By Paul Ohanian, US Lacrosse Magazine
With nine national championships, Adelphi is the most decorated program in NCAA Division II women's lacrosse history, a dynasty fueled by a constant flow of outstanding players and a pipeline that never goes dry.
Against that backdrop, the fact that attacker Kole Pollock is in the discussion as one of the best players in the program's history puts her in very elite company.
"Kole is the total package," Adelphi coach Pat McCabe said. "Her athleticism puts her at a different level, but she also does all the little things that great players have to do. She wants to win and she wants to be great."
Having made the decision to return as a fifth-year graduate student in 2021, Pollock is a repeat pick as US Lacrosse Magazine's Division II Women's Preseason Player of the Year.
"It really wasn't a hard decision at all to return," Pollock said. "As seniors, we all thought that we were done when the season was canceled. But when the NCAA made its announcement about an extra year, we all had the same mindset. I want another shot with this group. They're my best friends."
Pollock is one of five AU players who chose to utilize the extra year of eligibility. The talented group includes defender Kerry Ann Flavin and midfielder Alyssa Gillespie, as well as Pollock's sidekicks on a record-setting attack unit, Lena Riportella and Alison Johnson. As one of the top facilitators in the country, Johnson is a two-time All-American who amassed over 100 points in both 2018 and 2019 and already ranks as the Panthers' career assists leader.
"For our seniors, who are leaders as it is, another year just gives them a little more perspective into how precious this is," McCabe said. "Going through this should give them a different look. We always talk about valuing every day because it's the only one you get, and this brings that home even more clearly."
Over the past four years, Adelphi owns a 62-8 overall record and two NCAA titles, including the 2019 crown. Pollock put her personal stamp on that championship run, scoring 18 goals in four games en route to being selected as the NCAA tournament's most outstanding player.
Pollock's postseason accomplishments capped one of the best individual seasons in school history. She scored a team-high 81 goals and finished with 94 points, with three goals or more in 16 of 22 games that season. In recognition, she was selected as the IWLCA Division II Player of the Year as well as the Attacker of the Year, while earning first team All-American honors.
"I'm a pretty competitive person, and I love the joy and thrill of competition," said Pollock, who begins the 2021 campaign with 225 career goals and could finish as Adelphi's all-time goal scoring leader.
The world has changed since the Panthers capped the 2019 season with another title. To help minimize the risk of COVID-19 infection, the Massapequa, N.Y., native moved back home last fall as she spent the semester student-teaching to complete the requirements for her degree as a physical education major.
In addition, Pollock has renewed her commitment to share her unique perspective about social justice issues. Pollock's mother, Creola, is Black. Her father, William, is white.
"It's disheartening to see and hear all the hate we have in our country right now," Pollock said. "Half my life is Black, and that has given me so many different experiences. It's certainly broadened my perspective on these issues."
Pollock acknowledged that some of the public conversations can be difficult and uncomfortable, but they are no less important.
"I don't necessarily enjoy talking about these issues, but I'm happy to do it to help others understand them better," she said. "I want to learn more every day, and I want my friends to learn some of the things that I know."
Pollock, who begins a master's program in health education this spring, has accepted the responsibility of supporting change where needed. As a future full-time teacher, she's motivated to make a difference in the lives of young people, especially those who are less advantaged.
"We need to support others whose voices aren't heard," she said. "We want all kids to have the best future they can, and I want to help them. We need to be the voice for others."
Pollock's commitment to her personal development off the field appears to be mirroring the rapid ascension she has displayed on it. It has not gone unnoticed.
"She seems to be in a really good place," McCabe said. "She's very self-motivated and has developed the ability to look inside herself. At times, she used to be almost embarrassed by her accomplishments. But now she's able to embrace them and see the larger picture."
Pollock intends to make the most of the extra year that she has with Adelphi.
"I'm not taking anything for granted," she said. "We're super excited to be back on the field, even though we're not sure how it's all going to play out in the spring. I appreciate that there are people working hard to make the season possible for all of us."
Regardless of what happens this spring, McCabe knows that Pollock's future is bright.
"She always gives maximum effort and brings great intensity," he said. "She's going to be a star in whatever direction she goes."
ABOUT THE NE10
Beginning its 40th anniversary season, the NE10 is an association of 14 diverse institutions serving student-athletes across 24 NCAA Division II sports. Together we build brilliant futures by embracing the journey of every student-athlete.
Each year, 4,500 of those student-athletes compete in conference championships in 24 sports, making the NE10 the largest DII conference in the country in terms of sport sponsorship. Leading the way in the classroom, on the field and within the community, the NE10 is proud of its comprehensive program and the experience it provides student-athletes.