Izzy Marsh joins the Blue Devils after a successful prep career at McDonogh High School. Rated as the No. 64 recruit in the 2020 class, Marsh was set to captain her senior squad before the season's cancellation. As a junior Marsh tallied 31 points on 28 goals and three assists while helping lead McDonogh to the 2019 IAAM A Conference championship. The Reisterstown, Md., native started as a sophomore, amassing 37 goals and 18 assists.
In club ball, Marsh competed for M&D 2020 Black, one of the top club teams in the country. In addition, she was a 2019 Under Armour All-America Highlight team member and tournament champion. She was also a member of the 2017 Under Armour All-America Command team and tournament runner up.
In addition to her lacrosse accomplishments, she also lettered for varsity field hockey and served as the team captain and earned IAAM All-Conference team honors as a senior.
Meet Izzy:
How has the adjustment from HS lacrosse to college lacrosse been so far? I have realized that there is definitely a difference between HS and college lacrosse, but I think it is something that I have adjusted to pretty well and smoothly! With help from my teammates and coaches, I have been able to learn so much in a short period of time and I'm happy with how I've adapted to the change of pace and rules in college.
What has been your favorite moment of DWL? I've had a ton of amazing moments with DWL, but I think my favorite moment so far was our Blue vs. White golf tournament! It was so fun and funny being able to bond with my teammates over successful rounds of birdies, pars, and bogeys as well as horribly embarrassing swings, hits, and whiffs. It was a great way to get to know my teammates better, get rid of some stress, and play golf again!
Who is your roommate and what has been your favorite moment with them so far? My roommate is
Katie Keller! She is literally the best roommate and at this point I think we can read each other's minds. We are always laughing and having fun and have had so many moments that I have loved, but I think my favorite moments are our midweek dance/karaoke parties that we have (just the two of us) at least three times a week. We like the same type of music and are always in the same moods for which genre we want. If we are tired or need a break from homework, I can always count on Keller to blast some music, put on the disco lights, and dance and sing with me on our balcony with the microphone! Our neighbors probably hate us.
What has the semester been like in the midst of COVID-19? Although COVID-19 has changed some of the aspects of our first semester at Duke, I wouldn't trade it for the world! It has been an absolutely amazing experience so far. I've had such a fun time becoming friends and getting closer with all of my teammates, attending some in-person classes, finishing fall ball all the way through, and making unforgettable memories with the team and especially the other freshman. I can't thank Duke enough for getting all of this to happen even with COVID-19 in the mix!
Best lacrosse memory: Beating NDP at US Lacrosse Headquarters under the lights after losing to them the previous year (also at US Lacrosse) and losing the streak in the IAAM A Conference Championship game.
Why did you choose Duke? I chose Duke because of its stellar reputation in both academics and athletics, not to mention Duke's beautiful campus and incredible school spirit. The opportunities are endless. I could see Duke students and athletes encouraging and pushing each other to become successful and the best possible versions of themselves, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it. When I first visited, I could clearly see and feel Duke's sense of community and camaraderie; everyone I met– the women's lacrosse team and coaches, regular students, other athletes, staff, etc.– were so kind and welcoming, and they truly made me feel at home. I could really see myself at Duke, and I could not be more excited and grateful to become a part of the school.
Goals for your collegiate career: I want to be the best teammate I can be as well as reach my full potential in lacrosse. I want to help in any way possible and will do whatever it takes to help guide the Blue Devils to success and championships– I hate to lose. I don't want to leave any experience that I
desire to have behind, and I hope that in the process of all of this, I can become the best version of myself.
To be a part of the Duke Women's Lacrosse program is… a dream come true. I remember
coming to Duke Women's Lacrosse camps in middle school and immediately falling in love with the school and team atmosphere. I looked up to the players so much, and I knew I wanted to be one of them someday, though the journey would be long and challenging. Duke has always been my dream school, and I truly feel so lucky and honored to have this amazing opportunity.
Favorite athlete: Serena Williams
When did you start playing lacrosse? Describe your early days: I started playing lacrosse when I was in kindergarten at McDonogh. I played with all of my friends, and we played in the McDonogh "pockets" league until we were old enough to move up to "tykers" then "lightning", etc. Every year, we played in Lax Splash which was a youth tournament in Baltimore. I played with an STX flowered stick, and I still have my uniform from kindergarten!
What do you plan to major in? I am not quite positive of what I want to major in, and I definitely want to keep all of my doors open. I have always loved and been good at math and science, and I plan for my major to include those subjects in one way or another!
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions? For my pre-game rituals, I always eat an Oats n' Honey Nature Valley bar followed by a bag of dark-chocolate chocolate chips and braid my hair. I keep my braids the same way each season and cannot change it up! I also use a specific hair tie each season.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Doctor at Duke University Hospital? Wall Street? I'm not sure!
Who has had the biggest impact on your life and why? My parents have had the biggest impact on my life. They have taught me all of the most honorable characteristics in my life including kindness, responsibility, honesty, respect, love, reliability, courage, and diligence. My parents have
never told me to do or be something (of course there is occasionally encouragement)– their very presence and effectiveness as role models have influenced me to become who I am today. Their decision to send me to McDonogh School has also been one of the most major impacts on my life. I could not have asked for a better place to grow up and for a better family to be surrounded by.
Hobbies: Cooking, skiing, hiking, playing with/walking my dogs, listening to music, putting music playlists/ music together, cleaning/ organizing (yes, I know that's weird)
If you were to play another sport, what would it be? If I were to play another sport collegiately, I'd play field hockey for sure. If I were to play another sport in general, professional skiing would be cool.
Interesting fact about yourself/hidden talent: I can still restate the president song from 3rd grade that sings all of the 45 presidents in order. I somehow got Lamar Jackson's (Raven's quarterback) autograph before he got famous.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Paris, France.
Best advice you've ever received: Keep your options/ doors open. Do what you love, and love what you do. It will guide you to success in where you are supposed to be and what you are supposed to do in your life.
Izzy's Favorite…
Movie: Safe Haven
TV Show: Grey's Anatomy
Book: Divergent
Musician: Coldplay and Louis the Child
Food: Berries
Color: Blue
#GoDuke