Northport's Gilroy Gets Gators to Final Four

The last time Northport sports fans saw Shannon Gilroy, she on was crutches after tearing the ACL in her left knee in the final seconds of the state Class A championship game.

 to their first ever state title, an 11-10 overtime thriller over Pittsford last June. She tied it with 58 seconds left in regulation and netted the go-ahead goal in OT. But Gilroy hurt her knee on the play 25 seconds into OT and was carried off the field.

While her legacy as one of the great athletes in history is secure, Gilroy’s immediate future seemed in doubt. She appeared destined to redshirt her freshman year at the University of Florida, according to Kevin Brockway of the Gainesville Sun.

Thanks to intensive rehab and a Florida staff intent to get her on the field, Gilroy played in all but one game this season and led the Gators to its first NCAA Final Four in women’s lacrosse.

“She's an incredible piece to the puzzle,” Florida coach Amanda O'Leary told the Sun. “Without her, I don't think we would be able to achieve the success that we've had. She's an integral part of the draw on the offensive end through the midfield, so she plays a huge part in our team.”

Despite Gilroy’s five goals, Florida fell to Syracuse, 14-13, in double overtime Friday night at Stony Brook University. Gilroy had four in the first half to put the Gators (19-3) up 7-3.

The Florida program is just three years old, and it will grow along with Gilroy, ESPN noted in the wake of the Final Four loss.  

Gilroy finished her freshman year at Florida with 44 goals, including nine in the NCAA Tournament. That's quite a finish for someone who serveral doubted would even get a chance to play this season.