All three of Syracuse’s captains carry a heavy responsibility. The Orange has had just one winning season since the program became a varsity sport in 2008, and all three captains are tasked with helping to reverse the losing trend.

Seniors Jacquie Greco and Holly Carrie-Mattimoe, and junior Margot Scharfe, are the veterans of a young team trying to rebound from a disappointing 10-22-3 season. As the captains of the team, it’s their job to be leaders and show the rest of the team the toughness it takes to win games.

In addition to being a captain, Greco is a leader on defense as well. Last season, Greco was a part of a defense that often served as the team’s backbone. A year later, Greco said she believes she has the qualities to help turn the team around both on and off the ice.

“I feel like I have a strong connection with a lot of the girls,” Greco said. “I think that if I have a connection with all the girls, everyone will have a connection with each other and we’ll be like one.”

Carrie-Mattimoe played every game last season and ended the year tied for the team lead in points with 26 (14 goals and 12 assists). The forward isn’t a vocal leader and instead leads with her actions.

“I felt honored. It was nice to see that my teammates were behind me and thought that I could be a good leader,” Carrie-Mattimoe said. “I’d like to lead by example, and if bad things do happen, I’d like to turn them around with the group of captains that we do have. I think it’s a good group and we can do that.”

Scharfe is one of the rare players who earned the co-captaincy before her senior year. The forward played a big role on the team last year as she was tied with Carrie-Mattimoe for most points on the team (13 goals and 13 assists).

Scharfe has similar leadership qualities to Carrie-Mattimoe, but said she hopes the younger players follow her lead, which will be key for the players to come together and turn the program around.

“I care about everyone on the team,” Scharfe said. “I’m not as vocal as some of the other captains as I try to lead by example on the ice. Hopefully some of the freshmen can see that. I will try to help everyone out and be there for everyone to talk to.”

In the spring after the season ended, head coach Paul Flanagan gathered the entire team together, including the departing seniors, for a vote. He wouldn’t be the one to decide who would be captains for the following year.

Flanagan left that up to a vote between all the members of the team. He said he believes the three players chosen will succeed in their positions as captains.

“Those three really rose to the top,” Flanagan said. “It’s a good mix; it’s a real good mix.”

If all goes according to plan for Flanagan and Syracuse, the players’ chemistry will translate to a winning season.

“You always look for chemistry within your team,” Flanagan said. “I think we have three captains that have some chemistry. These girls have earned it. They have done a great job thus far and I’m sure that will continue.”

Published on October 3, 2012 at 1:15 am

Contact Ryan: rlraigro@syr.edu