U-M Student-Athlete Spotlight: Maggie Handlan
3/18/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
March 18, 2015
On Jan. 28, U-M added five student-athletes to its third recruiting class, bringing the class to 14 players. The additional five players will now be featured in a student-athlete spotlight, breaking down the future Wolverines, on and off the field. [ Release ]
Maggie Handlan is a two-time varsity letterwinner (2013-14) and has helped lead Moorestown High School (Moorestown, N.J.) to three straight Tournament of Champions titles. She will enter her final season at Moorestown with a 51-0 record as a member of the varsity squad.
As a junior, she was voted Burlington County Times All-County first team, All-South Jersey Team 1 and All-State Team 2. Handlan was also tabbed the South Jersey Defender of the Year and an Academic All-American following an undefeated 26-0 season.
As a sophomore in 2013, Handlan helped Moorestown go undefeated at 25-0 and was named to the Burlington County Times All-County second team.
In 2012, she was a member of the freshman team at Moorestown High School before being pulled up to varsity for the postseason and helping the Quakers win the Tournament of Champions.
Handlan competed for South Jersey Select Lacrosse club team. In addition to lacrosse, she also played four years of soccer at Moorestown (2011-14).
Collegiate athletics run in the Handlan family, as her father William Handlan played soccer at James Madison University, and her brother Mike Handlan is currently playing his first year of lacrosse at the University of Delaware.
Off the field, Handlan is an honor roll student and is a member of the National Honors Society.
ACCORDING TO MAGGIE
 | Maggie Handlan Defense Moorestown, N.J. Moorestown High School |
What attracted you to the University of Michigan?
"Michigan is known for its academic excellence and athletic success. It has the 'wow factor' -- when you step on campus, tour the facilities, and just look around, you say 'wow.' The school as a whole has a sense of pride that can't be matched by any other. I feel very welcomed and at home every time I'm in Ann Arbor."
What are your thoughts about continuing to help Michigan build its women's lacrosse program?
"I am honored to be a part of this growing program. With the combination of our incredible coaching staff, talented players, and support from the student body and university as a whole, I have all the confidence that success will follow. I am excited and anxious to represent Team Three and be a benefactor in its journey to be both a Big Ten and national champion."
What do you like about Michigan/Ann Arbor from what you've seen so far?
"Ann Arbor is a beautiful area full of great shopping and restaurants. But what I love most is the atmosphere that surrounds the town. Its school pride and morale makes me feel privileged to be going there."
What is your favorite lacrosse moment of all-time?
"It's always an unexplainable feeling beating your rivals. My sophomore year I had the opportunity to do it twice. The first time was a regular-season game and I can remember insignificant details and plays that helped lead our team to victory. The second game was the Tournament of Champions (New Jersey State championship game). It was an unreal experience being able to play our rivals in the final game, and come out on top. I'll never forget the celebration that ensued on the field following the whistle that ended the game. The tears of joy, hugs, and dog piles were full of love and accomplishment. We had reached our ultimate goal to be the number one team in New Jersey, while completing a perfect season along the way."
How did you first get involved in lacrosse?
"I first got involved in lacrosse because of my two older brothers. They started a few years before me and I loved watching their games. Although the women's game and men's game are different, I knew I wanted to be a part of the sport. Moorestown has a long tradition of success in its girl's high school team, and I knew I wanted to share the experiences of the girls who preceded me."
Do you have any talents or hobbies that you're willing to share? If so, please explain.
"Unfortunately, I am both musically and artistically challenged. However, I have attempted to learn guitar, piano and painting, although I wouldn't yet (or probably ever) call them talents."
Who is your role model, and why?
"My high school coach, Deanna Knobloch, has been a positive influence on me, both on and off the lacrosse field. She embodies a maternal figure, a friend, someone to go to for guidance, and a well-respected coach. Her passion for the game, the traditions, and her meticulous detail with how we present ourselves is something that puts her in high regard. She has driven me to become a better player and a better person and for that I am grateful to her."
What do you enjoy doing when you're not playing lacrosse?
"I enjoy hanging out with my friends, watching Netflix, sleeping, and spending time with my family."
Favorite food ... Chicken Caesar Salad from Passariello's
Favorite band/artist ... Chromeo
Favorite movie ... Hot Rod, We're the Millers
Favorite TV show ... The League, Friends
Favorite book ... To Kill a Mockingbird
Favorite subject/class taken ... Biology
Favorite professional athlete ... Jeremy Maclin
Favorite place to visit/vacation ... Avalon, N.J.
Favorite sport besides lacrosse ... Soccer
Favorite holiday ... Christmas
• Previous Spotlight: Lily Crager
