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Charlie Prior’s junior season at Cazenovia High School had many challenges. With an inexperienced squad, the Lakers won four games, their lowest total since 2019. Despite the struggles, Prior found a silver lining heading into her senior year — as she committed to Army’s women’s lacrosse program on Sept. 15.

“Army can help me become my best self in lacrosse and in life and that’s all I can ask (for) in a school,” Prior said.

Prior has developed into one of the top players in central New York over the past three years. Her primary role as a freshman and sophomore came in the draw circle, garnering 222 draw controls in 33 games. She then exploded last season, tallying 66 goals and 139 draw controls, garnering the Black Knights’ interest.

Kate Noel, Prior’s travel coach with the Salt City Snipers, a central New York-based travel team, instantly knew Army would be a good fit for Prior.

“She’s always been resilient,” Noel said. “Charlie never let setbacks define her, which is why West Point is such a perfect fit for her.”

While Prior now thrives on the field, it wasn’t always smooth. Ironically, Prior said she hated lacrosse at first, even quitting after her first season playing in first grade. It wasn’t until her friends started playing a few years later that she gave the sport another shot.

This time, it clicked. She quickly set a goal to be the best player in her group of friends. Prior instantly stood out.

“When my friends got into it, I always wanted to be the best player in my group,” Prior said.

By middle school, Prior looked to elevate her game. In eighth grade, she approached Cazenovia head coach Caitlin Byrne for private lessons. Byrne said it was rare for someone her age to approach her for lessons, but she welcomed it.

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cazenovia hadn’t evaluated any eighth graders leading into Prior’s freshman season. Though due to her previous experience, Prior knew she could hold her own at the varsity level.

“The first time I saw her at tryouts, it was clear she was going to start as a freshman, which is rare for our school,” Byrne said. “(Prior) wasn’t just another player, she ran a true two-way game and took nearly all the draws for our team.”

Due to her prowess at the draw control spot, Prior consistently gave Cazenovia possession. She won over 60% of her draw-control attempts while leading the team in minutes and also ranking top-three in points. Prior’s ability in the circle helped the Lakers eke out tight games with regularity.

Then in her junior season, Prior further established her value on and off the field. Noel said she became a mentor to younger players and led by example. When Prior isn’t busy, she comes to the middle school practices and helps the younger players, Noel added.

“The younger girls adore her,” Noel said. “They ran to give her hugs when they found out she was going to Army. It’s a testament to the type of leader she’s become not only for her team but also the entire program.”

Throughout the season, Prior’s maturity continued to shine. In one game against Westhill, after receiving a second yellow card and being forced to sit out for the rest of the game, Prior acted like an assistant coach on the sidelines, guiding her replacement in the draw circle and helping her teammates.

“It didn’t matter that she couldn’t play, she was still making an impact,” Byrne said.

By the end of the season, though the Lakers didn’t reach their previous heights, Prior’s commitment to Army provided a bright spot. She first visited West Point in March and immediately knew it was the right fit.

“Everyone always told me I’d get this gut feeling when I found my home in a school but I didn’t believe it until I visited West Point,” Prior said, “All I’ve ever wanted out of college is to be surrounded by the people who want the best out of themselves.”

As Prior prepares for her senior season, her focus remains on mentoring Cazenovia’s younger players — just as her older teammates once did for her.

“It’s surreal to be the ‘older girl’ now,” she said. “I think we have a good returning core to be challenging for the league title.”

Published on November 11, 2024 at 10:36 pm

mtfehr@syr.edu