Cougar inks with Griffins

For Caroline Krupa, Pennsylvania will always be home.

A native of Philadelphia, the Cardinal Mooney senior defender moved to Florida when she was 8 years old, but, for Krupa, the Keystone State still holds a special place in her heart.

After all, it was there where Krupa first picked up a lacrosse stick and, along with her older sister, Victoria, learned the ins and outs of the game.

Now Krupa is preparing to return to her roots after signing a national letter of intent Nov. 17 to play lacrosse for Seton Hill University, in Greensburg, Pa.

Krupa became the second female in Cardinal Mooney history to move on to play lacrosse at the collegiate level, following in the footsteps of her older sister, who was the first. Her mom also played lacrosse and was a three-time national champion at Ursinus College.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Krupa says. “I (always) wanted to live up to my mom. My main goal was to get to where my mom was, and all of my hard work finally became worthwhile.”

Krupa also looked at Notre Dame, Colgate University, Gettysburg College and Aurora University. She also thought about attending Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Ala., to play with her sister, who is a sophomore goalkeeper there.

“With lacrosse, a big part of the game is communication on the field,” Krupa says. “Playing here with her for four years were the most fun four years. We just have a chemistry and bond on the field.”

Krupa ultimately chose Seton Hill for its physician assistant program, Catholic university feel and the opportunity to have ample playing time. Krupa plans to major in biochemistry and minor in athletic training.

“I found a home,” says Krupa, smiling.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].