Credit: Elle Mueller

Junior Elle Mueller recently committed to play Division II lacrosse at Saint Michael’s College.

With a stick in her hands and a goal in mind, junior Elle Mueller has turned determination into opportunity, recently committing to play Division II lacrosse at Saint Michael’s College in Vermont.

Mueller’s commitment highlights not only her individual achievement, but also the growing strength of the lacrosse program at Wayland High School. Even though playing lacrosse in college wasn’t always the plan, she recently decided that was a path she wanted to pursue.

“I never really thought about playing college lacrosse until about the end of last school year,” Mueller said. “I always had the idea in the back of my mind, but I never thought I was capable.”

Once she made that decision, Mueller quickly took initiative. Beginning in the fall of her junior year, she reached out to college coaches through the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) recruitment platform, created a highlight reel to showcase her skills and competed in high-level club tournaments in order to gain exposure.

“My club team had the opportunity to play in many showcase tournaments,” Mueller said. “The biggest one was in Florida in the fall where tons of college coaches attended.”

Within just six months, her effort led to a commitment at Saint Michael’s College. However, her path to that accomplishment was not without its challenges. During the 2025 spring lacrosse season, Mueller saw limited playing time on varsity, which was an experience she chose to transform into motivation, rather than discouragement.

“I found the positive spin on it and used this to fuel me to work harder,” Mueller said. “Now I’m a starter, and I’m playing D2 in college, which is something I would never have thought would happen last year.”

The rapid progression from being sidelined to becoming a key contributor at the next level reflects not only her persistence, but also the steady development of her skills and confidence over time. Her commitment to improving every aspect of her game, especially her stick work and on-field decision-making, has been evident through the season.

“Elle has improved a ton since when she first came in and started playing with us,” girls varsity lacrosse coach Ashley Means said. “I think she was a kid that hadn’t fully developed her stick yet, and now she’s a consistent player in our varsity program. We rely on her a lot.”

Now a key contributor to WHS, Mueller has built her game through consistent effort both on and off the field.

“She’s very calm and poised, which we love,” Means said. “As a defender, having that clear, thoughtful mindset in the back is huge. She has a really strong presence.”

Mueller said that she tries to pick up her stick almost every day, and that it is very important for her to keep her stick skills sharp.

Her dedication extends beyond stick work, focusing on fitness, conditioning and extra training through club lacrosse, all of which have helped prepare her for the next level.

Means believes that Mueller’s mindset is exactly what will allow her to succeed at the college level.

“She’s super driven, and I think this is just like the next step for her,” Means said. “She wants to be better. She wants to keep working. She wants to be ready when she gets there.”

When it came time to choose a college, Mueller said Saint Michael’s College stood out for both academic and athletic reasons. Mueller also noted the team environment, campus and coach as major factors in the process.

“The education piece is the whole reason I’m going,” Mueller said. “The second I met the girls, I could totally see myself fitting in with the team dynamic and daily lifestyle of the girls.”

Throughout the recruiting process, Mueller built strong connections with coaches, something she said made a lasting impact on her decision.

“I had an amazing relationship with the coaching staff,” Mueller said. “I can’t wait to see how it develops.”

Behind the scenes, Mueller credits much of her success to the people who supported her along the way, especially her family.

“My dad is my biggest supporter and my toughest critic at the same time,” Mueller said. “He watches endless hours of film and breaks it down with me.”

Now, with her commitment official, Mueller is taking time to reflect on the achievement.

“This commitment means a lot,” Mueller said. “I am really proud to be where I am. I think it reflects all the work I have put in.”

As she continues her junior season at WHS, Mueller remains focused on finishing strong while also preparing for the next chapter of her lacrosse career.

“It’s so rewarding and exciting,” Mueller said. “I feel an extreme rush of excitement and honor to play for the Purple Knights.”