North Hills Lacrosse Team Credits Jamison For Much of Its Success

Emily Jamison, co-captain of the North Hills girls lacrosse team was one of the driving players behind its recent title claim and perfect 20-0 season.

“She is a phenomenal athlete, one of the best I’ve ever seen,” said Coach Rachel McGregor. “[She’s an] athlete, not just lacrosse player. I can’t speak highly enough of her. She has an instinct like I’ve never seen before. She’s just one of those kind of kids you show up to practice for. She’s never missed a game, she’s never missed a practice.

Jamison, 15 and a junior at , had six goals last week in the WPIAL championship final against Chartiers Valley and was one of 20 athletes named to First Team All-WPIAL. She also was selected as a Division II All-Star. She also is a member of the varsity soccer and basketball teams, but lacrosse has consumed her life, she said.

“My older brother used to play lacrosse for the boys team, and I always just wanted to try it,” Jamison said, adding that she’s been playing since she was in the seventh grade. “They never had a team before seventh grade, so I had to wait until seventh grade to try it, and I’m really glad I did now.”

McGregor said she considers her one of the best young players in the field.

“There’s no kid that can top her,” she said. “I’m very lucky to have coached her and to continue to coach her, and I can’t wait to see what she does for lacrosse, because she just keeps getting better every year.”

Jamison’s teammates share McGregor’s praise. Emma Wingerd, who plays basketball and lacrosse with Jamison, said she considers her the perfect lacrosse player.

“She is willing to do whatever it takes for her team to win,” Wingerd said. “She is supportive of everybody; she’s always doing her best. She makes her teammates want to become better players and better people in general.”

Jamison’s future is certainly bright. Besides the previously named awards, Jamison has played on the Western Pennsylvania Women’s National Team, is a Pittsburgh Lacrosse Foundation an all-star and a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette high school athlete of the week.

“She’s very determined, hates to lose,” said Emily’s father, Bryan Jamison. “It almost is like a fear of losing. I think that’s what motivates her. Her work ethic is exceptional. All her coaches are always commenting on that.”

Jamison’s hard work does not go unnoticed. Even the parents of her teammates are able to spot her determination.

“Emily’s a quiet force,” said Lynda Wingerd, mother of teammate Emma. “She’s doesn’t have a lot to say. She just goes out there and puts her nose down and does her job. She’s a very nice, talented girl.”

Jamison continues to practice in the off-season, playing club lacrosse with Pittsburgh Select Lacrosse, an organization composed of western Pennsylvania girls who excel at the sport.

As for the future, Jamison is undecided what she wants to do. Several colleges interested in having her play at the college level are already pursuing her.

“I never even imagined I would get that far, but I just can’t even take it all in,” Jamison said.