By: Joe Cicchino - Sports Information Assistant

FORT WASHINGTON -- Germantown Academy Upper School student-athletes gained information about the college recruitment process on Wednesday during the latest segment of the Let’s Do Lunch Program, thanks to Villanova University women’s lacrosse coach and Germantown Academy alumna Julie Shaner Young '97. Young was a three-sport star for the soccer, basketball and lacrosse teams before playing collegiate soccer and lacrosse at Princeton University.

Her accolades on the soccer field include being a two-time captain for the Tigers, All-Ivy four times, MVP three times, and a three time Mid-Atlantic Regional All-American. She was also named the C. Otto von Kienbusch Award winner during her senior year, which is given annually to a Princeton senior woman who has demonstrated general expertise in athletics and the qualities of a true sportswoman.

In lacrosse, Young was an IWLCA All-American three times, All-Ivy four times, Ivy League Rookie of the Year, and a finalist for the Tewaarton Trophy, which is given to the top player in women’s collegiate lacrosse, in 2001. Young was also part of an Ivy league championship and played in the 2000 national championship game and in the 2001 national semifinal game.

Before coaching at Villanova, she compiled a 33-18 record as the head coach at Division III Haverford College. Young also served as an assistant coach at Penn, where she helped the Quakers get to the 2008 NCAA Final.

Jim Fenerty 1760, GA's former Director of Athletics, who still serves as a history teacher in the Upper School, said that he thinks it is valuable for student-athletes to be exposed to someone who has done what they want to do.

“Somebody like Julie, she was a superstar when she was here, a superstar in college, and now one in coaching,” Fenerty said. “More importantly, she always kept her priorities together. She was an excellent student and made sure that came first.”

During the presentation with the Upper School students, Young spent time talking about the college recruitment process and how her time on the field and in the classroom at Germantown Academy helped her balance playing two sports in college as well as attending classes.

She stressed the importance of grades, especially for the younger students, how to get in contact with coaches, and what to look for in a college.

“Find a place you’ll be happy at, that you’ll excel at,” Young said. “Pick the college first. You’re going for school. You’re going for an education.”

Fenerty thought that those in attendance came away with some very useful information.

“What we really like to do is get the kids exposed to people who have done what they want to do,” said Fenerty.

The next speaker in the Let's Do Lunch Program is Merrill Reese, a parent of alumni and the voice of the Philadelphia Eagles. Reese will speak on Monday, Nov. 6 at 1:30pm.