FCHS junior Molly Cook has made an important decision for her athletic career by committing to play women’s lacrosse for Wheeling University, a Division II school in West Virginia. Cook has been playing lacrosse for three years, making a name for herself on defense.
“I picked it up very quickly my freshman year and was pulled up to varsity for a game my first year playing,” said Cook. She was surrounded by lacrosse as a child since her dad played at the Maine Maritime Academy, and her sisters played all of their high school careers.
“Molly’s calm demeanor on the field and continuous communication has helped our team in creating a strong defense. She is able to play fluidly and adapt when needed. She has skill sets which are necessary for the chaos that game scenarios bring,” said Natalie Hughes, her lacrosse coach. “Being a starting defender for our varsity team and a captain last season has empowered Molly’s confidence in her stick skills and leadership skills. She has taken a more vocal approach to teaching our new defenders and holding team accountability in a positive way,” said Hughes.
While lacrosse is her passion, Cook’s personality off the field is different from the intense competitor she appears during games.
“From just watching me play lacrosse, people probably wouldn’t guess that lacrosse is my happy place. In games, I get into my zone and get heated, in my ‘red,’ like Coach Hughes and Ledford say, because I know I need to be focused and give it my all. At practice, I’m like a new person and show up with energy and positivity,” said Cook.
“She assesses the situation and remains positive, and thinks about how she can improve it in the future,” said junior Ryllen Beasley, one of Cook’s teammates. “Molly is a light on the field who never hesitates to support everyone on the team. She stands out because you can see her genuine love for the sport and how she inspires her teammates,” she added.
Hughes said coaches saw a significant leap in Molly’s growth at the end of her freshman season and into the beginning of her sophomore season. “Her confidence began to grow as she took ownership over her skills and team atmosphere. Transitioning from JV to varsity-level competition aided Molly in her growth as a student-athlete,” said Hughes.
Cooks said that choosing Wheeling University for lacrosse was one of the easiest decisions she has made. “The second I stepped foot onto campus, I was greeted with wonderful staff and future teammates, as well as coaches,” said Cook. “I chose Wheeling because of the atmosphere on and off the field. The balance and expectations between academics and athletics was perfect for me,” she added.
Cook’s recruiting journey was extensive, involving conversations with numerous coaches. The process was tiring yet rewarding for her.
“Going through the recruiting process, I spoke with dozens of coaches, so when I spoke with the coaching staff from Wheeling, I knew I found what I was looking for. Coaching is very important to me because I know it can make or break your love for the sport, so getting nothing but appreciation from the coaches made me feel at home and like I was a part of the team and not just a number on the roster,” said Cook.
Watching Wheeling’s recent season, several players stood out to Cook. “Trinity Rose has been showing out each game and will be a senior by the time I get to Wheeling, so playing with her will be unreal. I’m also excited to play with Wheeling 2025 commits. I don’t see them play currently, but texting with them and building bonds before we get to campus is exciting as well,” said Cook.
Beyond lacrosse, Cook hopes to grow as both an athlete and an individual. “By the end of my time at Wheeling University, I see myself being humble on the field and being prepared for my future,” said Cook.
Outside of sports, she looks forward to exploring her new surroundings. “Only visiting once, I’m most excited to experience downtown Wheeling, West Virginia, and to take a meaningful trip to explore the town,” she said.
Cook will be officially signing to Wheeling in November 2025, just a few months after taking on the role of 2026 Yearbook Editor along with rising senior River McMillian.
