From Eagle to Panther: Courtney Del Cid '26
February 25, 2026
Last year, Courtney Del-Cid ’26 reached an exciting milestone in her athletic career, committing to continue her lacrosse journey at the University of Pittsburgh. While the commitment came during her junior year, the path to that decision began long before high school and was shaped in meaningful ways during her time at ESD.
She first picked up a lacrosse stick at eight years old. At the time, she had already been playing soccer for years and saw lacrosse as another sport to try. Over time, however, she began to recognize the similarities between the games and found herself increasingly drawn to lacrosse’s pace, strategy, and team dynamic. Throughout middle school and into high school, she balanced both club lacrosse and club soccer, while also competing in field hockey.
When she arrived at ESD as a freshman, she described herself as a ‘typical’ new student — quiet and unsure at first. Advisory quickly became an important space for connection, and athletics played a significant role in helping her feel at home. Many of her closest friendships formed through shared teams, both at school and at the club level.
“Here, you really feel like you matter,” she said, reflecting on the relationships she has built with teachers and coaches. She credits ESD faculty members for taking the time to know her individually and for supporting her as she navigated both academics and the demands of club athletics.
The recruiting process itself was rigorous. Summers were filled with camps, showcases, tournaments, and campus visits. With little downtime and no set expectations, she approached each opportunity with an open mind. After visiting several schools, she found the right fit at Pittsburgh, drawn especially to the team culture and the way student-athletes were supported on and off the field. She committed shortly after her visit and now looks forward to joining the program in the years ahead.
Her development as a player has also been influenced by those who came before her. She looks up to Taylor Thornton and ESD alumna Charlotte North ‘17 as inspirations, drawing from their example and accomplishments as she continues to shape her own path in the game. At home, she credits her father — a former track athlete at Colgate University — as one of her greatest role models, encouraging discipline and consistency in both athletics and academics.
Beyond competition, she shares that being part of the girls lacrosse program at ESD has strengthened her faith. The team’s emphasis on shared values and faith has been an important part of her high school experience, deepening both her friendships, her understanding of community, and her relationship with God.
As she continues her senior year, she remains focused on contributing to her teams, investing in her academics, and making the most of her time at ESD. Her commitment to Pittsburgh marks an exciting next step — one built on years of dedication, steady growth, and the support of the ESD community along the way.
