Reagan Newell, a 2015 Centreville High School graduate, will play lacrosse at James Madison University. Photo by Craig Sterbutzel.
Reagan Newell received the 6A North region’s top offensive honor in 2015.
In her fourth season as a member of the Centreville girls’ varsity lacrosse team, Newell totaled 96 goals and 51 assists, earning region Offensive Player of the Year honors along the way.
Newell, who was also a US Lacrosse All-American, teamed with her cousin, Under Armour All-American Caroline Wakefield, to lead Centreville to a 15-4 record and a trip to the state semifinals.
Newell, a 2015 Centreville High School graduate, will continue her lacrosse career at James Madison University. The Dukes compete at the Division I level in the Colonial Athletic Association.
Newell recently participated in a Q&A via email.
Connection: You’ll be playing lacrosse at James Madison University next season. What made JMU the right choice for you?
Newell: I chose JMU because it felt like the perfect fit. JMU has great academics, along with a topnotch lacrosse program. The campus is awesome and it's not too far away from home so my family can watch me play.
Connection: What position(s) will you play?
Newell: I will play attack.
Connection: What are you most looking forward to about going to college?
Newell: I'm looking forward to competing with a lot of talented girls and I'm also looking forward to being challenged.
Connection: At what age did you start playing lacrosse?
Newell: I started playing lacrosse when I was 7.
Connection: When did you realize playing college lacrosse was an option for you?
Newell: In about sixth grade I realized I wanted to play in college.
Connection: What is your favorite memory of playing lacrosse at Centreville?
Newell: My favorite memory would be beating Oakton my freshman year by one goal playing three men down. Also, getting to play with my cousin for all four years.
Connection: Your cousin Caroline Wakefield was also a standout on the Centreville varsity. How would you describe your chemistry on the field?
Newell: Well, I've actually never been on a sports team without her so our chemistry has been building forever. She knows all of my moves and I know all of hers. If I make a cut I know she is going to get me the ball no matter what. It's kinda scary how well we know each other.
Connection: Do you have a specific game day routine?
Newell: Yes, every game day I take a nap right after school and eat Subway before the game. I also drink my "special" drink right before the game.
Connection: What is in your “special” drink?
Newell: It's powder you put in water that has vitamins. It helps me get focused and hydrated.
Connection: Looking back, if you could change one thing about your high school lacrosse career, what would it be?
Newell: If I could change one thing, it would be to have won a championship.
Connection: You're sitting around playing a board game with family/friends. Do you play to have fun or play to win?
Newell: I play to win. I'm very competitive and like to win at anything I do.
Connection: What do you like to do when you’re not playing a sport?
Newell: I like to be with my friends/family and go to our lake house at Lake Anna.
Connection: Are you a pro sports fan? Which team(s) do you root for?
Newell: I'm a huge Washington sports fan, so the Redskins, Caps, Nats, and Wizards.
Connection: What location is the farthest you've traveled from the Washington, D.C metro area?
Newell: Cozumel, Mexico.
Connection: What’s your favorite food?
Newell: My favorite food is filet.
Connection: Who is your favorite music artist? Why?
Newell: I don't really have a favorite artist, I can listen to anything. I love music.
Connection: What is your favorite movie? Why?
Newell: My favorite movie is “Remember The Titans,” because I love football and it's a classic football movie. It also reminds me of my dad, because he is a football coach.