News Summary

Emma LoPinto and Sammy White, both accomplished NCAA champions in lacrosse, are making an exciting shift to basketball. With LoPinto heading to Boston College and White to Northwestern, these athletes are not just switching sports but also embracing new opportunities and challenges in their collegiate careers. They are inspired by former athletes who have successfully transitioned sports, and both are committed to maintaining their skills in both lacrosse and basketball as they embark on this new chapter.

Boston & Northwestern: A New Adventure Awaits!

In an exciting twist for student-athletes, two remarkable NCAA champions, Emma LoPinto and Sammy White, are gearing up to swap their lacrosse sticks for basketballs, taking full advantage of their fifth-year eligibility. This transition is not just about switching sports; it’s about pursuing dreams and making the most out of their collegiate experience.

The Next Steps for Emma and Sammy

Emma LoPinto is all set to lace up for the Boston College Eagles, while Sammy White will don the purple and white of the Northwestern Wildcats. Both are seasoned athletes in lacrosse, having achieved All-American status and bringing home NCAA championships, but they are ready to make waves on the basketball court.

Sammy’s Beautiful Journey at Northwestern

Northwestern has a special place in Sammy White’s heart. She has voiced her deep appreciation for the university, expressing that it is truly the perfect backdrop for her basketball aspirations. Despite considering multiple options this past year, her connection to Northwestern made the decision crystal clear.

Growing up in Timonium, Maryland, Sammy trained with her father at the local YMCA, where her love for basketball really blossomed. It was here that she honed her skills and was honored with All-County accolades while attending Dulaney High School. Interestingly, Sammy believes that her experience with basketball has positively influenced her lacrosse skills, particularly enhancing her footwork and anticipation on the field.

A Strategic Move for Volleyball

After the recent lacrosse season, Sammy took a bold step into the transfer portal, determined to play basketball full-time. Sticking with Northwestern felt like the right move, given her established network and understanding of the campus vibe.

Emma’s Commitment to Boston College

On the other side of the equation, Emma LoPinto has found her sweet spot at Boston College. After a fruitful journey at Florida, where she showcased her impressive versatility, she believes that continuing her graduate studies at Boston College is the ideal choice. Her last two years there have been a delightful experience, making the decision to stay feel like a no-brainer.

Emma’s basketball background is equally impressive. During high school, she shattered the 1,000-point milestone, illustrating just how dynamic her athletic talent is. Additionally, she carried her momentum into lacrosse, where she not only won championships but was also recognized as the Most Outstanding Player at the World Lacrosse U20 Women’s Championship, leading her team to a gold medal finish.

Inspiration from Former Athletes

The trend of lacrosse athletes transitioning into basketball is gaining steam, with Emma and Sammy representing the latest examples of this shift. They are both inspired by Pat Spencer, a former lacrosse standout who made a successful leap to basketball at Northwestern and eventually continued his journey all the way to the NBA. This kind of inspiration showcases the incredible versatility and potential of athletes who decide to cross over into different sports.

Keeping the Skills Sharp

Despite the transition, both athletes are committed to staying sharp across the board. Emma has kept a basketball nearby during her down time, continually working on her skills, while Sammy incorporates her basketball finesse into her lacrosse game. Both are set to also continue engaging in lacrosse by heading to Florida for the Pan-American Women’s Lacrosse Championship, ensuring they maintain their connections to the sport that brought them so much success.

A New Chapter Begins

For Emma LoPinto and Sammy White, this new chapter is not just about switching sports; it’s about embracing change, exploring new passions, and making the most of their collegiate opportunities. With the determination these athletes have shown in their careers, it’s clear they will take their basketball game to new heights while carrying the legacy of lacrosse with them along the way. The future looks extremely bright for this duo, and fans can’t wait to see what they will accomplish next!

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