Girls' lacrosse Metro Player of the Year: Holy Family's Megan Menzuber

By David La Vaque david.lavaque@startribune.com

When coaching sixth-graders on the Minnesota Elite club lacrosse team, Megan Menzuber encourages the girls to be less selfish about scoring goals and more team-oriented.

Funny thing is, Menzuber's coaches at Holy Family Catholic in Victoria have been nudging her in the opposite direction. Menzuber obliged, carrying the Fire offense with 72 goals this season.

The goals did not come at the expense of her other skills. Menzuber dominated games from her midfield spot, pulling down draws, snagging interceptions and threading passes to teammates. An ability to do it all makes her the Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year.

"I still love setting people up and making plays," Menzuber said. "But this year I had to step up and score those goals."

Getting that mindset to sink in took time. A varsity standout in eighth grade, Menzuber drew interest from Minnesota Elite coach Laura Mark. When Mark called Holy Family coach R.J. New for information, he said Menzuber was unselfish to a fault.

"Laura asked, 'What does that mean? When there is a 2-on-1 does she always look to pass?' I said, 'When it's 1-on-0 she looks to pass,' " New said.

As a junior, Menzuber played No. 4 singles on the Fire's Class 1A state championship girls' tennis team. Pretty good for someone who traded soccer for tennis as a sophomore.

"I think I did well under pressure trying to get it done for my team," she said. "That experience carried over to my other sports."

Last winter she led the hockey team with 18 goals. Menzuber remained a three-sport star even after committing to play college lacrosse at Marquette. Her cousin, former Eastview standout Ryan McNamara, also plays for the Golden Eagles.

She stayed sharp with her lacrosse stick during the winter months by playing wall ball at Lifetime Fitness. She always invited teammates but often went alone. The payoff: Opposing coaches lauded her deft hands and stick skills.

"With tennis and hockey you build wrist strength, which helps in lacrosse, plus hand-eye coordination," said Menzuber, who refused to give up any sport for fear of boredom.