Women's Lacrosse 4/7/2020 11:00:00 AM Lauren Staff

Start to Finish: Katie Comerford Began Her Career with Excellence and Ends It the Same Way

Katie Comerford started as Villanova’s first-ever BIG EAST Freshman of the Year. She’s leaving as its career points leader.

The senior captain from Yorktown Heights, New York, was no stranger to success before becoming a Wildcat. She was a two-time Hudson Valley All-American during her high school career as an attack at Yorktown, helping lead the Corn Huskers to the NYSPHSAA State Finals in her senior season.

“She’s one of the best off-ball cutters I’ve ever seen at the high school level and she carried that over to college,” her high school coach Ellen Mager, who had coached her since she was in fifth grade, said. “She took a relatively young program (at Villanova) and brought it to prominence, which is not surprising.”

Comerford transitioned well into college, competing in all 16 games as a freshman. She led the team in points (56), goals (40) and assists (16). She also collected 23 ground balls, caused seven turnovers and recorded four draw controls in her rookie year.

In her three and a half seasons of playing for Villanova, she started in every one of the team’s 58 games.

Despite her success, however, it wasn’t always easy for Comerford.

Going into her junior season, Comerford broke her foot during a Fall scrimmage. Despite the setback, she went on to lead the Wildcats in points (50) that Spring.

She scored 23 goals and dished out 27 assists, which was second most on the team. Her 27 assists also ranked her sixth for all-time single season assists and 10th in single season assists per game.

Q: You played your junior year with a broken foot, yet you still led the team in points. How were you able to do that and how hard was it?

Comerford: “It’s hard to play when you're injured, however that recognition reflects on my teammates and coaching staff. I was able to push through the season with their support on and off the field.”

In Villanova’s 12-9 win on the road this season at No. 16 Navy on Feb. 22, the program’s highest ranked win ever, Comerford became Villanova’s all-time career leader in points. She broke former Wildcat Shannon O’Neil’s record of 181 career points. O’Neil was a four-year starter from 1994-1997 and later served as the head coach of the team.

Comerford finished her career with 197 points off 115 goals and 82 assists and did it in just three full seasons and eight games, due to the remainder of her senior season being canceled due to COVID-19.

Q: What are some of your favorite memories of being part of this team?

Comerford: “These past 3.5 years playing has left me with so many amazing memories with my best friends. Being able to contribute to taking a developing program and advancing it year after year to where we are all proud of is the most rewarding memory I will have.”

Six Wildcats makeup Villanova’s senior class, Comerford, Grainger Rosati, Liz Trojan, Kim McDonough, Ashley Lynch and Maggie Jennings. Over their four years, the Class of 2020 has been part of Villanova’s first 10-win season, clinched the program’s second BIG EAST Championship appearance and won a combined 26 games.

Q: What is the relationship like between all of the senior class members?

Comerford: I am so grateful to have entered Villanova with my class. We are extremely close and have grown together, both as players and people, over our time at Nova. I wouldn’t be who I am today without the laughs, the support and the love that these seniors have given me!

Q: What are you going to miss most about playing for Villanova?

Comerford: “Playing for Villanova women’s lacrosse has provided me with so many opportunities and has truly made me a better person. I will miss the competition and the team camaraderie the most.”

Q: What was it like to find out that the season was over?

Comerford: “It was devastating to find out that our season was over because no senior athlete deserves to end their season on such an abrupt note. With that said, it was necessary with the coronavirus escalating as quickly as it did.”

Q: What did you love most about playing for Villanova?

Comerford: “I loved playing for Villanova because of the relationships with the coaches and my teammates. The experience was more than just lacrosse, it was supporting one another through the best and worst times of college, and forming these bonds that will last forever.”

Q: What’s next for you?

Comerford: I am a management major with marketing and finance minors. I am looking forward to starting my business career with EY in its consulting practice in their New York office.

Comerford made an impact on both her coaches and her younger and older teammates on and off the field during her time at Villanova.

Katie Comerford defines what it means to be a true competitor. Her work ethic on and off the field is second to none. She’s an awesome teammate, leader, and role model. Watching her grow the past three years has been an amazing experience and I’m so proud of what she’s accomplished at Villanova.

Villanova Assistant Coach Halle Majorana

“Katie is a natural leader. I’ve always looked up to her even though she’s one of my best friends. She leads not only on the field but off the field. She works hard in every aspect of her life and has fun while doing it. She is one of if not the most dedicated players and has faced adversity and has continued to lead the team with such grace. Katie is also the best friend to have. She’s always there for you and supportive with anything that comes your way. Being her friend is one of the best things to happen to me at this school and I’m so thankful that Nova lacrosse brought us together.”

Senior Captain Maggie Jennings

“Playing with your best friend is so fun but playing with such a smart and composed player like Katie is something special because she makes everyone around her better. She is a natural leader and not only did she break records but she played through an injury that most players wouldn’t do. She is the most hardworking person I know and always keeps a smile on her face. I’ve learned a lot from her from freshman to senior year and Although our season was cut short I’m happy I had the opportunity to play with her over my four years.”

Senior Captain Grainger Rosati

Me and Katie first met in high school playing on rival teams and then decided on being roommates our freshmen year at Villanova. It’s been such a great experience living with my best friend and teammate for the past four years. I think Katie is an inspiration to all the players on our team through her hard work and dedication.”

Senior Captain Liz Trojan

Katie is the perfect teammate. She is unselfish, a born leader, and the sweetest person I know. You can always count on Katie. This team is going to miss her so much next year.

Junior Hanna Driscoll

“There are so many things I can say about Katie. Most importantly, she was such a great teammate and friend, always putting others before herself and having the team’s best interest at heart. Katie is also a fierce competitor. I had the pleasure of playing with Katie for two years and she was the driving force of our offense. After I graduated, she did even more, which I didn’t think was possible. I’m so proud of Katie and this senior class with all they accomplished!”

Kathleen O'Connor (Class of 2018)

“Katie, what an inspiration! Not only one of the best players I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing with, but one of the sweetest, smartest, kindest, selfless people I’ve come to know. She elevated the game for Villanova Women’s Lacrosse with her leadership and determination to succeed! I’m lucky to have shared the field with her! I’m pretty sure she even assisted the majority of my goals in my career. Thank you Katie for four incredible years!”

Devin Hassinger (Class of 2019)