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05/09/2019 12:00 AMMaddie Costantino enjoys producing points while working with a great collection of teammates as a member of the Guilford girls’ lacrosse squad. Maddie has become a key contributor for a program that’s seen success in recent years and is taking it to the next level in 2019.
Maddie, a senior attacker, started with lacrosse in 6th grade after having played tennis for years. Maddie’s tennis career included a stint on the Madison Racquet & Swim Club’s U-14 team that finished second at the USTA Nationals.
When she began high school, Maddie decided to focus on lacrosse. After helping Guilford reach the state semifinals last spring, Maddie has scored 24 goals for an Indians’ team that’s off to a blistering start with a record of 10-1 this season.
“I love lacrosse, and I love working together with teammates to get to that common goal,” says Maddie. “When it comes to my success, I don’t do anything crazy. I shoot around and practice as much as I can. Communicating has been big for our team, as well, this year.”
Maddie has increased her stamina as a result of all the miles that she’s logged on the turf. She’s also become a student of lacrosse who’s learned a lot from competing among top-tier players.
“Running in this sport takes a big toll on you, but it’s worth it. I think I’ve dropped my mile time by a minute,” Maddie says. “It’s great to learn things from other players and coaches. My lacrosse IQ has grown a lot by playing against those players that are better than me.”
Maddie plays on the front lines of Guilford’s offense at the attack position. She likes to run circles around the net and then find the ideal spot to strike.
“I love having a jump on defenders and being able to dictate where the next step will be. Timing is also key, and it can be off without communication,” says Maddie, who will play Division I lacrosse at Central Michigan University. “I do most of my scoring with crease rolls. I try to sneak under the defenders and be ready for the pass. Those are my go-to plays.”
Head Coach Wendy Epke says that Maddie is doing a solid job of maintaining possession, while patrolling all ends of the field as a versatile threat this year. Epke adds that Maddie brings a big-time competitive edge to the Indians.
“Maddie is a tough competitor. She came to lacrosse as a tennis player and has a mental focus from that sport that’s hard to match,” says Epke. “Maddie’s goal is to cut the unforced turnovers and make good decisions on and off the ball. She is a natural lefty and utilizes this skill well. Not only is she a goal scorer, but she has great vision for both the offense and defensive structure. We’ve played her as a defender, midfielder, and attack, and she continues to excel at all three.”
Maddie feels that there’s a special synergy among this year’s edition of the Indians. She says that Guilford is surging full-steam ahead as the team gets ready to go on the championship chase.
“We are just go, go, go right now,” Maddie says. “We came out strong and with an energy that we didn’t have in the past years. We just have to keep going and keep going with that same energy.”