Ferris will now go to UMass

Carthage girls lacrosse standout Katie Ferris has changed her college plans for next season.

Ferris, a Times All-North first-team selection, still plans to play NCAA Division I lacrosse in New England. But instead of competing for the University of Connecticut, she will play for the University of Massachusetts.

Ferris recently was released from her commitment to play lacrosse for Connecticut. She had signed a letter of intent to play for the Huskies in November.

Ferris said that Huskies head coach Angela McMahon was a big part of why she had decided on UConn. But when McMahon accepted the position of women's lacrosse at UMass, Ferris decided to follow. McMahon was named UMass head coach on July 9.

"I felt very strongly about playing for coach McMahon," Ferris said. "She and I have a great relationship. I like her coaching style and her visions as to where she sees the program going. She will make me work hard, and I'm excited about that."

Ferris has an undeclared major, but plans to study sports management.

The timing of her decision to change direction has made going off to college a challenge, but Ferris believes she has made a good decision.

"UMass is a stronger team and the coach will probably expect more from me," she said. "She will push me to be the best player I can be."

UMass is the two-time defending Atlantic 10 Conference champion.

McMahon coached for two years at UConn, going 12-21, including a 4-11 Big East mark. UConn was 9-8 overall last season.

McMahon was associate coach at UMass in 2007 and 2008. She replaced Alexis Venechanos, who took the head coaching job at Ohio State.

Ferris said she will start school Sept. 2 and begin fall practice soon afterward. Meanwhile, she has been working out in the weight room and running.

In July, Ferris competed on the Central women's scholastic lacrosse team at the Empire State Games in Buffalo. Ferris contributed 15 goals and an assist during her five games for the fourth-place Central squad.

Last season, Ferris registered 107 goals and 28 assists in her senior season as Carthage advanced to the state Class C championship game, falling to Shoreham-Wading River 10-9.

As a junior, Ferris set the state scoring record with 138 goals, and she is the career scoring leader for Carthage with 363 goals and 87 assists for 450 points.

Ferris is the daughter of Amie and Joseph Ferris of West Carthage.