Abbi Uhl attacks lacrosse at Pascack Valley HS
HILLSDALE, N.J. — The game of lacrosse originated in Canada over 500 years ago. The indigenous First Nations people had their own versions of the sport, but they all played it to thank the Great Spirit鈥攃alled聽Gichi-manidoo聽in Anishinaabe鈥攆or the life and gifts they had been given. The sport was played for fun, in festivals, to settle tribal differences, and to prepare warriors for hunting and battle.
Over the years, the sport of lacrosse moved south and into the United States. In recent years, it has become one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. As a point of reference, Pascack Valley High School (PVHS) did not have a lacrosse team back in the late 1980s/early 1990s when I was a high school student. Thankfully for Abbi Uhl and her teammates, that is no longer the case!
A Family Affair
Abbi Uhl first picked up a lacrosse stick 11 years ago when she was 6 years old. From when she was a toddler, she had been watching her oldest brother, Tom, play the game.
She says, 鈥淚t looked really fun, so I wanted to try. Lacrosse is such a quick, rewarding, and creative sport, but it does take a high skill and athleticism level which makes it so interesting to watch and play.鈥�
Abbi鈥檚 Dad (Jimmy), Mom (Jodi), and brothers Tom and Matt have always been her biggest fans. Jimmy says, “Abbi so badly wanted to play lacrosse as a young girl that her mother started the Pascack Girls Lacrosse program just so she could play. Abbi聽started聽playing in 1st grade playing against 3rd and 4th graders. She’s played many different positions over the years, but attack is where she really shines. She’s become a student of the game, constantly looking for ways to improve her skills. She sets goals for herself then works hard to achieve them.”
Abbi plays attack, which in lacrosse means she scores goals. Over the course of 11 years, Abbi has become adept at getting the ball past goalies and into the net.
PVHS Lacrosse Star
Abbi is a 2-year team captain at Pascack Valley. She was recognized as a first team all-league player in 2021, which comes as no surprise since she was highest scorer on the with 40 goals.聽Abbi says, 鈥淐oming back from a canceled season in 2020 to a winning season in 2021 is one of my favorite lacrosse memories.鈥�
When asked about what being a team captain has meant to her, she says, 鈥淭o me, leadership is creating a team environment where everyone is encouraged to do their best and aims to make each other better. It is setting an example for the rest of the team. I try to embody leadership by providing support for the younger players, whether they are having issues with lacrosse, school, or just life in general.鈥�
More Than a PVHS Lacrosse Player
In addition to playing lacrosse at PVHS, Abbi has played tennis for all four years. She has also excelled academically. She has made the high honor roll every year. She is an AP Scholar and a member of the National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society. She is also Co-President of the History club where she is the student leader and founder of the PV Alum Military Appreciation Wall, and a Peer Leader.
More About Abby
When she is not playing lacrosse or tennis, Abbi loves to bake. She says, “I love making birthday cakes for my friends and family. It’s really just fun, but I’m a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to baking.”
She is also an EMT for the River Vale Volunteer Ambulance Corps. She says, 鈥淚 have been volunteering as an EMT since September of 2020 and passed my national registry exam in August of 2021. I love being able to volunteer and give back to the community.鈥�
Abbi鈥檚 Next Steps
Abbi is looking forward to leading the lacrosse team to a successful season as a senior. She is currently undecided about where she will attend college. She says, 鈥淚 am hoping to make a decision soon. Regardless of the school, however, I will be a biology major on a pre-medicine track. I’m looking forward to taking this next step and hopefully will continue to play lacrosse at the D3 or club level.鈥� To which we say, best of luck, Abbi!
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