By Gavin Lapaille
“When there is nothing else to do, run.”
That’s University of Louisville freshman lacrosse midfielder Brittany Poist’s motto. Every time she steps on the field, Poist is a terror for opposing offenses.
“She just goes after everything,” said Kellie Young, U of L head coach. “She will chase you down to come up with the ball.”
Poist is currently second in the nation in caused turnovers, averaging just under three per game, while also ranking in the top 10 in ground balls at just over three per game. Her best game so far came in the season opening win over Bryant University, where she collected seven groundballs and forced six turnovers.
Poist said she was surprised when the stats first came out, but doesn’t pay much attention to them.
“My attitude on it is stats don’t matter if you show up on the field and you don’t perform,” Poist said. “I think it is cool but I’m not going to let it get to me because as soon as you do, you don’t play to the best of your ability.”
The national recognition has forced Poist to change the way she plays on the field.
“Other teams obviously know I’m looking for the check, so I have to be really patient,” Poist said. “Once I saw those things it made me push myself harder and be more disciplined in practice.”
Poist was a three-sport star at North Carroll High School in Hampstead, Md., lettering in lacrosse, track and field and soccer. She won a state championship in indoor track her senior year as a member of the 4×200 meter relay team. Poist was also first-team all conference in soccer her junior and senior year.
However, Poist’s first passion remained lacrosse. Lacrosse is the main sport in Maryland, which allowed Poist to get more involved in the sport. Although a tough decision for Poist, she said she doesn’t regret choosing lacrosse over soccer.
“Lacrosse is one of those games you can just get addicted to,” Poist said. “With Kellie here and the support the program has there is nothing you could turn down. I couldn’t be happier.”
Freshman attacker Bergan Foley said Poist is one of her favorite teammates.
“She is just so strong,” Foley said. “If there is a groundball, she is probably going to come up with it. I’m just proud to say she is on my team.”
Poist said she would like to finish the season strong and continue improving her individual game.
“I want to work on taking some better shots and running a little more because I’ve felt a little tired in these hot games,” Poist said.
She also wants the team to contend for a Big East title in the next few years.
“I think we are even or better than the Big East teams we have played,” Poist said. “Next year we are going to surprise teams with different scores. In the upcoming years you will see us in contention for a title.”
