Maureen Harty Executive Director | College Conference Of Wisconsin And Illinois
Maureen Harty Executive Director | College Conference Of Wisconsin And Illinois
Maddie Berni, a former Carthage women's lacrosse player from River Forest, Illinois, has transitioned from being an accomplished athlete to the head coach of the team. Berni played 69 games over five seasons with the Firebirds, earning recognition as an All-CCIW honoree and CCIW RESPECT award recipient. Her career concluded with 194 points, placing her eighth in Carthage's history.
In September, just 17 months after her last game as a player, Berni was appointed as the program’s sixth head coach. In her first year in this role, she led the Firebirds to 13 victories and a second-place finish in the CCIW standings. The team also reached their fourth CCIW Tournament championship game since 2018.
Berni's journey into lacrosse began through her local park district and involvement with the Illinois Girls Lacrosse Association (IGLA). She developed a passion for the sport despite initially not considering playing at college level until recruited by colleges during her junior year of high school.
Her college career started normally in 2019 but faced disruptions due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. "I was really close with the seniors at the time," Berni recalled about those challenging times. Despite these challenges, she found stability and connection through lacrosse when activities resumed.
After completing her fifth year as a player and majoring in nursing at Carthage, Berni ventured into coaching high school and club lacrosse before becoming Carthage's head coach. "Life can take you down different paths," she remarked on her unexpected career trajectory.
Coaching some of her former teammates required setting new boundaries but was made easier by their support. "They respected me in this new position," said Berni about this transition.
Reflecting on her journey from player to coach, Berni is optimistic about the future of women’s lacrosse at Carthage. "I'm excited for what's to come," she expressed enthusiasm for continuing recent successes and striving for a conference championship.
Berni’s story highlights resilience and adaptability alongside an enduring love for lacrosse that shaped both her personal and professional life.
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