McHenry Leads Lacrosse Program to New Heights in 2023

Midfielder Autumn McHenry was named the NEC’s Player-of-the-Week on Monday. She earns this distinction for the second time this season after leading her team to a pair of wins over FDU (22-6) and Central Connecticut (23-11) last week.

With these two victories, SFU (9-4, 5-2 NEC) clinched its first-ever NEC Tournament berth. On the week, McHenry was virtually unstoppable. She finished the two matches with 15 goals, four assists, five ground balls, six caused turnovers and 15 draw controls.

The Branford, Connecticut, native had 10 points (six goals/four assists) in the win over FDU to tie Danielle Conwell’s school record for points in a match.

In the win at CCSU last Saturday, the fifth-year graduate student scored nine goals to tie Conwell’s school record for goals in a match.

“Autumn has truly tapped into her talent this season,” said SFU head lacrosse coach Tracy Coyne. “The record-breaking success the team has had on the field is not solely related to Autumn’s performance, but she has been the catalyst behind it.

“Autumn has embraced the pressure of being the top focus on our opponent’s scout and thrived in that competitive cauldron.”

The lacrosse team has won five straight matches entering its home match against St. Bonaventure on Wednesday.

On the season, McHenry leads SFU in goals (41), assists (19) and points (60) with two regular-season matches remaining.

“Autumn genuinely works to connect with people in a sincere way,” said Coyne about her two-year team captain. “Her teammates admire her on the field because she is a fierce competitor and off the field because she radiates warmth and sincerity.”

McHenry’s approach is not lost on her teammates.

“She provides endless examples of being one of the hardest workers on the team,” said fellow team captain Kelly Dickson. “Autumn is a role model for everyone.”

Regardless of what happens the remainder of this season, Coyne believes McHenry’s legacy will be a lasting one in Loretto.

“She will be remembered as one of the best to wear the SFU lacrosse uniform.”