Contact: Emily Zadny, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, 630-637-5302   

April 23, 2018 – Though it may sound cliché, North Central College women's lacrosse goalkeeper Camille Seghesio is tough as nails, a quality that is key to being a success goalie in what many refer to as the fastest sport on two feet. Her athletic experiences as a child, though somewhat non-traditional, helped prepare her for the mental and physical demands of being a goalie. 

"I got started with football back in elementary school when I played with the boys at recess. From there, my mom asked if I wanted to play competitively, so I started playing contact football in middle school then played in high school as a defensive end and left tackle," said the Waukesha, Wis. native. "We actually went undefeated my first season in high school! It was probably more awkward for the guys than it was for me at first, but eventually the guys realized I could actually do what they did and we developed a mutual respect. I liked it a lot, but then the boys got really big in high school and that's when I decided I should probably stop."  

Since football had been a major part of her life for the past six years, Seghesio needed to fill the void. She watched a boy's lacrosse game in high school and saw the similarities between that and football and decided that was what she wanted to do. 

"After seeing them play, I told myself, 'I want to do that,'" she said. "But it was nothing like what I thought it was going to be—I showed up the first day of practice and no one had pads on, it was non-contact—but after the first season, my coach needed a goalie and said, 'Camille, you do it since you played football.' I just went with it and now I'm here!" 

Now a junior, Seghesio has watched the team transform during the past three seasons and been a part of three very different teams. Her freshman season, a dominant senior class paved the way for a successful season the following year. As a sophomore, the team had seven seniors and seven freshman, plus herself and another sophomore goalkeeper. Seghesio knew there would be a challenge after the senior class graduated where the team would be very young and she would find herself in that leadership role she had observed the past two seasons, which is where she is at as her junior season winds down. 

"In the beginning of the season, we were a little shaky but we got out those first game nerves and we're doing really well," said Seghesio on the young team's transition. "There has been so much improvement in everyone's confidence levels; everyone has their own special talents and roles. I am excited for them to continue to grow and see what they can do. When the current sophomores are seniors, the conference better watch out. That class is only going to get better." 

Just as the team has changed over the years, so has Seghesio. She encountered many of the traditional student-athlete challenges such as injury and developing her mental aspect of the game, as well as obstacles in her personal life. Throughout it all, Seghesio has been able to conquer each challenge with the help of her teammates and coaches. 

"I've always struggled with consistency and not getting frustrated, but I have spent a lot of time working on that this season," she said. "I sat down one night with Coach [Danielle Fiala] to figure out my strengths and weaknesses and she really helped me build my confidence. She and I have gotten really close this season and I think having her help me has been the greatest thing." 

Seghesio has found a home and family at North Central thanks to the lacrosse team but she has also become very involved in her athletic training major. She had decided on North Central based on her connection with the lacrosse team and decided to give athletic training a try since she was undecided on a major. 

"It was kind of like my other decisions where I was just like, 'sure I'll do that,'" she said with a laugh. "The team's previous coach had recruited me and that sparked my interest. Even though I wasn't sure about a major, I thought athletic training could be something I'd be good at. When I found out the program was really good, I knew this would work out." 

Her favorite team she has worked with thus far has been the track and field teams due to the diverse personalities and learning opportunities. Regardless of what team she is with, Seghesio has developed a passion for athletic training as it combines her love for sports and gives her the chance to help people and make a difference. 

Although athletic training hours, lacrosse practice and games, and class keep her very busy, Seghesio makes time for a few of her favorite hobbies. She enjoys playing video games as a way to stay connected and maintain a relationship with brother in another state, as well as watch Netflix, and recently began practicing yoga. 

But there is one hobby she wishes she had more time for and that is Historical European Martial Arts, known as HEMA. The art form encompasses different Italian, German, and close-quarter combat fighting techniques. 

"I have always enjoyed knights and armor and I still get excited to see full suits of armor and medieval weapons," said Seghesio. "I saw a video of two people sparring and thought I wanted to do that. I did some research and found a group near my home town in Wisconsin. My first time I did it, I loved it! It's expensive but my goalie equipment is expensive, too, so I guess that's not an excuse!"  

"Eventually, once my lacrosse days are over, I want to get into competing. The competitions are held in hotel ballrooms and it's a pretty cool accomplishment to be one of the only women there. It's a male dominated sport, so I'd like to get into it more and maybe more women will, too." 

The women's lacrosse team looks to continue its historical tenth season success on Wednesday, Apr. 25 when the Cardinals (14-1, 4-0 CCIW) travel to Bloomington, Ill. to face College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) rival Illinois Wesleyan University. Wednesday's game will determine the regular season champion as both the North Central and Illinois Wesleyan are undefeated in conference play. Links to live in-game coverage can be found HERE.