'Utah Lacrosse News' profiles University of Dallas senior midfielder Mary Salotto
IRVING, Texas - Mary Salotto, a senior midfielder and captain on the University of Dallas (UD) women's lacrosse team, participated recently in a question-and-answer session with Bradford Davis of Utah Lacrosse News (ULN).
(Story courtesy of Bradford Davis, Utah Lacrosse News):
Salotto (Salt Lake City) graduated from Skyline High School in 2009. When she graduated, she was the Division II Offensive MVP and First Team All-State.
Utah Lacrosse News: How big is your school?
Mary Salotto: "I go to the University of Dallas, which is a private Catholic school of about 1,500 students. Despite its name, UD is actually located just outside of Dallas in Irving. While there is not a whole lot in Irving itself, (we have Las Colinas which is a nice area but that is about it.)"
ULN: What do you like most about the city you are in?
Salotto: "I like that we are close enough where we can get into Dallas if we want, but I am not actually living in the city. There is so much to do in Dallas, between the music scene, bars, restaurants and museums; it really is an awesome city to live so close to."
ULN: What is college lax like?
Salotto: "College lacrosse is a lot different than high school. I have learned so much playing in college, and grown to be a vastly better player than I used to be. College lacrosse tends to be a lot faster paced than high school (which is awesome!) and can come as kind of a shock during the first couple games."
ULN: What is the hardest part?
Salotto: The hardest part about college lacrosse for me is balancing with school. Whereas in high school there was not that much homework (At the time I thought I had a ton, but I really did not), in college I have had to learn how to balance not only practice six days a week but also our traveling with my school work. UD is a very academically challenging school, and athletes certainly do not garner special treatment of any kind from professors.
ULN: What is your major?
Salotto: "I am a Psychology major currently working to complete my senior thesis and time management skills are playing a huge roll in my life right now!"
ULN: What is the biggest difference between high school and college ball?
Salotto: "As corny as it sounds, the best part about college lacrosse is the friends that you make while playing. People I may have otherwise never met, have become like my family. Having a set group of people that you will be spending time with as a freshman was also really comforting to me since I was coming to a new school in a new city where I didn't know anybody within about 1,000 miles of me. (Also, keeping that freshman 15 at bay and being in awesome shape is a nice bonus!)"
ULN: What advice would you give to high school players who want to play college?
Salotto: "If I had any advice for high school students looking to play college ball it would be to not be afraid to put yourself out there. Don't be afraid to fill out the recruiting forms that most colleges have on their websites or to call coaches of schools you are interested in! The UD coach found me, but my second choice school was a place that I had contacted on my own."
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About ULN:
"Utah Lacrosse News is the product of years of loving everything about lacrosse, but not having a local place to share that love. Utah Lacrosse News is committed to bringing you the most accurate, up-to-date lacrosse news for Men's, Women's, Boy's and Girl's lacrosse in Utah."