Kara Cannizzaro, a 2009 graduate of Cazenovia High School, left an indelible mark on the athletic programs in lacrosse, indoor track, soccer, and cross-country. Her extraordinary prowess on the lacrosse field set her apart early, earning her a 4-year varsity career during which she accumulated 323 goals, 129 assists, 376 groundballs, and 212 caused turnovers. As team captain and a two-time High School All-American, she led her team to multiple accolades. At the University of North Carolina, she solidified her legacy by leading the Tar Heels to their first-ever national championship in 2013, becoming the first UNC women’s lacrosse player to be nominated for an ESPN ESPY Award. Beyond her playing career, Cannizzaro has become a leader in the lacrosse community and athletic administration, continuing her legacy of excellence both on and off the field.

Cazenovia High School: Class of 2009

Kara Cannizzaro’s high school career at Cazenovia High School was nothing short of extraordinary. A multi-sport athlete, Kara excelled in lacrosse, indoor track, soccer, and cross-country. She was a four-year varsity lacrosse player, amassing remarkable statistics: 323 goals, 129 assists, 376 groundballs, and 212 caused turnovers. Her leadership was undeniable as she captained the lacrosse team in 2009, earning honors as a High School All-American in both 2008 and 2009. In addition, she played in the prestigious Under Armour All-America game and was recognized as an All-Star at the National School Girl Tournament. Kara’s accolades included being named to the All-CNY Lacrosse Team in both 2008 and 2009 and earning bronze medals as part of the Empire State Team in 2007 and 2008. Her dominance in lacrosse was further solidified with four consecutive selections to the OHSL League First Team from 2006 to 2009.

In addition to her prowess in lacrosse, Kara was a standout in other sports. She was a three-year varsity athlete in indoor track, where she earned OHSL All-League First Team honors twice and was named MVP three times. Kara’s contributions extended to soccer as well, where she earned two OHSL All-League First Team selections and was named to the All-Sectional Team in her senior year. As a cross-country runner, she led the team as the MVP in 2009.

Kara’s excellence extended beyond athletics as she was recognized as the Most Outstanding Female Athlete at Cazenovia Central in 2009 and maintained a place on the honor roll throughout her high school career.

University of North Carolina: Class of 2013

Kara’s lacrosse career continued at the University of North Carolina, where she made an indelible mark on the program. She played in all 81 games during her collegiate career, becoming a three-year starter. In her senior year, Kara led the team in goals, assists, points, groundballs, and caused turnovers. Her impressive career statistics included 157 goals, 46 assists, 203 points, and 91 caused turnovers, leading the team in that category during her sophomore, junior, and senior seasons.

In 2013, Kara led UNC to its first national championship in program history, a historic achievement that earned her recognition as the first women’s lacrosse player to be nominated for an ESPN ESPY Award. Her exceptional performance in the NCAA Tournament earned her the title of Most Outstanding Player, another first for the program. That same year, Kara was honored with the prestigious Honda Award as the national player of the year and was a finalist for the Tewaaraton Award, placing in the top five. As a team captain in 2013, Kara’s leadership was invaluable, and she received numerous awards, including the Athletic Director’s Scholar-Athlete Award and the Patterson Medal, UNC Athletics’ highest honor.

Kara’s achievements did not stop there. She was named the Rammy’s Female Athlete of the Year at Carolina in 2013 and was a two-time IWLCA All-American, earning First Team honors in 2013 and Third Team honors in 2012. She was also named to the All-ACC Tournament Team in 2012 and 2013 and achieved a remarkable 100% shooting percentage in two NCAA games. Her academic achievements were equally impressive, with honors that included the ACC Academic Honor Roll, Dean’s List, and a place on the All-ACC Academic Women’s Lacrosse Team.

Kara’s contributions to the sport extended beyond the college level as she was a U.S. Senior National Team member in 2011-2012.

Additional Lacrosse Achievements: 2013-Present

Kara’s commitment to lacrosse continued after college. From 2013 to 2020, she was a Nike-sponsored lacrosse athlete, and in 2013, she served as the North Head Coach for the Under Armour All-America game. She coached at various levels, including as head coach at North Broward Prep in Florida in 2014 and as a volunteer assistant coach at Denver University in 2015.

Her coaching career also included a position as head coach at Valor Christian and a role with the Boston Storm, a team in the first professional women’s lacrosse league. Kara also served as the coach and director of Carolina Women’s Lacrosse Camps from 2017 to 2023.

In addition to coaching, Kara held leadership roles at the University of North Carolina. From 2017 to 2021, she was the Director of Engagement and Development for Carolina Lacrosse, and from 2021 to 2024, she served as Assistant Athletic Director for Student and Alumni Engagement at UNC Chapel Hill. Kara’s contributions to lacrosse and her alma mater were recognized in 2022 when she was named one of the 50 Champions of Carolina Women’s Athletics.

Kara Cannizzaro’s legacy is one of excellence, leadership, and dedication. Currently serving as the Assistant Athletic Director for NIL and Leadership at UNC-Chapel Hill and working as a Division II and III collegiate official, Kara continues to inspire the next generation of athletes while contributing to the growth and success of women’s lacrosse.