PAXTON, MA - Women's lacrosse starts their season this week heading to Massachusetts Maritime Academy on Saturday, February 29 at 12 PM. This year, the squad will have a new head coach at the helm in Quincy Wilkins. This year marks the head coaching debut for Wilkins and before the season gets underway, goamcats.com sat down with Wilkins to learn a little more about the first time head coach. 

What drew you to the opportunity here at Anna Maria College?

Wilkins: Anna Maria College gave me an opportunity to build a program that wanted to be challenged. I was also drawn in with their Mission & Values of pushing individuals who will transform their world as ethical leaders and community-oriented professionals.

What has been the most difficult thing about taking charge of a new team?

Wilkins: Getting the team to buy into a rising program and understanding they are people first and playmakers second. Another thing I'd say is making sure everyone understands the fundamentals, communicates and meshes well with each other. But, we also need to push each other to become the best version we can be on and off the field. 

What is your favorite aspect of lacrosse as a sport?

Wilkins: It is the different roles any lacrosse player can find themselves in on or off the field. This is not a sport based on one player doing all the work and getting all the recognition, but a team sport where even the most simple ground ball, pass or cut can change an entire game. It also provides leadership roles in which these student-athletes will carry on into the real world. 

What’s something you wish people knew about lacrosse that may not be seen by casual observers? 

Wilkins: The heart and hustle that each player brings to the field, from the offense to defense, to the cage, and even to the bench. Not many people realize that some were born with a "lax IQ" which gives the player the opportunity to see the field at all times and a knack for "do's" and "don'ts" that most times are unteachable. 

What is your favorite memory from your time as a lacrosse student-athlete? 

Wilkins: I would say it is the growth since lacrosse has been a big aspect of my life for a long 16 years. It would not be fair to pinpoint a certain memory other than learning from the losses, celebrating the wins, being a voice and a leader that led me to continue my love for the sport and the growth of the game as a coach.

Is there a moment in your career you can point to that inspired you to become a coach? 

Wilkins: Ever since I can remember, my dad drove me to countless practices, games, and tournaments. He was my biggest supporter and my biggest critic and eventually became my coach. I always knew I could come off the field greeted by a high five and a smile, but not without a steaming hot side of critique. That is when I knew I wanted to be the same motivating, yet positive reinforcement in other female student-athletes lives.

If you could tell the world one thing about yourself, what would you say?

Wilkins: Looking back, I wish I pushed myself a little more in situations I took advantage of. Now that I am on the other side of things, the aftermath if you will, I never want to sell myself short of opportunity or success. Although I am a large advocate of "learning from your mistakes," stray from the one where you don't give 110 percent in every opportunity that presents itself or anything you set your mind to.

What motto or positive message do you strive for with your team? 

Wilkins: Our program core value is simple: Hustle Inspires Hustle. We have broken down H.U.S.T.L.E. to stand for something even bigger than what it means. H for hardworking. U for being an unselfish teammate. S for supportive. T for toughness. L for loyalty--not only to oneself or to the team, but also to Anna Maria College and what they strive to give us as a student-athlete. Last but not least, E for encourage. We remember that lacrosse is a team sport and without our teammates challenging us day in and day out, we cannot be successful.