Sarah Lawrence Gryphons: Underdog or Growing Powerhouse?
The women’s soccer team | Photo Credit: Maddie Eppler
In September of 2015, Sarah Lawrence College was declared a full and active NCAA Division III school. An underdog from the start, the Gryphons have come a long way since then, and the proof is in the numbers. In 2015 the overall record for women’s soccer was 4-12.
Fast forward to 2019, where it is 14-5. That’s a big difference. Nora Burrows made her college soccer debut with Sarah Lawrence in 2015, and said the team was making a “harsh transition” from what was essentially a recreational squad, to a competitive NCAA team.
“The team was noticeably better than it was the year before, but there were so many different skill levels and levels of dedication that it was hard to live up to our potential.”
In 2019, senior Emily Pressley says that since her freshman year “there have been a lot of changes and development within the team, and it felt like it was culminating in this season. There was just an overwhelming sense, even in preseason, that the team this year had really built upon all of hard work and dedication of years past and was going to be extremely competitive.”
The elevation of the women’s soccer program has been a years-long process, and should be credited to players like Burrows from the 2015 team, 2019 seniors like Pressley, and as she notes, the freshmen of the class of 2023.
“I think collectively our starting freshmen (Emily, Lainie, Niki, Lily, and Haley) were forces to be reckoned with this year. They were integral to the team and all brought so much talent and dedication,” says Pressley.
Women’s soccer isn’t the only team to make huge leaps from 2015 to 2019. Women’s volleyball had a record of 3-25 in 2015, and in 2019 posted a 13-16 record. Senior Lauren Kilroy says that her team has had its fair share of ups and downs over the years, but “the women’s volleyball team is just at the beginning. The building has only begun and with the support system of the athletic department around them, the girls will only continue to thrive in the future! This is a group of girls that want it, and have shown their commitment to bettering themselves and the team.” This year Kilroy was the first Gryphon in program history to surpass 1,000 digs. She also noted that the team raised a total of 2,602 dollars at the Dig Pink game, with the support of the SLC community. “We saw a continued amount of greater attendance throughout the entire season. Especially on our Dig Pink and Senior night games. It was really sweet to see the community show up this year. Community participation and support has increased dramatically since my freshman year.”
Men’s soccer senior Owen Smith says that he senses his team will only keep improving: “Coach has put a lot of emphasis on playing with heart, and approaching every game with a winning mentality.” The team had their most successful season yet in 2019, and Smith says the crowd support at the games was a big part of upholding that mentality.
Of course, other fall sports have excelled too. This year, equestrian finished fifth and collected 11 ribbons at their final event of the year, the Drew Horse Show. Equestrian was one of the first sports established at Sarah Lawrence, and has a good showing every year. The crew team won gold at the Fall Metropolitan Championship this year, which was their second 1st place finish this fall.
As many athletes know, having community support is a big part of team morale and success. The Gryphons have made huge strides in the years since becoming an official part of the NCAA, and it won’t stop here! As the fall sports come to an end, don’t forget to keep supporting our winter and spring athletes! Sarah Lawrence is slowly shedding its underdog status, becoming a force to be reckoned with in the Skyline Conference.
That’s right folks, team spirit is IN. Go Gryphons!
Madison Eppler ‘20