Makenna Crouse continues her career at Canisius – News-Herald

Gilmour’s Makenna Crouse makes a cut against Chardon on May 23. (Barry Booher – for The News-Herald)

Makenna Crouse took a chance when she stepped onto the lacrosse field for Gilmour as a senior last spring. But it didn’t take long for the New York native to turn heads.

In her first game against West Geauga, she scored five goals and created 19 ground balls. Crouse finished the season with 90 goals, 25 assists, 143 ground balls, 40 takeaways and 158 draw control wins.

Her play attracted the attention of a university in her home state and Crouse will play for Canisius in Buffalo next season.

Crouse, who is from Canandigua, NY, initially moved to Gilmour for hockey and academics, then returned to the lacrosse field when the season rolled around in the spring.

“Lacrosse was just a fun side sport that I enjoyed after playing with Gilmour,” Crouse said. “I also wanted to live on my own and experience the individuality that the Gilmour dorms offered. Canisius is a great campus in downtown Buffalo, not far from home. Also, my coach (Russell Allen) is a great person and coach, and I’m super excited to get to work with him!”

While Crouse made an immediate impact for the Lancers, who went 13-7, she knows there is still a lot to learn playing with the Golden Griffins. She said she is eager to learn and find her role on the team.

She feels comfortable on both ends of the field, which is a big step at the college level, where midfielders make an impact on both sides.

Crouse said being willing to be an open book is important at the next level. She is excited to continue her growth as a player.

“Coach Darci took a chance on me after I was added late in the season and I couldn’t be more thankful for that,” Crouse said. “I came to practice every day with an attitude of always wanting to learn. I’m very excited to take that attitude to both the classroom and the field at Canisius. I know I won’t have the same personal success as I did with Gilmour, but I know if I continue to get better every day, I’ll have the team success I wanted with Gilmour.”

She also knows there will be more eyes on her at the college level, especially in a hotbed for lacrosse. The sport has grown in Ohio over the years, but it’s special for Crouse to play close to home.

“Playing lacrosse wasn’t my original plan when I decided to go to Gilmour, but I couldn’t be happier with my decision,” Crouse said. “There’s nothing like lacrosse, especially in New York. I’m glad I can move closer to home and play lacrosse all over New England. I couldn’t be more honored to represent my home state and hopefully win a MAAC Championship.”