Women’s Lacrosse’s Vega Inspired to Follow in Her Parents’ Footsteps

BOSTON, Mass. – Carrying on the legacy left by two giants in Wentworth's athletic history is no easy feat. However, for one freshman who's up for the task and then some, it could be the making of an incredible storybook career. 

Freshman Sydney Vega (Wilmington, Mass.) of the Wentworth Institute of Technology women's lacrosse team came to Wentworth with one thing in mind: to graduate with her legacy left behind, both athletically and academically. Her parents, Michelle (Young) Vega '94 and Andre Vega '94, both graduated from Wentworth as two of the most decorated basketball players in the programs' respective histories. The pair met one another their freshman year and have been together since. 

Both of Vega's parents had incredible careers with the Leopards as both are in the exclusive 1,000-career point club, actually hitting the milestone within days of one another. Andre sits at 10th all-time in career points with 1,079 (95 career games) for the men's team while Michelle sits eighth all-time with 1,059 (84 career games) for the women's. 

In the decision-making process, Vega didn't feel the pressure of having to follow her parents' path. As Vega's parents would come back to Tansey Gymnasium each year for their respective teams' alumni games, Sydney would join the two, alongside her two older brothers, and make herself feel at home while watching them play. She heard enough, saw enough, and felt comfortable enough to place Wentworth as her top choice as a high school senior with aspirations to study Construction Management and play women's lacrosse. 

"I think that just because they came here that it was a good school. I also knew that it was at the top for Construction Management, so I was like, 'Why not just go there?'," said Vega. "They were kind of just like, 'Are you sure?' They didn't want it to be just because they went here. They were pushing me to look at other schools, but I didn't really want to." 

Vega's father focused primarily on Architecture during his time at Wentworth while her mother had her sights set on Facilities Management. Her father currently works for an architecture firm right in the heart of Boston as her mother works in affordable housing. With them two serving as Vega's inspiration, it was no question the freshman wanted to focus on what she thought was right in the middle of the two: construction management, with a focus in commercial real estate and a minor in business management. 

"I knew I wanted to do that because I like working with my hands and visual things. I used to go to work with him (my dad) a lot and see that kind of stuff," said Vega. "I was always interested in that but that was almost a little too 'desky' for me. I wanted to be out in the field." 

Vega also knew she wanted to continue playing lacrosse in college. Starting competition at a young age with the inspiration from her two older brothers, it was a no-brainer for Vega to continue playing with the Leopards. Although she hasn't made her debut for the Black & Gold just yet, head coach Ciara Morley loves what Vega brings to the table, from the sidelines to the field, both in the present and for the years to come. 

"Sydney brings a contagious, positivity to everything she does both on and off the field. She has consistently shown up to practices and games ready to encourage her teammates, reminding us to have fun and enjoy the time we have together," said Morley. "Looking ahead, we can't wait to have her uplifting, high-energy style of play back out on the field." 

Like Morley, Vega is excited for the future. Among the things she's looking forward to athletically is contributing to the team's success and instilling herself as a program great. She has her eyes set on Helen Hamblett's ('23) 56 all-time career assists program record, one that she looks to break to join the wavelengths of impact that both of her parents left in their respective sports during their time at Wentworth. 

"I just think the program is on the ups. She's (Head Coach Morley) is recruiting. People are coming to visit and talking to us," said Vega. "We (as a team) keep saying there's nowhere left to go but up. We are going to get better. I'm just excited to get better as a team and start winning." 

For now, Vega continues to bring the energy to whatever task she's tackling. Early on, she's devoted her time and energy to getting the most out of her college experience, so far unfortunately being limited to just being able to thrive in the classroom and cheer on her teammates on the sidelines. Vega's early aspirations career-wise include finding a career in commercial real estate, specifically in flipping houses. 

Like her parents, Vega too wants to leave a legacy with the Black & Gold. Her drive, thanks to her parents' guidance and her passion to emulate her older brothers, makes the dream a bold reality. Moreso, being uplifted and supported by a group like the Leopards' women's lacrosse program makes her ultimate goals much more feasible. 

"Just getting to hang out with the team and having a bunch of friends and not even the playing aspect (is the best part). Team bonding, being with everyone, and just the overall energy of the team is the more fun part," said Vega. "Everyone is super nice and welcoming and wants to do stuff together. We all get along really well and it's fun. The experience (is the best part of the team)." 

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