![Student Spotlight: Caroline Mellon '25]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1746482439/perkiomen/jsqaxxsv2pyvrir8nzer/CarolineMellonBlog.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1746482439/perkiomen/jsqaxxsv2pyvrir8nzer/CarolineMellonBlog.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1746482439/perkiomen/jsqaxxsv2pyvrir8nzer/CarolineMellonBlog.jpg","width":622}])
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Excelling in one sport is already a tough achievement, but doing so in volleyball, track, and lacrosse while also being an outstanding student seems nearly impossible. Yet, Caroline Mellon ’25 is doing exactly that.
Caroline’s exceptional performance on the field, combined with her persistent work ethic and determination to keep reaching her goals, make her stand out as a Perkiomen athlete. She is committed to playing lacrosse at the next level in college - at Bucknell University - and before she takes on this new chapter, I had a chance to ask her about her journey so far.
Q: When did you start playing lacrosse, and what drew you to the sport?
A: I started playing in middle school. I did competitive gymnastics, but decided I didn’t want to pursue that into college. So, I quit and picked up lacrosse around seventh grade.
Q: What position do you play, and what is your role on the team?
A: I play midfield, which is a position where you get to do everything - offense, defense, and transitions. I’m currently a captain of the team.
Q: Can you describe your favorite part about playing lacrosse?
A: I love the energy and team atmosphere. When we have a good game, that feeling is unmatched.
Q: How have you seen yourself improve as a player since you started?
A: My biggest growth has been in confidence. I started later than my friends, so there was a big learning curve I had to overcome. Once I gained confidence, I saw the most improvement in me, both as a person and as a player.
Q: What has been the highlight of your lacrosse career so far?
A: Committing to college. Going through the recruiting process and knowing coaches wanted me to come to their school was really affirming to me. During my recruiting summer, I feel like I really came into myself as a player.
Q: Has there ever been a moment when you wanted to quit? What kept you going?
A: Definitely. There were times when I felt like everyone else was better than me. At moments like that, I was at a loss, but quitting wasn't ever really an option for me, simply because I am so passionate about my sport.
Q: What qualities do you think make a good team captain?
A: Having positive energy and being inclusive to everybody. When things need improvement, it’s important to approach it as a team issue. If we make a mistake, we make it as a team. If we do something good, we do it as a team.
Q: How do you handle conflicts or disagreements within the team?
A: If I see conflict, I talk it through. What happens on the field stays on the field — it’s not personal.
Q: What’s one mindset shift that helped you become a better athlete?
A: Understanding that it doesn't have to be perfect. My growth is not going be linear. It's a process that requires time, dedication and hard work.
Q: What advice would you give to younger players who want to improve?
A: Have fun with it. Being new to this sport, there's a lot of different things to learn and it can be very overwhelming. Take it one day at a time and enjoy yourself. You're not going to be great at it as soon as you pick up a stick.
Q: How do you think lacrosse has prepared you for life after high school?
A: It helped me develop my voice and learn how to lead people.
Q: If you could give your freshman self one piece of advice about lacrosse, what would it be?
A: It's not the end of the world if you’re not perfect every day.
“I’m excited to take what I learned here as a leader and translate that into a bigger group of people with similar drive and goals." -- Caroline Mellon '25