Jaclyn Leto Named to All-American Lacrosse Team

When the girls lacrosse season ended with a loss to Ridgewood in the Tournament of Champions, Jaclyn Leto thought that was the end.

She was not expecting a call from Head Coach Deb Marriott the next day to tell her that she had been named to the 2011 U.S. Lacrosse Girls High School All-American Team.

"I'm so excited," Leto said. "It's good. I'm happy."

Athletes must meet certain criteria to be named All-Americans, including playing in at least two-thirds of all games, being "a starter or significant contributor," and not exceeding a certain allotment of penalty points, according to the U.S. Lacrosse 2011 All-American and All Academic Team Chairs Handbook.

Each nominee also has their statistics reviewed before they are named to the team. For Leto, that means that she is among the best players in the country.

"It's exciting because it's not only against girls from New Jersey, but from girls all across the country, and some of the best lacrosse states like Maryland and Virginia," Leto said. "I'm really excited."

Leto has another year left at Chatham High to play lacrosse, and despite the team's hopes for a state championship being dashed in the Tournament of Champions, she is optimistic about what the 2012 season has in store.

"We had a great season this year," she said, "so hopefully next year we start out strong and make it even farther."