Maura & The Queens of Charlotte

David Vick — January 16, 2024

Queens Women’s Lacrosse is entering their second season at the Division One level in 2024. Year one was a success in the eyes of many, including the team. They went 10-8 with a winning conference record.

The former Division Two powerhouse aims for even better results in year two.

“The game’s not over until the final whistle,” senior & team captain Maura O’Donoghue said.

That was one of the biggest lessons learned from their inaugural season at the NCAA’s highest level. It quickly became clear that any team can win on any day, which is why it is so important to play well for the entirety of games.

A midfielder, Maura admitted the intensity of playing at the D1 level was also higher than Queens was used to. With a greater idea of what to expect from the very beginning in 2024, they are planning to win the close games that they did not a year ago.

“Those really hit home,” Maura said on the close losses.

The fall for Maura and the team was fueled by a desire to achieve more this year and make sure they are in control of games late in the fourth quarter instead of having to fight back.

Queens entered last season after going 35-3 in the two seasons prior to making the jump in divisions, which were Maura’s first two years.

Facing a stronger strength of schedule, Maura acknowledged the competition had better stick skills, and the speed of play was faster than what the team was accustomed to.

“It was a learning experience for all of us,” she said.

Not only did the team learn, but they learned by winning, which can be hard to do at the D1 level. After opening last year with a game against a ranked Richmond team and starting 0-3, the Royals won seven of their next eight.

Perhaps that and the overall success of the season would not be a surprise to the outside world if they knew the mentality that exists within the Queens locker room.

“Our team loves challenges,” Maura proudly said.

Knowing that makes it easier to understand why the goal for Maura and Queens in 2024 is winning an ASUN Championship. It is a tall task, but they already exceeded expectations once. Who is to say they cannot do it again in year two?

Of course, the team is focused on one game at a time. Every game represents a new challenge, and they are hoping for each one to prepare them for conference play and tournament time in early May.

Entering her final year as a collegiate athlete, the Canonsburg, Pennsylvania native wants to leave Queens better than she found it. Maura has until May to leave her lasting mark on the program she loves so much.

“I love this place, and I’m so happy to play for Queens Women’s Lacrosse.”

Since she began at Queens as a freshman, it was a goal of Maura’s to become a team captain. This year, that goal was achieved.

Along with the honor, Maura feels added weight on her shoulders.

“I do feel very responsible for the success of this team,” she said.

However, she is not alone in that. Each player feels responsible, according to Maura; this is a representation of the extremely strong culture that exists within the locker room at Queens.

It is a culture that has existed between two different head coaches and one Maura noticed from the very beginning of her time with the program.

“Day one, the biggest thing I learned here was team culture. That’s something we all really pride ourselves on,” she said.

A unique aspect about Queens is the fact that every player on the roster travels with the team to road games. While this is not the case at all schools, especially smaller ones, Maura believes it is necessary for Queens.

“We are a team. We’re not leaving a man behind.”

The Queens culture was a big reason for their success at the D2 level, and it has not skipped a beat.

Not only will this be Queens’ second go round at the D1 level, it will also be the second year for Head Coach Kelly McQuilkin.

With both players and coaches learning from past successes and focusing on areas to improve, all signs point to a good season for Queens. It will not be easy, but nothing worth having ever is.

Adversity will be faced, but Maura and Queens are ready for the challenge.

“I want everyone to see what Queens Lacrosse can do this season,” she said.