team, Thurston began making an impression. Senior defenseman Shannon Brushe said Thurston has been a positive addition to the team.
"Having her around has been great," Brushe said. "She is an extremely funny girl, and she definitely keeps the team light and keeps us laughing."
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