Isabella Fontana, a graduate student in UMBC women’s lacrosse, recently shared insights with PressBox on her journey as a goalie, her development in the position, and more. Hailing from Chevy Chase, Md., and a graduate of The Academy of the Holy Cross, Fontana has showcased her skills with a 9.96 goals-against average and a .431 save percentage in 2024.
### Unveiling Fontana’s Lacrosse Journey
Fontana’s passion for lacrosse ignited in elementary school when she embarked on her lacrosse journey, eventually gravitating towards the goalie position. The challenge and thrill of protecting the goalpost appealed to her, fueling her desire to excel. Since her early years, Fontana has nurtured a love for sports, relishing the competition and the camaraderie inherent in team sports.
### Embracing the Goalkeeper Role
Transitioning to goalie in third or fourth grade marked a pivotal moment for Fontana, who found solace in the simplicity of her task: to save the ball. The thrill of making crucial saves and the strategic challenge inherent in the role captivated her, cementing her commitment to excelling as a goalkeeper. While she enjoyed field positions in other sports like field hockey and ice hockey, Fontana found fulfillment in specializing as a goalie in lacrosse.
### Influences and Inspirations
Fontana draws inspiration from elite goalies like Megan Taylor, discerning valuable techniques and styles to enhance her gameplay. Environment, training partners, and coaches have all played a significant role in her development as a goalie, with a keen focus on refining foundational skills, positioning, and tactical awareness. Embracing mentorship and continuous learning, Fontana strives to elevate her game and contribute to her team’s success.
### Cultivating Team Success and Camaraderie
Fontana relishes team victories, with a standout memory being UMBC’s triumph over Albany in a hard-fought game. Embracing the ethos of being friends with all teammates, Fontana values the diverse relationships she cultivates within the team, enriching her character and fostering a spirit of unity and support. The bond she shares with her teammates transcends individual friendships, forming a cohesive team dynamic that fuels their collective success.
### Nurturing Aspirations Beyond Lacrosse
Looking ahead, Fontana aims to channel her competitive spirit and leadership skills into future endeavors post-lacrosse. Seeking opportunities to leverage her sports experiences and teamwork skills in professional settings, she envisions a path grounded in leadership, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Empowered by her sporting background, Fontana seeks to carry forward the invaluable lessons learned on the field into her future endeavors.
As Fontana navigates her lacrosse career with unwavering dedication and a spirit of teamwork, her journey exemplifies the power of passion, perseverance, and camaraderie in achieving success both on and off the field. Through her experiences and insights, Fontana embodies the essence of sportsmanship, leadership, and the pursuit of excellence, setting a compelling example for aspiring athletes and future leaders alike.