Former Newtown High School lacrosse player Abby Ihlefeld is coming off a freshman year to remember at Florida Southern College (FSC), where the program won an NCAA Championship. Ihlefeld got to be a part of the intensity on the field during this run while adapting to the game at the collegiate level.

"I would say the biggest difference between playing at NHS and the college level is the pace of the game. It is super fast and very intense from the first whistle to the last. The use of a shot clock really impacts the intensity and pace and flow too, with a lot of players coming on and off the field at every change of possession," Ihlefeld said.

"The time commitment is also much greater with fall and spring lacrosse, early morning practices, weight lifting, film review, meetings, and traveling to away games. I really have to stay well coordinated with my teachers and on top of my classwork the whole year."

Ihlefeld appeared in a handful of games; the defender caused two turnovers in a game at Palm Beach Atlantic University. She will look to further develop her game, but already has the experience of being part of a team to win it all following the team's 9-7 win over Maryville to claim the Division II title this spring.

"It is truly a privilege and honor to be a member of the Florida Southern College 2026 national championship women’s lacrosse team. Last summer, before starting my first year at Florida Southern College, I was so excited that I would continue my lacrosse career at the college level with one of the top D II programs in the country. Winning it all was even more exciting and more than I could have imagined. Every part of this season was so much fun, especially beating the two-time defending national champions (University of Tampa) and beating Flagler College in the regional finals in order to make it to the final four, after losing to them earlier in the season," Ihlefeld said.

"My teammates and coaches are more of a family than a sports team and the relationship we all had with each other played a huge part in making it to the top. That family feel made it much easier to just go in and play, learn, get better, and understand what FSC women’s lacrosse is all about," she added. "Everyone on the team is competing to win every game and go as far as we can every season. That was something I really wanted in my college lacrosse experience."

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.