Westhill senior midfielder, Brenna Rainone, made sure to emphasize the importance of family when talking about her lacrosse career. Her dad, who played at Oswego State, introduced the game to her in third grade. She’s a five-year varsity player, and spent two of those sharing the midfield with her older sister, Mackenzie. Having played varsity softball with my older sister for two years, I wanted to focus the TV piece on those emotions and how it affected her choice to play college lacrosse at Syracuse. Mackenzie currently plays for UConn. SU is a league rival (for now) of UConn and that helped put Brenna in Orange. The Rainone sisters will reunite in a Big East rivalry next year in the Dome.
The trash talking has already started. Trust me. That was one of the first things Brenna wanted to discuss. However, when I directly asked her who the better sister was, she said that was for other people to decide. Smart answer.
The rivalry next year will bring her family together, another deciding factor in her college decision process. But something that also tipped the scale toward ‘Cuse: the privilege of playing for lacrosse legend Gary Gait.
LL: How much did the chance to play for Gary Gait factor into your decision?
BR: It was a big factor knowing that he is so big in lacrosse. Knowing how much he knows helped me pick. I want to become a better lacrosse player and I know he will help me. He already has. I go to clinics every Tuesday with him over the winter and he’s already helping me become a better player.
Theresa Masse (Head Coach): She’ll be playing for a legend. Brenna is an excellent player and it’s her speed and stick skills that make her stand out among everyone else. So, playing for Gary Gait will be an excellent opportunity because she’s going to be learning from the best. I definitely think she has a chance to make an impact next year.
After more formal instruction by Gait, and the UConn-SU women’s lacrosse showdown, I will be sure to ask Brenna again, who is the better Rainone?
A.O.W Extra is a blog about the Nice and East Grocery Shoppe/NewsChannel 9 Athlete of the Week. Due to time restrictions on the 6 p.m. news there is always something cut from each story. Come here each after each Wednesday feature for one final fact, or thought about our honoree.
