Pace University women”™s lacrosse team joined college athletes from across the country at the White House to celebrate the team’s 2023 NCAA National Championship.
The Pace University Setters joined 47 teams from schools across the country whose teams represented 19 sports from all three NCAA divisions that were recognized on the South Lawn of the White House as part of “College Athlete Day.”
“You made tremendous sacrifices ”” training through injuries, birthdays, vacations and even a pandemic,” Vice President Kamala Harris told the crowd. “You know, all of you, what it means to commit and to persevere. And we know that so often, during the course of a long season, sports teams also become a family. You develop life-long relationships. You demonstrate teamwork and character. You make the people around you better in every way. You are leaders. You are role models. And, of course, you are champions.”
Pace University is planning a celebration to honor the student athletes and their historic achievement on Saturday, Sept. 9 at the Pleasantville campus.
The Setters, who finished the season ranked No. 1 in the nation with a 21-2 record, won a staggering 17 games against ranked opponents during the 2023 season, including a Golden Rams team that came into the national championship game a perfect 22-0 on the year.
“It was such an incredible honor to be welcomed to the White House by President Biden and Vice President Harris for College Athlete Day,” said Coach Molfetta.
Kayla Conway, who graduated in May, represented Pace on stage with Vice President Harris and student-athletes across the country.
President Marvin Krislov, who joined the team for their visit to the White House, said he couldn”™t be prouder of the women”™s lacrosse team for bringing Pace its first national championship.
“These outstanding student athletes embody the Pace go-getter spirit,” he said. “We are excited for this historic accomplishment and honored to celebrate it with Vice President Kamala Harris, and student athletes from across the nation. This is a fitting recognition ”“ one they will remember for a lifetime.”