SENIOR WEEKS: Conestoga lacrosse star Evitts turns her attention to Penn State
Coming into her senior lacrosse season, Conestoga midfielder Cam Evitts was not resting on her considerable laurels from last spring.
Evitts was the Pioneers’ MVP and a first team All-American last season, scoring 47 goals and winning 70 draw controls as ’Stoga captured the District 1 Class 3A championship. But this spring, Evitts and her teammates wanted more.
“We had one goal in mind for this spring – to win the Central League, district and state championship,” said Evitts.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic postponed, and eventually cancelled, the spring season.
“It’s been devastating to hear that our senior season has been … cancelled,” said Evitts. “It has been hard for the whole team, but especially the seniors because we have been looking forward to this season for the past four years. The team worked very hard during the off season, putting in a ton of work practicing together and on our own to improve and to make each other better for this season.
“It has been very tough for all of us. As senior leaders we are all trying to stay positive and keep everyone’s spirits up, as well as working on our own to improve every day. … We understand that this … is necessary right now for everyone’s health and safety.”
An all-around performer, Evitts not only scored her 100th career goal last spring, but was voted to first team All-Central League, first team Daily Local News All-Area and first team All-Main Line. She led the team in draw controls, caused turnovers and interceptions.
“Cam is a game changer and every time she touches the ball the momentum of the game changes,” said
Conestoga girls’ lacrosse head coach Amy Orcutt. “Her quickness and speed on the circle and both ends of the field make her literally impossible for anyone to defend.
“On the defensive end she causes turnovers because she takes risks. She goes for the interception or the back check and usually gets the ball or knocks it down because of her quickness. She has explosive moves to the cage, which makes it hard for anyone to maintain her.”
Evitts, who also has played varsity soccer for Conestoga, started playing lacrosse in third grade.
“I always played soccer growing up, and the girls on my [third-grade soccer] team were trying out for lacrosse, so I decided to try it,” said Evitts. “I have always been a midfielder because I like being involved and have the opportunity to help my team on both ends.”
Evitts paid tribute to a number of her coaches along the way, such as Scott Growney (her coach in eighth grade), Colleen Magarity (club coach) and Orcutt, who she played for starting in her freshman year.
“I have been lucky to have worked with so many great mentors,” said Evitts. “Scott Growney taught us the basics and the importance of playing as a team, but always reminded us to have fun. Colleen Magarity taught me to always play as hard as I can, and good things will follow. Amy Orcutt has been an unbelievable coach – she has taught us the power of being positive on and off the field. Recently I’ve had the chance to work with Coach Mongo, who has helped me improve my dodging and shooting.”
A National Honor Society member, Evitts will head to Penn State in the fall, where she will play lacrosse and major in business.
“Penn State has always been my dream school,” said Evitts. “I was lucky enough to get recruited and that’s when I knew I wanted to be there. There is a great blend of athletics and academics, and the coaching staff and team make it feel like a true family.”
Evitts feels grateful that she played for the Pioneers.
Evitts said, “One of my favorite memories [at Conestoga] is having the opportunity to play with many great players over the years, who have taught me so much and who have become lifelong friends.”
