“We have never won an Ivy League game in my career and I am determined to change that.”
Holly Glynn can most accurately be described as a silent killer. I’d warn you not to be fooled by her sweet and calm demeanor, but one look at her on the lacrosse field changes that impression. Born 10 minutes outside of Boston, it was the infamous lure of the city that brought this Massachusetts girl to New York. Participating in ice hockey, field hockey, and lacrosse throughout high school, Holly applied her candid aggressive strategy to all sports.
“I think a lot of my competitive nature comes from the fact that I grew up with two older brothers, the youngest of three.” Glynn explained, “There was always sports on at my house, and you had to be aggressive if you wanted to play with them.”
Whether it is happily volunteering for a pie-eating contest with no takers—and winning!—or donning the esteemed No. 1 jersey, Glynn radiates an aura of confidence that qualifies her as a serious and wise competitor. After shattering, last year, the single season record for points and goals scored in a season, and winning this March’s female student athlete of the month, she has good reason to be.
While it is clear that Holly possesses the much-desired ability to score with ease and consistency, it is her Zen-like approach to the game that makes her such a vital player.
“When I look at the field, I can’t help but think ahead. I never look at statistics, and I never think of scoring.” Glynn elaborates, “My favorite part of the game is to cause turnovers. They’re both important parts of the game, you can’t have defense without offense—one relies on the other.”
Glynn’s demanding approach makes her the humble player leading through example, and the player you want with the ball when the game’s on the line. This season has posed some difficulties for Columbia lacrosse. While leading Brown 8-4 at the break in last week’s game, the Lions ultimately ended the game 15-10. This loss reflects similar outcomes of previous games. Heading into league play, such as yesterday’s showdown against the Bulldogs, Holly is determined to make history.
“My attitude for the upcoming games is simply to win. We’re going to win.”
Although the Lions failed to secure the win, Glynn is remaining positive and working on crucial elements of the game. To make this happen, possession is at the top of her team’s list for improvement. Draw control face-offs permit a team to have substantial domination throughout the game, ultimately turning the tide in their direction. Using these tactics, Glynn hopes to improve her team and strengthen their capabilities.
While Glynn’s aggression may get her in some trouble off the field, such as a previous telling-off from coaches in regards to her excessive fouls, it is clear that competition runs deep in her system— when it is needed the most. “We’re always hungry for a win,” she asserts, “and we are always eager to see one.”