WHSV Sports Presents: Fuccillo's fight to compete

Natalie Fuccillo is a starting defender for James Madison, but her career at JMU is one that almost didn't happen.

After two ACL tears, a shoulder injury and four major surgeries, Fuccillo's career was at a crossroads.

"I was thinking, is it worth it? Do I want to play? Do I not want to play," Fuccilo said. "And Shelley is like, you're playing."

"She had what it took," James Madison lacrosse head coach Shelley Klaes-Bawcombe said. "She had talent. And she just needed to re-commit herself to her process."

After fighting back from her injuries, Fuccillo debuted for the Dukes in her junior season, appearing in nine games while contributing to the team's national title run last year. This year as a senior, she has been a starting defender for the whole year.

"I did it," Fuccillo told WHSV. "Everything is worth it."

This weekend, Fuccillo and the Dukes will try to win their third consecutive CAA tournament.

***Some video in story was provided courtesy of James Madison University Athletics***