YOUNGSTOWN OH- You might not know it, but our neck of the woods has one of the top ranked girls lacrosse teams in the entire region.  That’s not an easy thing to do when you’re in area where the sport hasn’t completely caught on yet. However, Cardinal Mooney has persisted through and shined on the big stage.  It has been easy for the Cardinals to face any kind of adversity a season might present because they have a teammate that deals with adversity every day.  Ella Szalay, Mooney’s stat leader also has diabetes and has to manage it every time she steps on the field. Much like she has embraced the struggle, the team has matched her tenacity to enter spring break with a 5-1 record.

Szalay currently ranks second in the state in goals scored as the Cardinals are off to a hot start.  She also had scored her 100th career goal early in the season. This was a moment she was able to take in with her team and her community. With so much success already, you’d wonder what Ella’s next goal set is. She didn’t have to think too much about it, she is aiming for the Mooney record for goals scored in a game.  One thing is for sure whether she gets it or not, she has lit a fire inside the locker room that will carry the Cardinals far.

Szalay took the time this week to talk to YSN’s Anthony Hartwig about her journey. She talked about the feelings that went through her head when she was diagnosed with diabetes, her love for the growing sport, and much more. Check out the latest Cardinal Mooney Lacrosse Player Profile only on YSN.

Presented By: