Colgate Corrals a Rising Star in Miller

by Andy Krauss | Special to Lacrosse Magazine Online

Colgate freshman Courtney Miller, the third-leading goal scorer in New York State high school history, has made an immediate impact in Hamilton -- on and off the field. © Colgate Univeristy Athletics

When Courtney Miller wakes up in her Colgate University dorm room Saturday, she'll be getting ready for a full plate of campus activities that sounds tiring just hearing about it.

At high noon, the freshman will be line up as a midfielder at Tyler's Field for opening draw against American University in her first-ever Patriot League contest.

After a couple hours off and some time to freshen up, she'll make her way over to Sanford Field House. That's where the campus philanthropic group that she works with, "Uplifting Athletes," will hold an event to raise funds and awareness of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, an uncommon disease that affects human joints.  Miller will pass out t-shirts and work the table to educate guests about her group and the disease that it is striving to help.

It seems to be a busy day for a student-athlete that has only been on campus for six months, but Courtney Miller isn't exactly your typical freshman.

The Chappaqua, N.Y., native began playing lacrosse in fifth grade and became accustomed to playing offense quickly. Just a couple of years later, she told her coach that she wanted to make a  difference on the defensive side of the field as well.  At that point, she became a midfielder, and she has been making a difference on both sides of the field ever since.

In four years on the varsity team at Horace Greeley High School, Miller scored 413 points (305 goals, 108 assists).  

"It was apparent that her athleticism and skills were higher than anyone else on the field," said Colgate head coach Heather Bliss, who began recruiting Miller as a junior.

During her senior season, she scored 125 goals, third most in New York State history, on her way to earning All-America honors.

By that time, Bliss had already received her commitment from Miller to become a Raider.  In fact, the signature came well before that.

The heavily-recruited star quickly took to Bliss and her staff during the recruiting process.  She was so struck by the beauty of the Hamilton campus and the cohesion of the team, Miller made her commitment during the first week of school in the fall of her senior year.  

That weekend, she became friends with goalkeeper Christina Roa, who also committed to Colgate.  The two decided to become roommates and have been joined at the hip at campus since they arrived in the fall of 2008.

So far, the college experience has been everything that the bubbly freshman has hoped that it would be. "I've been waiting to play college lacrosse for such a long time," said Miller.  "It feels incredible to play with women on such a high level."

In this young 2009 season, Miller ranks fifth on the team in goals (five) and points (eight). The Red Raiders are 2-2 on the season, in search of their fourth Patriot League title in six years. Miller figures to be a big part of that title run.

"Courtney fits in extremely well with our team," said Bliss.  "She has a great personality off the field. She shows high energy and determination on the field. The transition that she is making to the college game is really impressive."

It's that high energy and enthusiasm that Miller will display on the Colgate campus all day Saturday, on and off the field.

Andy Krauss covers the Patriot League for Lacrosse Magazine Online. Send comments or suggestions to andy_krauss@hotmail.com.