Seton Hill lacrosse standout Jackie Frank pointing the way

One of the leading scorers in NCAA Division II lacrosse played one varsity game as a high schooler.

Let that sink in.

It suffices to say Seton Hill graduate student Jackie Frank has made up for lost time, as she has 43 goals and 65 assists this season and was named PSAC West Player of the Year. Her assist total ranks second in the nation through Thursday, and her points are fourth. She has led the Griffins (14-4, 10-2) to their third NCAA Tournament berth in the past four years.

“We’ve gotten multiple tastes of NCAAs, so I think it’s about time we show the NCAA that we matter, especially with the talent we have this year,” said Frank, whose team faces No. 4 West Chester (16-2) at 3 p.m. Friday.

Frank’s time at Seton Hill has mirrored the rise of the program from afterthought to two-time defending PSAC West champion. Before she arrived, the Griffins never reached the NCAA Tournament.

“Jackie has a tremendous passion for the game and everyone around her,” Seton Hill coach Courtney Grove said. “She brings that passion, that drive, and teammates feed off that. Us coaches even feed off that. She has put that leadership to our program. I think she truly cares about this team and wants the best for it.”

Despite the lack of playing time in high school, Frank was not an obscure recruit. She just happened to attend Hauppauge High School on Long Island, which is a lacrosse hotbed. Frank said the coach also coached soccer, and those players generally received the bulk of the playing time. Frank’s one varsity appearance came on senior day. She instead made her mark on the travel circuit and drew some mid-major D-I attention, but it came after she committed to Seton Hill.

With the Griffins, she emerged as a sophomore in 2019, earning third-team all-conference honors after recording 37 goals, 48 assists and a PSAC-leading 85 points. After covid wiped out the 2020 season, Frank totaled 30 goals and 28 assists as a senior last season and was a first-team all-conference pick.

As an attack, the 5-foot-9 Frank sets up behind the net and orchestrates the offense. Her mindset is a perfect match for the role.

“When I was little, I chose to be behind the net,” Frank said. “That was always my thing because, ‘Hey, I’m closer to the net. That’s the easiest position.’ But growing up, I realized it kind of feels better to set up the play so someone else can do all the work.

“I know that sounds funny, but if I trust in my teammates to score the goal, it feels better giving them that. Scoring is amazing. I love it. But I feel better when I am the assister instead. It’s more exciting because it’s a team effort.”

Some subtle adjustments heading into the season have paid dividends, as well, Grove said.

“She was determined to make this team the best it could be under her guidance as the quarterback from behind the net,” Grove said. “She has taken the ball a lot more to cage. She’s looking to feed at different angles instead of just behind the cage.”

Frank is one of three graduate students on the team, with the others being roommates Colleen Roy and Kamille Ward. Frank said they came back in hopes of making history and recording the program’s first NCAA win.

She earned a master’s in hospital administration in the meantime, and a job at a nursing home awaits her on Long Island. The start date is flexible.

“My boss said go win NCAAs and come back whenever you’re ready,” she said.