Underclassman Spotlight: Dennesha Rolle
Lower Dennesha Rolle was recently recruited to represent New Hampshire’s state team in the US Lacrosse Women’s Collegiate Lacrosse Associates (WCLA) National Championship. Rolle’s coaches noted the passion, skill and drive that differentiated her from other players who tried out for the team.
“Neesh is a hardworking athlete and student. She never fails to make everyone laugh and inspires her friends and teammates to get better every single day.”
In order to qualify for the team, Rolle underwent a rigorous evaluation by the regional team’s head coach. “This is an honor that Dennesha was chosen for this team,” Exeter girls’ varsity lacrosse head coach Christina Breen said.
Rolle credits much of her success to the girls’ varsity lacrosse team at Exeter because of the accomplished players that she practices and competes with. She praised four defenders who graduated last year- Cara Jones ’17, Leah Jones ’17, Bella Edo ’17 and Kelsey Detels ’17, for being exemplary role models both on and off the field. “They guided me to be the player I am,” Rolle said.
In the first half of the tryouts, prospective athletes were split into five stations. “For each station evaluators score you [on a scale of 1 to 5] based on your performance at their station,” Rolle explained. She passed this first round of tryouts as many other players were sent home.
The few who remained were split into two teams that scrimmaged against each other. “Most of the players who made the first cut will end up on Team 1 or Team 2; although, a few will still be cut,” Rolle said.
Senior and PEA co-captain Anna Reaman praised Rolle for her unique determination, athleticism and love for the sport. “Whenever Dennesha falls or gets knocked down, she always jumps right back up, no matter how hard the hit was,” Reaman said.
Not only is Rolle a skilled player, but also a leader on the team as “her voice is loud and powerful, and her talent and skill allow others to follow in her footsteps,” Reaman added.
Off the field, Rolle is one of the friendliest students on campus. She frequently spends her time doing homework in the red Adirondack chairs on Exeter’s quad. “She is a very caring and considerate person who would do anything for the people she loves,” Reaman said. “She is someone who I admire greatly both as a teammate and person. If anyone could be selected for the National Team, Dennesha is the perfect candidate because she embodies the ideal athlete.”
Rolle’s friend, lower Jill Cloonan, added, “Neesh is a hardworking athlete and student. She never fails to make everyone laugh and inspires her friends and teammates to get better every single day.”
In preparation for the tournament, Rolle will practice with the regional team throughout the term to hone the skills that she has learned while at Exeter. “I am most excited to get to play against so many talented players from all around the country, which is something I don’t get to do often,” Rolle said.
Teammate upper Peyton Sanborn said Rolle is “strong, outgoing and a team player.” Sanborn highlighted Rolle’s attitude and determination. “She’s always there to encourage us to play our best and sets a good example by giving her all day in and day out,” Sanborn said.
The regional tournament will be a crucial part of the recruiting process for Rolle; she will have the opportunity to showcase her skills in front of college lacrosse coaches. With only a month until the tournament starts, Rolle is looking to develop and master her talent on the field. Breen said, “She is still growing as a lacrosse player, but she has all the instincts of an accomplished player.”