#9 Marie McCool

Marie (@mariemccool4) is a midfielder for the WPLL Brave, Team USA, and graduated from UNC in 2018 as "perhaps the most decorated player in UNC women's lacrosse history". "Champions are made when no one is watching, don't always do things just to impress others, if you're going to get better at things, whether it's lacrosse, sports, work, it's about when no one's watching you... what're you doing in that extra time to focus on yourself." Marie is from Moorestown NJ where she attended HS before leaving UNC as a 2x Tewaaraton Award finalist, 3x 1st team All-American, and 2018 midfielder of the year (ILWomen). Marie currently works a full time job at Quest Diagnostics, while studying nutrition, training for lacrosse, and working for the WPLL, where she has been doing virtual clinics and will begin directing their girls academies. Great conversation with Marie about her ups and downs as an athlete, and what has helped to make her so successful leading up to where she is now, one of the best players in the world. Content Summary: 1:03-17:13 Marie intro, and nutrition talk (including Marie's habits and how stress can effect Covid). 17:14-22:35 Strength Training history and input. 22:36-30:06 Advice for younger self, playing other sports (soccer) and Marie's recruiting experience. 30:07-37:28 Imposter syndrome at/before UNC, progression as a player, and Marie's past mental struggles. 37:29-41:22 Goals, hitting complacency, and overcoming it. 41:23-46:02 How sports carry over into day to day life, leadership takeaways from USA (youngest on team at 20 in '17) and being a great teammate. 46:03-51:57 future of women's lacrosse, the Olympics, getting it there, and the Olympic process. 51:58-57:03 Mentors, advice on getting comfortable being uncomfortable 57:04-60:50 Stress of not knowing the next time for sure will step on a lacrosse field again, dealing with stress, and things that bring Marie joy. 50:51-64:35 Positive Covid takeaway, and conclusion/what Marie would put on a billboard for billions of people to see every day.