Lacrosse never seems to be far from the mind of Roland Park standout Francesca Whitehurst. The senior midfielder even unwinds after games by throwing the ball around on a field at nearby Boys' Latin, a short walk from her home.
As one of only four locals named to the U.S. Women's National Under-19 team — which will compete in the Federation of International Lacrosse Under-19 World Championships in Edinburgh, Scotland, July 23 to Aug. 1 — Whitehurst has been impressing teammates and opponents alike as a four-year starter on the Reds' varsity.
This spring, the 5-foot-6 Whitehurst ranks first for No. 2 Roland Park in goals (50) and draw controls (46). Last year, she finished second on the Reds with 75 goals and 61 draw controls to earn All-Metro and US Lacrosse All-American honors. Whitehurst also played basketball and soccer at Roland Park. Her role as the first player off the bench helped the Reds reach the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland A Conference basketball title game in February after being selected to the all-state soccer squad in the fall.
Whitehurst took some time after a recent lacrosse game to talk about her success, balancing multiple sports, and her college plans.
What did it mean to you to make the U.S. Women's National Under-19 team?
"For me, it's been an amazing experience. I was just so shocked to be picked. It's definitely the top 18 players in the country. They are the most hard-working, skilled and competitive girls I have ever played with. We will be playing Canada, Australia and England and some other countries. It will be unbelievable to be able to represent the United States for our age group and be able to wear our red, white and blue for a sport we love. I will be proud of that."
How would you describe your leadership style?
"I am a shy person, but when it comes to game time I am not shy. I am aggressive and try to fire up my teammates. I would definitely say I am hard on people. So I will tell it how it is. I have very high expectations for myself so I hold my teammates to the same expectations no matter what the grade or age level. I am a leader by example, but I push my teammates a lot during practice to help them get better. I will try to point out their mistakes in a positive way. I have to step up and take control of the field."
Why did you pick Georgetown for lacrosse? What other schools were you interested in?
"I was looking for a well-rounded experience. I visited so many different schools: Northwestern, Duke, Loyola, Vanderbilt, Boston College. But I picked Georgetown so I will get the competitive experience for lacrosse and also the atmosphere of the town. I didn't want to go too far, but it was far enough from being home. I loved the coaches and how the players felt as a unit. They are like a family. It was a great fit."
What is your biggest asset as a lacrosse player?
"People know me for my speed, aggressiveness and desire. For me personally, I think everything for me is mental. So I think my mental game is big and so is my speed. My speed gives me a huge benefit right off the bat. Mentally, I feel I am always prepared to fight through anything or face any challenge."
How eager are to you to help your team get back to the IAAM A Conference lacrosse championship after losing in the final to McDonogh last May?
"I am very motivated. I am definitely obsessed. We have said since the start of the season that we all remember how it felt and that this is the last year for our seniors to get back where we were. That has given us enough passion and power to go get it. We feel anything can happen in this league. For me, I really want to get back to that same spot. I hadn't been to the championship in my lacrosse career until last year, and it was an amazing feeling. Having that feeling my senior year would just be the best."
What do you do to relax after a game?
"I like to go home and eat right away. I play piano sometimes. I listen to music. I like all kinds — pop, rap, country. I live right by the Boys' Latin lacrosse field. I will do down there and throw a ball around to relax. It cools me down. I don't play hard or practice. It's a way to break down my game. I need to unwind before I go home and do my homework."
What do you want to do for a career?
"I am not sure yet. I applied to the Nursing and Heath Studies School at Georgetown. I know nursing and medicine will be a huge commitment, but it's something I am willing to do. I wouldn't mind staying active in sports. Physical therapy is something that interests me, too. I also see myself coaching."