Biography:
Ginny Capicchioni is a lacrosse goaltender who has made significant strides in breaking gender barriers in the world of professional sports. She was born and raised in Oradell, New Jersey and attended River Dell Regional High School, where she excelled in basketball, field hockey, and softball. However, it was in college that Capicchioni discovered her true passion for lacrosse.
Capicchioni played women’s lacrosse at Sacred Heart University, where she quickly established herself as a top-notch athlete. She was a three-time Northeast Conference Goalie of the Year and twice ranked in the NCAA’s Top 10 in Save Percentage. Throughout her college career, Capicchioni set multiple program records for saves, goals against average, and career wins.
After graduating from college, Capicchioni became the first woman in North America to sign with a men’s professional lacrosse team. This groundbreaking achievement opened the doors for other women to follow in her footsteps. Not only did she sign with a men’s professional team, but she also became the first woman to play in a men’s professional lacrosse game.
Capicchioni’s trailblazing did not stop there. She also became the first American-born goalkeeper to play in a Canadian Lacrosse Championship, showcasing her skills and defying gender stereotypes in a predominantly male sport. Additionally, Capicchioni became the first woman to play for a men’s national team in any sport, further solidifying her status as a fearless and determined athlete.
Throughout her nine-year career in the Canadian Lacrosse Association, Capicchioni played for various teams, including the New Jersey Storm, Akwesasne Warriors, Windsor Warlocks, and Coquitlam Adanacs, among others. Her talent and dedication to the sport earned her recognition and respect among her peers.
In 2011, Capicchioni represented Team USA at the World Indoor Lacrosse Championship in Prague, Czech Republic. She compiled an impressive 93% save percentage during the tournament, showcasing her ability to compete at an international level. Capicchioni’s exceptional performance helped her team achieve success and solidified her status as a formidable goaltender.
Beyond her playing career, Capicchioni also ventured into coaching. She spent three years at Drew University, six years with Tristate lacrosse, and had coaching stints at Immaculate Heart Academy and Bergen Catholic High School. Capicchioni’s passion for the sport extended to her own company, Goal Guardians LLC (now Guardian Sports), where she taught and mentored goaltenders of all genders and ages.
Capicchioni holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Sacred Heart University and a Master’s degree in School Counseling from Loyola. Her academic achievements alongside her athletic prowess make her a well-rounded and accomplished individual.
Throughout her career, Ginny Capicchioni has shattered gender barriers, redefined professional sports, and inspired many young athletes to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Her contributions to the sport of lacrosse and her impact on women’s history make her an influential figure who continues to leave a lasting legacy.