Lacrosse Magazine recently named Rebecca Himes pre-season All-American.

During last year’s season, Himes became the fifth player in Mercyhurst women’s lacrosse history to score 200 career points and during her freshman year she was part of the 2012 Synapse Sports All-Rookie Team.

“It’s a great honor to be named a pre-season All American,” said Himes. “It’s awesome to get recognized for the hard work the team and I put into practices and off-season. Without my teammates, I would never have received this honor.”

Helping the team succeed is more important than individual awards, according to Himes.

“I was always more concerned with helping my team be better and contributing in any way I could, whether it was in practice or in games,” she said. “In the end, we win or lose as a team, so I never really focused on individual awards.”

Himes started playing lacrosse in 5th grade. She attributes her inspiration to play to her parents and grandfather.

“My grandfather got me my first lacrosse stick and my parents helped me find the right programs to join to get the most out of the sport,” Himes said.

As the season starts, Himes said she and the rest of the team are excited to begin the new season.

Individually, she said she hopes to contribute to her team in any way she can, “whether it be goals, assists, ground balls, or simply just intense work ethic.”

The Lakers are optimistic about their goals for the upcoming season, Himes said.

“As a team, we look to win the regular season title, win PSAC’s and get a chance at the NCAAs”, Himes said.

Himes is ready to make a comeback against rivals.

“Losing to Lock Haven twice last year, including the PSAC finals, still haunts me and I can’t wait to show the PSAC how great our team is this year,” Himes said

After graduation, Himes hopes to continue her education in Occupational Therapy to help kids with special needs.

“I will definitely miss playing lacrosse at a competitive level and everything that goes along with being part of a team.”