May 25, 2005
Notre Dame, Ind. – The Notre Dame women’s lacrosse team has announced it’s major award winners for the 2005 season. In voting done by the players, midfielder Jess Mikula (Sr., Chester, Md.) was selected as the team’s Notre Dame Monogram Club Most Valuable Player. Senior midfielder Lindsay Shaffer (Seneca Falls, N.Y.) was awarded the Notre Dame Club of St. Joseph Valley Rockne Student-Athlete Award winner.
Mikula, one of the team’s captains in 2005, was a second team all-BIG EAST selection in each of the last two seasons. In her senior year, Mikula had a goal and an assist while finishing second on the team in ground balls (36) and draw controls (27). Her 23 caused turnovers led the team in that category. In the BIG EAST, Mikula finished fifth in caused turnovers and ninth in both ground balls and draw controls. A two-year starter for the Irish, Mikula graduated on May 15 with a degree in political science.
In announcing Mikula’s award, head coach Tracy Coyne said, “It is a tribute to Jess’s undying team spirit and her love of the game that she has been elected this season’s MVP. Jess has an unparalleled work ethic and tremendous heart. It is what makes her such a special player. Jess’s determination and positive attitude kept the team together in the face of adversity. Jess earned the respect and admiration of her teammates as a true leader and competitor.”
Senior Lindsay Shaffer was named the women’s lacrosse team’s Rockne Student-Athlete Award winner.
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Shaffer joined Mikula as one of the team’s captains in her senior year and had her best season with the Irish. A starter at midfield in all 15 games, Shaffer recorded a career high seven goals and one assist for eight points. She grabbed 20 ground balls and finished tied for second on the team with 15 caused turnovers and added seven draw controls.
In the classroom, Shaffer had the top grade-point average on the team, closing her Notre Dame academic career with a 3.616 grade-point average while graduating on May 15 with degrees in psychology and arts and letters pre-professional. An IWLCA national Academic Honor Roll selection in 2004, Shaffer is also a nominee for 2005 Academic Honor Roll honors.
“Lindsay has been an exemplary role model for her teammates on and off the field. She embraces the characteristics of previous award winners through her academic achievements and her dedication to the lacrosse program,” said Coyne.
“To think that Lindsay walked on to the team and is graduating as this year’s Rockne award winner is an amazing accomplishment. I am proud of the way Lindsay has represented us in the Notre Dame community. `Shaf’ is a great person and a tremendous teammate. She finds something positive in every situation and always finds a way to make us laugh. We are going to miss her.”