Dental Arts of Westwood Athlete of The Month: Hillary Noble

Hillary Noble graduated from Westwood High School in June, wrapping a stellar lacrosse career by being named First-Team All-Tri Valley League as the Wolverines advanced to the Elite Eight in the MIAA Division 2 Tournament. Hillary will attend Skidmore in the fall, where she will play lacrosse for the Thoroughbreds. As summer began, Hillary shared some thoughts about her time in Westwood.
 

When did you know that lacrosse was going to be your #1 sport?
I had a feeling very early on that lacrosse was going to be my number one sport. I played both lacrosse and basketball growing up, but because I played Mass Elite, which is my club team, I played lacrosse year round and grew to love the sport.
 

Do you have a memory of watching Westwood High School lacrosse when you were growing up?
Yes! My sister played on the varsity team from 2017-2020 and I would go to every one of her games. I remember one game when they played Notre Dame Academy, her junior year, and beat them in OT. Both Westwood and NDA were such strong teams when she played and they still are today. I remember that game being so intense, I don’t think my eyes ever left the field.
 

What has the experience of playing Westwood lacrosse meant to you?
Westwood lacrosse has meant so much to me. It truly is a community and I have made friendships that will last a lifetime. Westwood lacrosse helps you become not just a better player but a better teammate and person. We also love to support the boys team and having them support us at our games is awesome.
 

What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve taken from your time in Westwood?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve taken away from my time at Westwood is not taking anything for granted. I’ve learned to appreciate the present and what is in front of you because it is not going to be there forever. Also, through Westwood sports, I have learned how to be a good teammate, leader, and friend. I think it is so important to lean on teammates when you need help and vice versa and that is something I think will translate into real world experiences as well.
 

What were some of your favorite memories of growing up in Westwood?
One of my favorite memories growing up in Westwood is field day at the elementary school, where you’d spend the entire day outside playing games with your friends and classmates. I would look forward to field day every year. Another one of my favorite Westwood memories is winning the state championship in 2022. We had an undefeated season and to cap it off with a state championship is something that I will never forget.
 

Who’s the funniest person on the lacrosse team?
Although I think all my teammates are funny, I think the funniest is Cece Thurmond. She can get the whole team laughing within seconds and knows how to make a joke 10 times funnier.
 

What’s your favorite memory from being on the lacrosse team?
My favorite memory is beating Longmeadow last year in the playoffs in OT, after losing to them in OT in the regular season.
 

You made your college decision pretty early. What was the process like determining where you were going to attend college and play lacrosse?
Going through the recruitment process is very hard and stressful since it starts at such a young age. However, I had my sister (who also went through the recruiting process), parents, and coaches to help guide me through it. I started doing camps around freshman year and narrowed it down to a couple of schools. I choose Skidmore because of its balance between academics and athletics, its location, and the people!
 

Defenders don’t score a lot, so in place of goals, what gives you the greatest joy on the field?
When the defense gets a caused turnover or when Katherine makes a save it really pumps the defense up. One of the best feelings is when the defense gets the ball back, transitions it down the field and ends with the offense scoring a goal. In those moments it is awesome to know that those great plays on offense started on the other side of the field with the defense getting the ball. Also, when I do occasionally score my teammates click my stick and cheer for me which makes it so much better.
 

What are you looking to accomplish during your college career?
I want to find a good balance between athletics and academics while also meeting new people, making new memories, and capitalizing on any opportunities that come my way.
 

Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Hopefully living in MA or NY, working a job that I enjoy, and surrounding myself with my friends and family.
 

Who are the people most influential to your success so far and what would you like people to know about them?
The most influential person in my life is my sister Margaret. She taught me how to not only play lacrosse, but to love it as well. She motivates me not only when it comes to lacrosse but also in school. I want people to know how hardworking she is! I looked up to her so much as a kid and I still do to this day. My parents are also very influential in my life. I don’t think my dad has ever missed one of my games and has taught me how to go 110% all the time. I want people to know how caring they are. Growing up they would take me all over the place for various camps, tournaments, and games which could not have been fun for them, but they did it because they knew how much I loved it.
 

Congratulations, Hillary! If you want to nominate someone to be a future Dental Arts of Westwood Athlete of the Month, email Diana Bezdedeanu at dbezdedeanu@bestversionmedia.com