Jesse Rubin reflects on her stellar Friends’ Central career

Wynnewood – Jesse Rubin, named Pennsylvania Area School Girls Lacrosse Association (PASLA) Student Athlete of the Year earlier this month, found out she broke the Friends’ Central School girls’ lacrosse career assist record in a most novel way.

“I had no idea I broke the record until about two weeks after the season ended,” said Rubin. “I was sitting in my kitchen, reading an article about the Agnes Irwin lacrosse team, and it mentioned one player as their all-time leading assister. Out of curiosity, I turned to my mom [Friends’ Central girls’ lacrosse head coach Lauren Becker Rubin] and asked who holds the record at Friends’ Central, and she said, ‘Uhhh…well…I was going to wait until the athletic banquet to tell you, but you do.’

Rubin, who graduated from Friends’ Central earlier this month, said, “I was definitely shocked to find out, but it’s a really cool accomplishment, and I definitely would not have been able to do it without my teammates scoring so much!”

Rubin was named Friends’ Central’s Outstanding Senior Athlete this spring. Thirty-three years ago, both of her parents, Lauren Becker Rubin and Jon Rubin had received the same award from Friends’ Central. Her father is the Friends’ Central baseball head coach.

“Winning the Outstanding Senior Athlete award was particularly special given that both my parents did the same when they went to Friends’ Central,” said Rubin. “Both of them definitely made their mark on Friends’ Central athletics during their high school careers, so to have my name added to any list that theirs are on is a great family legacy to be a part of. Clearly I have genetics to thank for my athleticism!”

Earlier this month, Rubin was named Pennsylvania Area School Girls Lacrosse Association (PASLA) Student Athlete of the Year.

“Being named PASLA Student-Athlete of the Year was such an incredible honor,” said Rubin. “I have put in a lot of work on the field, in the classroom, and in my community throughout my high school career, and I am so appreciative that I have had the opportunity to be recognized for it. The fact that PASLA recognizes academic achievement as well as success on the field speaks volumes about the type of organization that is sponsoring our generation of high school lacrosse, and I could not be more proud to be a part of it.

Not only does Rubin hold the Friends’ Central record for career assists (222), but also most assists in a season (102) and most points in a season (174). She is third in Friends’ Central’s all-time scoring list with 395 career points. The two-time All American and Academic All American compiled these stats despite missing almost her entire sophomore season with an ankle injury and a concussion.

‘I spent all of the spring [of my sophomore year] and summer doing physical therapy for my ankle, and the biggest challenge I faced was definitely staying positive throughout the process,” said Rubin. “It was very hard for me to have to sit on the sideline for so long, but getting back on the field was so great. I think that what that year has taught me was to make the most out of the time I have on the field. I think I am more appreciative of playing time, and I try to make the biggest impact on a game that I can.”

One of Rubin’s fondest Friends’ Central lacrosse memories was when the Phoenix defeated rival Shipley, 8-6, in the Friends’ Schools League championship final.

“We knew it would be an extremely competitive game, especially since we would be playing without Miranda Mastrocola, a fellow senior and captain who tore her ACL in our regular-season game against Shipley,” said Rubin. “The desire to win was infectious, and every girl on the team had been working so hard to prepare for the game. We played an intense game in the pouring rain, and ended up winning 8-6.

“Afterwards, during the medal ceremony, [Coach Lauren Rubin] said a few words about the team and our victory. She ended her speech by thanking the parents for their unwavering support, saying, ‘Everyone, go give your parents a hug.’ So I did exactly that. It was such a special moment, and being able to share it, along with the rest of the moments that comprised my entire high school lacrosse career, with my mom made it even more incredible.”

Rubin is also a fine soccer player, and scored the winning goal last fall in the Friends Schools League championship final, a 2-1 win against George School. She will be playing soccer for Washington University in St. Louis in the fall.

“Getting a good education was a top priority for me in my college search, and Wash U has the high level of academics that I was looking for in a school,” said Rubin. “Coach Conlon was so supportive throughout my whole recruiting process, and I can’t wait to be able to play for him. Overall, it really seems like the right fit. I am going into the College of Arts and Sciences and am undecided on what I will major in, but I am very interested in the social sciences and writing.”

Friends’ Central girls’ lacrosse head coach Lauren Rubin said, “I have coached a long time, and Jesse’s ability to be a strong, inclusive leader, who was available to every member of the team, was incredibly special. Her ability to take such a prominent role on the field, but stay humble and kind, was amazing to watch and a true gift to our team.”

Fun facts – Jesse Rubin

Favorite book: The Harry Potter series

Favorite author: Jodi Picoult

Favorite TV show: How I Met Your Mother

Favorite movie: She’s the Man

Favorite athlete: Bethany Hamilton

Favorite pre-game pump-up song: 300 Violin Orchestra by Jorge Quintero

Favorite team: US Women’s National Team (soccer)

Favorite place to visit: Long Beach Island

Favorite pre-game meal: Peanut butter and banana sandwich

Born: Jan. 22, 1998 in Philadelphia

Family members: Lauren (mother), Jon (father), Bryan (brother, 20 years old), Justin (brother, 13 years old).