Q&A // Meagan Borgoyn, Liberty, lacrosse

By Rich Scherr | Special to The Sun

April 27, 2008

Liberty senior Meagan Borgoyn will continue her career next season at Division II Shippensburg University. (Handout photo)

She may be 5 feet 2, but getting past Liberty lacrosse defender Meagan Borgoyn is a tall order for any opposing player. The senior, who will continue her career next season at Division II Shippensburg University, is as tough as they come on the field -- in part because of her extensive training in the Japanese martial art of Taijutsu.

Borgoyn is a key reason for Liberty's re-emergence as a girls lacrosse power in Carroll County.

A lot of players prefer the glory of scoring goals, but you play defense in both soccer and lacrosse. Is there something you prefer about the defensive side of the ball?

Yeah, I think it's just the whole mind-set. I like being a defender because I like stopping people from scoring and just helping out the team. They say your best offense is a good defense. You want to have a good offense, but you need a defense to back you up.

Your team remains undefeated this season, and you've won the vast majority of your games by blowouts. Are you just itching at this point to put your skills to the test against a more evenly matched opponent?

I guess we're in a flow right now. It's good practice for the harder games. I can't wait to actually use it against a really competitive team like Century or Westminster. It's going to be interesting to see what happens.

Over the past few years, Century has been the county's dominant team. Is there a sense that you guys are now ready to take over that role?

Yes, I feel like it's our turn to show that we're not second best to Century. We have the potential to do great this year, and we can go really far. Our team is just clicking and we're meshing well on the field. I'm really excited to see how far we go.

I understand you have a pretty extensive background in martial arts.

Yes, I'm a black belt in Taijutsu. I went to Tristar Martial Arts in Eldersburg, and I got (the belt) in eighth grade.

Do those skills translate at all to the playing field?

I feel like I have. In soccer, when I kick it, I've noticed a lot of people will say, "You're like a little ninja." When I fall down on the field, a lot of parents will be like, "Wow, you pop up so fast, it's crazy." So yes, I think some of it has really translated to my sports side of things.

Was there any one aspect of achieving your black belt that was particularly difficult for you?

I think staying mentally focused was kind of difficult in middle school, when I had other things I wanted to do. But my parents pushed me and stayed behind me so I could finish it. I'm glad they did, because I wouldn't want to tell people, "Well, I almost got my black belt."

Playing defense can be pretty physical at times. Does having this background give you a little more confidence that you can handle yourself out there?

Yes, it does. Since I'm a shorter player, I'm only 5-2, I do feel like sometimes the taller people might have an advantage against me. But I feel if I play my hardest, run after the ball and just act bigger than I really am, then I'll play up to their size. It helps me in being confident that I'm just as good as taller players.

Do you plan to play any sports in college?

Yes, I'm going to Shippensburg University, and I'm going to play lacrosse there. I love the school -- the campus is really pretty. It's not a really big school, but that's what I want. I don't want anything overwhelming. Also, I love the lacrosse coach [Naomi Radio]. She was very welcoming. She's younger -- she played at Mount St. Mary's -- and she's just very personable.

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Q&A // Meagan Borgoyn, Liberty, lacrosse

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