Siena lacrosse’s Dobrzynski breaking records as feeder

No player in Division I women’s lacrosse has had more assists this season than Siena’s Grace Dobrzynski.

Dobrzynski has been breaking all kinds of records in her third season with the Saints — namely, MAAC single-season assists and most assists in Siena program history.

“It’s been so much fun learning about that type of role,” said Dobrzynski, a junior attacker for the Saints. “And to be kind of a specific role on this team is really exciting. And I’ve always just been trying to learn as much as I can and grow in that role.”

Dobrzynski wasn’t always a distributor. Growing up in Rhode Island, she was more of a scorer. Dobrzynski grew up playing lacrosse with her two older brothers, who also went on to compete at the college level.

“I would practice, playing with them, and shooting on male goalies,” she said. “All types of things like that definitely was always a challenge. And they were pushing me. I think I grew so much from just learning from them, really.”

When it became her turn to decide on which college to continue her lacrosse career, it was the Siena and the Albany Medical College Science and Humanities program that drew her to the Capital Region. 

“Both of my parents are doctors, and my grandfather was also a doctor,” said Dobrzynski. “I’ve had definitely a lot of exposure to the medical field in my upbringing. And I always had a curiosity, but I’ve been able to explore it so much more because of that background.”

As Dobrzynski began her journey to becoming a doctor, on the field, she quickly fit in. From the get-go, she has been establishing herself as the feeder, and helping to create a dominant offense.

“Grace is constantly growing and learning in her role,” said Danielle Schwan-Tetreault, Siena’s head coach. “She’s really taken on a lot of pressure in that situation, and she’s handled that well. I just think every year, she’s getting better at her decision making.”

Handling adversity on and off the field has given Dobrzynski a lot of confidence — and she still has a year of eligibility remaining.

“Every year, I’ve had the support from my other teammates and my coaches,” Dobrzynski said. “It’s just been really gradually growing into the person in the leader that I’m hoping to become.”