LGR 191: Bringing the positive vibes with Bella McCullough

In this episode, Coach Damon Wilson is joined by Bella McCullough, a sophomore goalie for William Penn University and a key player for Team Mexico. Bella details her fast-paced lacrosse journey, how she uses ADHD as an in-game advantage, and the steps she takes to consistently lead and elevate her team's energy.

"When I stepped in goal, it felt like home. I felt like I could command the field and help contribute in a meaningful way." — Bella McCullough

Key Highlights & Takeaways
Finding Stability in the Crease: Moving to California at age 10, Bella found immediate success playing for a local club team. She fell in love with the position because it offered a sense of control and stability, allowing her to direct the field and support her team.

An ADHD "Superpower": Rather than seeing it as a distraction, Bella describes her ADHD as an asset in the cage. Instead of focusing on a single spot, she naturally scans the entire scene, helping her anticipate cuts, coordinate defensive calls, and predict shots ahead of time.

An Aggressive Playstyle: Standing at 5'11", Bella uses her size and explosive, quick movements to dominate the crease. She focuses heavily on body placement and maintains a highly aggressive stance, prioritizing stopping the ball over perfect technique.

Representing Team Mexico: Backed by dual citizenship through her Mexican-born mother, Bella earned a coveted spot on Team Mexico for the World Lacrosse Championships. She shares the creative ways she bridged the language barrier and bonded with her new teammates to establish strong field communication.

Acts of Energy Propulsion: Bella shares her pre-game routine for those low-energy days: listening to a specific high-intensity song to clear any negative thoughts and fully focus on the game.

The Transition to Division I: Reflecting on her recent growth and her standout performance against Italy, Bella shares her decision to transfer to Longwood University, a Division I program, to challenge herself at the highest competitive level.