
Emily Boissonneault: Learning to lead
Senior captain finds her place in final season
It might be hard to understand Emily Boissonneault when she says she's "finally found her place" on the women's lacrosse team.
The senior ranks first in the Titan record books in goals (188), points (208) and caused turnovers (119). She's been a National Lacrosse Conference all-league selection since UDM's inaugural season in 2009.
She's been the face of the program from day one. So why would the star of a team not know her place?
It's because – like any college student – she's still discovering herself.
"I have a fuller understanding of who I am," she said. "I've grown as a
A tangible sign of her growth came last month when Boissonneault was named captain of the 2012 team, an honor she held two years ago, but not last season.
She's changed since the first time she led the team.
"My maturity is different," Boissonneault said. "I've explored my leadership qualities and have learned about other people."
She credits attending the NCAA student-athlete leadership forum last fall in Chicago for helping improve her skills with others.
Since she became captain in 2010, Detroit has limped to a 10-28 combined record in two seasons – a campaign marked by a communication breakdown between players and coaches.
Boissonneault said the losing made it hard to develop good chemistry on and off the field, but now, with a new coaching staff, she said it has changed for the better.
How much better? Just ask freshman Tessa Keuler.
"We just all communicate so well," she said. "We have a chemistry that's going to be really hard to beat."
Keuler said Boissonneault's leadership is a big part of that.
"She's the perfect captain to take us where we need to be," she said. "It hurts her as a person when people aren't getting along. She is the team. It's really cool."
Her growth over two years has involved "focusing on the bigger picture," Boissonneault said.
It's also meant developing other facets of her life. In the past couple years, she's joined a sorority and made herself available to different organizations and activities.
"Before, I was isolated in the athletic world, but I've branched out and found out what I'm strong at," she said. "I put myself out there. I've learned about other people and when I'm doing something wrong."
Keuler said Boissonneault really connects with first-year players.
"I didn't expect to be close to seniors," she said. "She doesn't act like there's any sort of age difference."
Boissonneault said that's because of their passion for the game.
"Our freshman class has a good idea of what they want," she said. "They want to fight to win and that attracts us as upperclassmen. It's easier to get along when you want the same things."
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
More VN News Articles
- Amanda Campbell: One step at a time
- 1962 football team: Fighting back
- Shareta Brown: In a good position
- Lindsey Lammers: Lindsey the leader
Recent VN News Articles
Discuss This Article
MOST POPULAR VN

Second 'Sonic' a delight for all ages By Dwayne Rose

Davis explains decision to transfer By Antoine J. Davis

Junior juggles unique majors: theatre and biology By Elise Pannemann

Ready for finals? Students share study tips By Dwayne Rose
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
LATEST VN NEWS
- Incorporating phenomenological philosophy in philanthropic giving
- Sharing my cousin’s inspiring life story
- ‘The slap’ stole the show, but was it all staged?
- Second 'Sonic' a delight for all ages
- Davis explains decision to transfer
- Junior juggles unique majors: theatre and biology
- Ready for finals? Students share study tips
RECENT VN CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- HVAC Technicians
- Weathering A Storm Or Power Outage Safely
- Maternal Health And Dental Health: How They’re Linked
- Getting Road Trip Ready
- Get A Boost Against COVID: What You Need To Know About...
- Get A Boost Against COVID: What You Need To Know About...
- Get A Boost Against COVID: What You Need To Know About...
- Get A Boost Against COVID: What You Need To Know About...
- Peanuts Deliver Good Food Fast
- Three Summer Tips To Get You Fitter Now
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- Duck, Duck, Goose! Restored Wetlands Thriving
- Novel Drug Shows Potential to Repair Stroke Damage
- The 32nd Qingdao Laoshan International Beer Festival
- A Cruise Is the Best Way to Experience the Mediterranean
- Strategic Money Moves for Young Adults
- BookTrib’s Bites: A Potpourri of Fiction, Recollections a...
- 4 Ways Financial Planners Can Help Small Business Owners...
- Unique Engagement Rings Are the New Classics
- COVID Vaccination Campaign Reaches Out to Rural Communities
- Toys for Tots Continues to DoGoodNow with “Christmas in J...
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Awards 2022 Fellowships
- Tetrix: Largest business studies competition in the world open for applications
- Back to School Mental Illness
- Denny's Makes Summer Delicious with the Release of its Newest Social Stars Influenced Menu
- DENNYS UNVEILS NEW ?DINER DRIP MERCH STORE FOR FANS OF FLUFFY PANCAKES, SYRUP AND ALL THINGS DENNYS