Colleen Grombala Becomes First All-American in Women's Lacrosse Program History

6/7/2021 1:00:00 PM | By: Joe Ginley '16, SID

Grombala made Third Team IWLCA All-American.

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio -- At so many points during a magical 2021 season, John Carroll University Women's Lacrosse made history and basked in the glow of firsts.

We have one more historical achievement to be added to the record books.

Colleen Grombala is an All-American, the first in program history.

The Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) selected Grombala as a 2021 Third-Team All-American. With the honor, Grombala has been heralded as one of the top 57 players in the country, and with good reason. The Michigander turned heads locally and nationally all season.

Grombala enjoyed one of the best seasons offensively in the country. She led all of the NCAA with a program-record 103 goals, adding 34 assists for another program-record of 134 points. All season long, she dominated opponents, putting up video game-like stats with amazing precision.

And Grombala is not just an offensive player. The grad student flashed her skills all over the field, including on draw controls, perpetually a presence in the middle of the field. In fact, she led the team with 118 draw controls. As if that wasn't enough, Grombala added 34 ground balls and 10 caused turnovers.

Grombala completes her career as the JCU leader in goals (285), adding 92 assists for a total of 377 points. Grace Curatolo's record of 388 points still safe for now despite an otherworldly season by Grombala.

But Grombala is not some self-centered superstar – she's the type of team player every coach loves to have on her team. Grombala is a team leader who makes every player around her better. Just look at how she led the Blue Streaks to the team's first Ohio Athletic Conference regular season title, then followed it up with a decisive OAC Tournament Championship run, adding the program's first NCAA Tournament win as an encore.

Going back in the IWLCA archives, Grombala also looks to be the OAC's first ever IWLCA All-American, another first to be proud of.

"This year has been nothing short of amazing, and coming back for one last lap was the best decision I could have made," Grombala said. "I set team goals as well as personal goals early on, and it is such an incredible feeling that we were able to reach those milestones. Capturing our OAC win against Mount and making it to the Sweet Sixteens was such an exciting experience. Furthermore, receiving this award after five years of hard work and dedication is such an honor. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for my incredible teammates, coaching staff, and family supporting me and pushing me every step of the way. A big thank you to all of them, and thank you to the IWLCA for this wonderful recognition."

Grombala will be remembered for a long time at John Carroll, as one of the team's best and brightest players, a cornerstone piece of what has become a powerhouse program in University Heights.

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