Molly Laliberty: For the Love of the Game

Abby Sheklow — May 24, 2023

Molly Laliberty started playing lacrosse in fourth grade and began as a goalie in middle school. It was love at first sight. Her instant connection with the sport became something bigger, something that was important enough to her to continue playing collegiately.

“I don’t remember the exact moment I decided I wanted to play in college. I just remember being in love with the sport and never wanting it to end,” Molly said.

And it has yet to end.

Molly initially found her way to Tufts University where she would thrive.

“The reason I decided on Tufts was because of the relationship I formed with the head coach, Courtney Shute. She is a phenomenal person and a great coach as well. She is someone I look up to in lacrosse and in life,” Molly said.

Along with Coach Shute, Molly has nothing but positive things to say about her former teammates from Tufts. She described them with an “ineffable feeling” of pure joy and something special that goes far beyond the boundaries of the lacrosse field.

Molly credits these relationships to who she is as a player and person today.

“It all goes back to the amazing teammates and coaches I had at Tufts who were always willing to raise the bar,” she said.

After her junior year at Tufts, she was selected as the IWLCA Division III Women’s Goalie of the Year and again as a senior in 2022. By the time she completed her undergrad, Molly had accumulated a total of 405 saves and 56% career save percentage.

If you have ever had the privilege of watching Molly play lacrosse, you know that she brings the hype. It is rare to see goalies celebrate saves and ground balls as hard as attackers celebrate goals. 

Molly is an exception.

“If the other team scored, how much energy would that team get from their celebration? What momentum is the other team gaining from that goal? If our defense makes a stop, I’m going to cheer just as loud as they would because we deserve that energy too,” she said.

When Molly made her decision to play Division I lacrosse, she knew she wanted to bring that same intensity with her.

Northwestern was lucky to land No. 32. With the addition of Molly in goal, their defense has been electric this season, working as a cohesive unit that can make game-changing stops. After every play, you can find Molly jumping, cheering and doing everything she can to celebrate every success, no matter what it was or how it happened.

The fire she plays with alongside her Wildcat teammates is simply a product of her love for the game and an inspiring connection with the people who lacrosse has given her the privilege of meeting along the way.

“At whatever level you play the game, lacrosse is special. It’s just fun to be out there playing with people you care about and who care about you,” Molly said.

Molly’s otherworldly ability between the pipes and eagerness to celebrate her team’s successes are qualities that any young athlete can learn from and emulate. Her gratitude and humility are truly special and a part of what makes her such an incredible athlete.

Her love for the game is contagious, and her journey is a testament to the power of passion and hard work, something that will continue to impact and inspire others.

“I was at a division III school, and I wouldn’t change that for the world. Now I’m here at Northwestern, and I think it shows there is no end destination; it’s just about your journey. It doesn’t matter where you are as long as it’s somewhere that makes you happy.”