Drew’s student-athletes showcase remarkable dedication and time management, especially those balancing multiple sports and transitioning between them during the academic year.
This adaptability, along with their commitment to both athletics and academics, highlights their exceptional discipline and work ethic.
This edition of our Ranger Spotlight highlights the achievements of Emily Monaco (‘26), a dual-sport athlete competing in both field hockey and women’s lacrosse.
A philosophy major with minors in political science and law, justice & society, Monaco is also on the law school dual-degree track, demonstrating her ambition on the field and in the classroom.
As a midfielder for both teams, Monaco has proven to be a force to be reckoned with. On the field hockey team, she has amassed 14 points and earned Landmark Conference Honor Roll recognition for the last two fall seasons.
In lacrosse, she serves as a left midfielder and team captain. She currently sits at 74 career ground balls, ranks fifteenth in the Landmark Conference for ground balls in the 2024 season and has also been named to the Landmark Conference Honor Roll for the past two spring semesters.
One of her most memorable moments came during the 2024 lacrosse season when the team secured the fourth seed in the playoffs, earning a home playoff game. “The game was electric, and it was an amazing experience to have the chance not only to play in the playoffs but also to play on our home turf,” said Monaco.
Beyond her accomplishments in competitions, Monaco is an active and engaged leader in the Drew community. She is one of the representatives for both her teams in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and has taken a role in creating and leading a Women’s Athlete Bible Study for the Campus Catholic Ministry Club.
Monaco has also worked closely with Drew’s strength and conditioning coach through a work-study position during the entirety of the 2023-24 academic year.
Beyond campus, she has spent the past two summers interning at Meagher & Meagher Attorneys at Law in New York. Her legal aspirations are further reflected in her rigorous academic track and involvement in related studies.
When reflecting on her academic experiences, she found it difficult to pick a favorite class due to the many positive experiences she had. However, she credits much of her academic growth to Drew’s philosophy department, particularly her experiences with Professors Darrell Cole and Seung-Kee Lee.
“Both professors have been the most understanding. They work proactively with each student, athlete or not, to make sure they are getting the most out of the class,” said Monaco. “Not only have their classes been extremely insightful, but they lecture with such authority that not only are you learning the material to its greatest extent, but you’re also learning how to have the confidence to think outside the box and argue any idea that you find extendable.”
Being a student-athlete has shaped Monaco in countless ways, instilling discipline, time management and an unwavering drive to succeed.
“Being an athlete has helped me cultivate a drive to become the best version of myself on and off the field,” said Monaco. “I need the motivation to reach my goals not only in my athletics but in my future professional career.”
As she continues her journey at Drew, Monaco remains a standout example of what it means to be a Ranger—dedicated, hardworking and striving for excellence in every aspect of her collegiate experience.
If you would like to nominate another student-athlete to be featured in future issues, please send their name to theacorn+sports@drew.edu.
Benjamin Castro is a senior double majoring in marketing and business.
