Sticking Together
A new rule allows for an extra year of play—and learning
Over the past two years, UMass students have had to adapt to remote learning, rearrange their lives around COVID protocols, and reimagine their college experience. For student-athletes, those changes have affected far more than their academic and social lives, with seasons of their sports interrupted or canceled. Fortunately, the NCAA has amended its rules, allowing students to play an additional year as long as they are enrolled in a program of study.
Seven members of the 2021 A10 Champion UMass Women’s Lacrosse team have taken the opportunity to continue studying—and competing. Enrolling in a master’s or certificate program is also helping many of them reach their career goals. It’s a chance for this tight-knit team to stay together and fight for another championship title.
We asked these players about the team, their studies, the future, and how they feel about staying at UMass.
Haley Connaughton ’21, ’25MSBA
Hometown: Westwood, MA
Position: Attack
Program: Master of Science in Business Analytics
“I was given another year to play the sport I love with the people I love and I wasn’t going to let that opportunity go.”
Kelly Marra ’21, ’26MSBA
Hometown: West Sayville, NY
Position: Attack
Program: Master of Science in Business Analytics
“Pursuing my master’s degree at UMass was a great option for me since the business analytics program is only a one-year program, so I am able to complete it while I use my fifth year to continue playing lacrosse.”
Olivia Muscella ’21, ’25MSBA
Hometown: Malvern, PA
Position: Midfielder
Program: Master of Science in Business Analytics
“The UMass Women’s Lacrosse team is extremely special. Not only are the girls on the team amazing but it fosters an environment where you are challenged and forced to grow and learn about yourself and others.”
Courtney Barrett ’21, ’25MSBA
Hometown: Longmeadow, MA
Position: Defense
Program: Master of Science in Business Analytics
“The opportunity to receive my master’s and continue to be a part of this program was irresistible to me. With the impact of COVID-19 in 2020, I felt as though there was a lot of unfinished business on the lacrosse field.”
Brinley Anderson ’21, ’22
Hometown: Killingworth, CT
Position: Defense
Program: Certificate of Journalism
“This team is coming back with a lot of passion and excitement for another season. This group [of returning players] is leading the charge toward defending our title and doing a great job of bringing along the younger players.”
Ally Murphy ’21, ’25MSBA
Hometown: Wantagh, NY
Position: Midfielder
Program: Master of Science in Business Analytics
“My season got canceled my junior year, and then I had my senior year season taken away from me because I tore my ACL, so this year is going to be my first season in two years. And a master’s degree is going to set me apart when I’m applying for jobs.”
Julia Smith ’22
Hometown: Saint James, NY
Position: Attack
Program: Social Research Analysis Certificate
“The eligibility of an extra year gives me the opportunity to be with my teammates, compete, and figure out the next steps after UMass. I couldn’t be more fortunate to be with this team another year.”
Photos: Jon Asgeirsson (Murphy, Muscella), Judith Gibson-Okunieff (Anderson, Barrett, Connaughton), Katherine Mayo (Marra), for the Massachusetts Daily Collegian; Thom Kendall (Smith) for UMass Athletics.