Kara Gray Q&A

Senior Kara Gray followed in her sister Lauren’s footsteps when she chose to come to Syracuse. Learn more about the defender in this Q&A.

When did you start playing lacrosse and why did you take up the sport?
When I was in elementary school for gym class we did a quidditch section and we would throw the balls with lacrosse sticks and that’s actually how I ended up playing lacrosse.

Did you play with your sister, Lauren, while you were growing up?
My oldest sister played and kind of taught us and then Lauren and I were always on the same travel teams and then we obviously played together for three years in college.

Do you remember what made you decide to come to Syracuse?
Syracuse had always been a dream of mine. I remember going to camps in middle school and looking up to the girls thinking it was the coolest program ever – going to games and loving every part of it. Then, when I started getting recruited, it felt so surreal and then once I did a full tour I knew it was the place I wanted to spend my next four years.

You’re majoring in public relations Do you have a dream job?
Social media for a sports team would be really cool. Working professional sports team would be really awesome.

What was your senior day like being in front of such a big crowd?
It was so fun. I was really emotional, but it ended up being one of the greatest days. I loved looking next to me and seeing all the people I’ve been in college with my whole time and my best friends –  it was so fun sharing that day together. Obviously, the energy in the Dome was insane. It was so much fun playing UNC and coming so close. It was a great experience, I loved every part of it.

Is there any significance to your number?
There actually isn’t, but Gary Gait told me when I came here that he wanted to put me next to my sister, which I ended up loving. Now, my sister, who played here, is doing a fifth year at St. Joseph’s University and she took over my number so that gave it more significance and it means more to me now.

What does it mean to you to be seen as a role model to younger fans?
It’s so awesome. I was, at one point, those girls who were killing for signatures from Kayla Treanor and all of those players. It’s so cool seeing it come full circle and seeing that I made it and I just think it’s really cool because that’s going to be the next generation of college lacrosse players. It’s so great to watch the program grow and lacrosse grow as a women’s sport overall.

Who is the biggest prankster on the team?
Jalyn Jimerson always loves jumping out and scaring people, and the Sweitzers.

Do you have a favorite bus activity?
I sleep and listen to music most of the time, but we always play the game contact and it’s so much fun. We get so into it.

Do you have a go-to bus snack?
I like Cheez-its and gummies.

Do you have a pregame routine or snack that you aways have?
Only coffee really, nothing special.

Do you have a teammate that you’re really excited to see shine through the rest of the season?
Meaghan Tyrell is definitely up there, she is so much fun to watch play. Her lacrosse IQ is insane. Also Megan Carney. I can’t wait for her to get back from injury. I know she is going to play so well and I’m so excited to see it.