Mistretta Grateful for Teammates and Time at CU

BOULDER - About two weeks into March, University of Colorado senior Jen Mistretta and her teammates got heartbreaking news that the 2020 lacrosse season was over due to Covid-19. For Mistretta and her seven senior teammates, this news most likely meant they played their final game and their Buff careers were over.

"When coach came and gave us the news, the team was devastated," Mistretta said. "Everything went from 100 to 0 so fast."

The lacrosse team finished its short season with a 3-2 record as conference play was just beginning. The Buffs hosted Oregon on March 6, defeating the Ducks 21-5, in what would end up being their only Pac-12 contest of the season.

The team's 19-8 win versus Coastal Carolina two days later on March 8 ended up being its last game. Although she didn't know it at the time, Mistretta is still thankful to have been able to play with her teammates for one last game.

"I am just very grateful to be on the field with my teammates one last time," Mistretta said. "I watched this program grow as a whole in four years and I feel lucky to be a part of that."

Jen Mistretta, a midfielder from Nanuet, N.Y., chose CU over major schools like Michigan and USC, and is very happy with her decision. After starting in all four years, Mistretta grew into a key player during her time at CU and an indispensable leader for the Buffs.

"I am so proud of Jen and what she has accomplished here in her four years," head coach Ann Elliott Whidden said. "Her impact on the field grew every year, and while it may have gone unnoticed in the stat book, it was not unnoticed to her teammates and coaches. She does all the little things and is a silent competitor."

In her career, Mistretta started 48 out of 61 games. She tallied 13 goals and 15 assists along with 67 ground balls, 37 caused turnovers and 13 draw controls. She was a staple in CU's lineup, which helped them become one of the top teams in the Pac-12s. Her game was much more than what was seen on paper.

"She was so confident in her voice and her own unique leadership style. Her teammates look up to her. They know she is always there for them on and off the field, and she just genuinely cares about their well-being and success, as well as the team's," Whidden said.

In 2018, Mistretta's sophomore year, Colorado won the inaugural regular season Pac-12 title. With a 9-1 conference record, CU displayed both offensive and defensive dominance. With Mistretta adding to that dominance on both ends, that season will go down as her favorite.

"That season was definitely special. Winning the regular season title is such a good memory with all my teammates. The whole team just bought in to our roles and it paid off," Mistretta said.

With lacrosse now in her past most likely, Mistretta is thinking about the future. With an advertising degree and an interest in marketing, she will have a lot to consider.

Mistretta will always remember her time in Boulder, both on and off the field. She made great friendships with her teammates and will leave a legacy behind of both hard work and leadership.

"Jen was at the heart of this program and her impact will be forever lasting on both the team and her teammates," said Whidden.

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