NEW BRITAIN, Conn. – Abbey Cannon did not always picture herself leading a Division I lacrosse program. Now, the senior attack serves as a second-year captain for Central Connecticut State University’s women’s lacrosse team, a role she embraces with confidence and perspective.
A native of New Hampshire, Cannon began playing lacrosse in first grade, initially joining because of the sports-heavy influence throughout her upbringing. What started as a childhood activity quickly became something more structured and meaningful, she said.
“I just stuck with it,” Cannon said. “I love the sport. I love having a regimented schedule, and it’s brought so many people into my life that I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”
By eighth grade, she decided she wanted to pursue lacrosse at the collegiate level. She enrolled in a private high school known for its competitive program to increase her recruiting opportunities. Although she did not make varsity until her senior year, Cannon viewed the experience as fuel rather than failure.
Her former junior varsity coach, Mike Coutu, helped shape that mindset. After a disappointing season, he encouraged her to channel frustration into growth.
“You can still use it as fuel,” Cannon recalled. “He’s the reason I stuck with it.”
Cannon eventually earned her varsity spot and continued chasing her goal of playing Division I lacrosse. After spending two years at a school in Florida, she chose to transfer back to New England. Central immediately felt like the right fit.
Years earlier, she had toured the university as a prospective student and did not believe she was at the level to compete there.
“I didn’t think I was at the skill level to play Division I at the time,” Cannon said. “So it’s cool to look back at that now.”
On the field, Cannon plays the “X” position behind the net, a role that allows her to control the offense and create opportunities for teammates. She compares it to being a quarterback, reading the defense and distributing the ball.
“I love to feed,” she said. “I like setting plays up. I want to help my teammates score. That’s more important to me than having the goals.”
Her leadership style reflects that same team-first mentality. As a captain, Cannon prioritizes being approachable and vocal, whether helping younger players adjust to college lacrosse or offering support off the field.
“I think it’s important to be that person people can come to,” Cannon said. “Whether it’s lacrosse, school or something else.”
Balancing athletics and academics requires discipline. Cannon structures her schedule with several online courses to accommodate practices, lifts and travel. She credits CCSU’s Student Athlete Academic Center for helping student-athletes stay organized and accountable.
“The time commitment is huge,” Cannon said. “It feels like a full-time job and going to school. But I chose it, and I love it.”
It’s not just practice and games, Cannon said. Sacrificing early mornings, school breaks, and even holidays is all a part of the commitment.
Even still, looking ahead, Cannon hopes to remain involved in the sport after graduation, potentially as a graduate assistant or collegiate coach.
“Lacrosse has given me so much,” she said. “I definitely want to stay in it.”
As the Blue Devils continue building momentum this season, Cannon is focused on growth –– both individually and as a team.
“I love Central,” she said. “I’m really, really excited for what this season holds.”
