Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302
(written by Emily Zadny, Student Sports Information Assistant)

Apr. 12, 2016 - From the first day she picked up a lacrosse stick her freshman year of high school, North Central College women's lacrosse player Claire Norfleet fell in love with the game. Coming in with sport knowledge from soccer and basketball made her transition to a new sport a seamless one.

"I have always been competitive in whatever it is I do," the senior said. "Lacrosse is a sport that develops speed and stamina but requires strategy and teamwork, all of which appeal to me and played a role in my decision to continue playing at the college level.     

"I always thought basketball would be the sport I would end up playing in college. It was something I started at a young age and played my whole life, so deciding to play lacrosse rather than basketball at the next level was an extremely tough decision. Golf was another sport that I played throughout most of my life and through high school. I still enjoy playing both sports whenever I get the opportunity."

Nearly four years ago when she was making her college decision, the Ellisville, Missouri native wanted to spend the next four years somewhere where she could get a great education and continue playing lacrosse, all while being somewhat close to home so that her family could make it to as many games as possible. North Central seemed to be the best fit.

"North Central is a strong academic institution that truly emphasizes the 'student' side of being a student-athlete, which is something that I respect," said Norfleet.
"My coach, Dee Wilkinson, provided me with the knowledge of the game and put me in a position to find success," said Norfleet. "She served as a significant influence in my decision to continue playing in college. I can also say I would not be where I am today without the constant love and support of my parents. They have sacrificed so much for me and I could never thank them enough."

The last four years have proven that her choice to become a Cardinal was for the better. A sport management and marketing double major, Norfleet has worked as a sports information student assistant during her time at North Central, as well as landing an internship at Georgian Court University (New Jersey) with the Athletic Promotions Department in 2014. Norfleet also worked as a Fan Services Representative for the Chicago Bears this past fall, attending every home game and helping create an environment that was both safe and fun for the fans.

She is also a member of the Sport Management Association and joined the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee this year.

"After graduation, I plan to be a graduate assistant in sports information while earning my master's degree," said Norfleet. "I would like to continue working in college athletics on the sports information side of things, or possibly the same field of work but with a professional organization."

Athletically, Norfleet has been an impact players for the Cardinals over the last four seasons. With six games still to be played in the current regular season, she has already set a North Central single-season record with 32 assists. She scored a career high seven goals against Wartburg College on April 3 and six assists against Beloit College on April 6 and the University of Northwestern (Minnesota) on April 9. 

"Being able to step out on the field with such a special group of people is something that I wouldn't trade for the world," said Norfleet on the caliber of talent and team camaraderie on the field this season. "We have a team full of dedicated individuals that have the ability to play any position on the field, which is something that sets us apart from our competitors."

In her final year as a Cardinal, Norfleet found herself in another position other than midfield: a team captain. Voted into the position by her teammates and coaches, she has embraced the leadership role both on and off of the field.

"I'm very thankful that my teammates and coaches put me in such a position," said Norfleet on being named a captain this season. "Being able to help others reach their potential while working to maintain our established team culture is a very humbling experience."

With Senior Night coming up on Saturday and College Conerence of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) play kicking off Wednesday, the end of her final season is drawing near. For Norfleet, while it will be an emotional moment, it is not without countless memories and accomplishments from the past four years.

"My final game as a competitive athlete is something that I have been dreading for a long time. I will truly miss playing the sport I love with teammates who share that same passion," she said. "Being part of such a special team here at North Central has had such a positive impact on who I am as a person and as an athlete."

The Cardinals open CCIW competition by hosting Elmhurst College Wednesday. Play at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. and the game will be broadcast live on Naperville Community Television, Channel 17 and nctv17.com.