On the Field and in the Classroom Caroline Panzirer has Been a Rock at Colgate

Photo by Olivia Hokanson/Colgate Athletics

Any college freshman knows that going away to school can be the adventure of a lifetime. On the other hand, the temptation to indulge in too much action has many succumb. So a year under her belt, Caroline Panzirer credits her parents and the community of John Jay coaches and teachers for not allowing extracurricular excess to gain the upper hand

“They taught me what’s important and how to prioritize and focus on what I came to accomplish,” said the Colgate coed. “I want to excel in the classroom and on the lacrosse field.”

Before the big picture, though, the first step is a car ride into the unknown. “At first, I was a little nervous, because I’m really close to my family,” said Panzirer.

Of course, the fear dissipated pretty quick and trips home always had the same reaction. “I couldn’t wait to come back,” said Panzirer.

Still, the academic’s choice of study ties back to John Jay. “I took AP Psych in high school and found it super interesting,” said the Psychology Major.

The year going well, she’s excited to delve deeper into the mysteries of the brain. At the same time, the student finds intrigue in the limitless nature of the discipline. “I feel psychology applies in any field, and that’s what really interests me,” said Panzirer.

Keeping her future options open for now, the freshman's schedule doesn’t permit for a lot of down time. Division One Lacrosse on the docket everyday, she’s used the intense commitment to her advantage. “I think having a regimented schedule put me on top of my work and helped me not procrastinate,” she said.

In the moment, Panzirer couldn’t miss her new standing on the lacrosse hierarchy. “I was really nervous at first,” she said. “Coming in, you’re in high school, and boom, you're back to the bottom. You’re a freshman again.”

A feeling that did not last long. Such a welcoming environment, she said, “They really engrossed us into the culture from the start. So it was really great to be fully immersed and get to play the sport under such great coaches with some amazing people.”

No doubt, the feeling became mutual. Panzirer started every game and was the leading scorer. Still a team player, the attacker distributed the credit just the same as when she was at John Jay. “My coaches and everyone believing in me,” said Panzirer, “that’s what made this possible.”

So she obviously adjusted to a much faster pace, and victory versus Bucknell stood out. Panzirer scored seven goals and the last one was the game winner. “It was a huge moment for me and for the whole team - to get a nice Patriot League win,” she said.

The tough grind still can’t be denied and getting by meant staying connected to the love of the game. “I fell back on that,” she said.

A frequent look around also kept Panzirer persevering. “The reasons why I chose Colgate and the coaches I did,” she said, “kind of pushed me to continue to work hard.”

As for keeping up in the classroom, the division of labor was no easy task. “It’s definitely hard. That was the biggest adjustment,” the student/athlete said.

Fortunately, the school provides academic advisors and the coaches are amenable when students need more study time.

No leeway when it came to laundry, Mom queued up the spin cycle. “She had to teach me, but I got it down pretty quick,” said the grateful daughter.

The directions on the wall anyway, Panzirer is thankful for the perpetual lifeline when any issue arises. “My mom is my rock,” she said.

The rest of the family keeps her grounded too. Dad is at every game and her brother, and sister are never lacking to lend support. “It’s good to know they are all a phone call away,” she said.

A busy signal is no bother either. Lacrosse makes for a good group of friends, and the same goes for her two roommates. “I can talk to them about anything,” she said.

An amazing experience, the John Jay grad recommends that juniors and seniors should strongly consider taking the long leap for points elsewhere. “There’s a place for everyone. It’s so much fun and completely what you make of it,” Panzirer concluded.