Every spring, the Hillsborough High School Lady Raiders lacrosse team is always a force to be reckoned with. The team has several talented players who all contribute to the success of the program. Each year, the senior grade typically heads the team and leads their younger teammates. This year’s senior class is nothing short of extraordinary as seniors Jennifer Koval, Olivia Halverson, Mia Boccippio, and Grace Venis have all committed to continuing their lacrosse careers as college athletes.

The foursome has been teammates for quite a while as they have all have been part of the Hillsborough Junior Raiders lacrosse program. Because of this, they all have been able to build a strong bond as teammates, and it is immensely apparent on the field. Each girl has their own personal attributes which allow them to be standouts on the field.

Koval will be continuing her academic and athletic career at Kean University in Union, NJ, where she will study Bio-Health Science. She has been playing lacrosse since third grade and has been a part of the GSE and T3 Elite club teams as well as been a member of the All-Star travel team for T3. Koval has been an asset to the defensive line since her freshman year and was even nominated as one of the best freshman girls lacrosse players in NJ. Additionally, she was an honorable mention for the Skyland conference sophomore year. When asked who she would like to thank for support throughout her lacrosse career, Koval said: “I would like to thank my family, friends, coaches, and teammates for supporting me through the good and the bad.”

Halverson will be continuing her academic and athletic career at Vassar College in Dutchess County, NY, where she will be studying economics and political science. She has been playing lacrosse since fifth grade and has been a part of the T3 Central Black club team. Halverson has been a member of the HHS lacrosse team since her freshman year. During her freshman season, Halverson netted 11 goals, 10 assists, and had 3 draw controls; she was also selected as one of the top 70 players in NJ. She improved her sophomore season with 31 goals and 3 assists as well made the second team All Skyland Conference. When asked why she chose Vassar, Halverson  said: “I chose Vassar because of the opportunity to play lacrosse at an elite academic school.”

Boccippio will be continuing her academic and athletic career at Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg, PA, where she will be studying Business. She has been playing lacrosse since fifth grade and has been a part of the T3 Central club team. Boccippio has been a member of the HHS lacrosse team since her freshman year. During her freshman debut season she netted 2 goals and 1 assist, she improved her sophomore season with 11 goals. When asked what lacrosse has taught her, Boccippio said: “It is great to have been a part of the high school team and my club team to meet some great people, as well as learn a lot more about myself as a player and a person.”

Venis will be continuing her academic and athletic career at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, PA, where she will be studying neuroscience. She has been playing lacrosse for eleven years and has been a part of the T3 Central club team. Venis has been a member of the HHS lacrosse team since her freshman year. During her freshman season, she scored 43 goals on JV which tied the HHS record as well as contributed 1 goal to the varsity team. She improved to 4 goals and 1 assist her sophomore season. When asked who she would like to thank for the support, Venis said: “My friends, family, and coaches were my biggest influences.  I would like to thank them all for getting me to this point.”

Each senior is eager to finish off their final season at HHS together. All are set to be successful in their respective colleges as they have proven they are strong and talented players.