Photo courtesy of NJ.com

Carson Didden ’24 has been selected to compete in the 19th Annual Senior All-America Lacrosse Game on July 27, 2024, on the historic Homewood Field at Johns Hopkins University. Recognized as the premier showcase for high school lacrosse players, this elite gathering of Lacrosse athletes will get underway at 5:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPNU. Earlier in the school year, Didden signed a National Letter of Intent to attend and play Division I Lacrosse at Notre Dame University in the fall of 2024.

“Her approach to the game is second to none,” said Oak Knoll Lacrosse Coach Gianna Sgroi. “She is a student of the game and has one of the highest lacrosse IQs I’ve had in my program and had the pleasure of coaching.”

As a senior captain, Didden is a leadership model for her team. Serving in the midfield for Oak Knoll, Didden’s strengths are in transition play, moving the ball on offense, and defending against some of the top attackers in the state.  

“She is the definition of hard work and determination and will do anything to help the team succeed,” explained Coach Sgroi. “Carson has solidified that she is a go-to voice on the field for the rest of the team, who is young and looks up to her. She is a leader in her play and in her communication skills, commanding respect not only because of her performance but also because of her knowledge of the game and ability to adapt and adjust when we need it the most.”

This season, Didden has 14 goals, two assists, and 30 draw controls. Her career totals are 39 goals, 11 assists, and 69 draw controls.

“I am so honored to be selected to play in the All-American Senior game,” said Didden. “I’ve been watching this game since I was little, so it feels surreal to play it soon.” 

During her time at Oak Knoll, Didden has excelled both on and off the field. She is Senior Class Vice President, a Conduct Review Committee Representative, and an Athletic Council Member for three years. She is also an AP Scholar with High Honors. Outside of Oak Knoll, she coaches club lacrosse and serves as a youth lector at church.

“It’s an incredible opportunity to compete with the best players in the country and grow and learn from them,” explained Didden. “Playing for a team with a legacy like Oak Knoll’s has taught me so much. My coaches and teammates have given me the opportunity to learn strength and perseverance, which I am so grateful for.”

Congratulations to this exemplar of Oak Knoll values and a genuinely stellar scholar-athlete.