LTHS seniors Culin, Kristufek to continue lacrosse in college

Lyons Township High School senior Ashley Culin didn’t even begin playing lacrosse until the summer before her freshman year. By September 1 of her junior year, Culin was starting the recruiting process with hopes of playing in college.

“Although like most others I hadn’t been playing for my whole life, I was interested in the next level and I knew I had the dedication and passion to make it happen,” Culin said. “I was really open to a lot of options and let everything play out. It definitely worked out how it was supposed to.”

Culin now joins senior Grainne Kristufek as college-bound players. She will play at NCAA Division I Eastern Michigan University (Ypsilanti) and Kristufek at Division II Rockhurst University (Kansas City).

Kristufek’s first lacrosse memories are playing with her father when she was 5.

“I don’t remember a time when I didn’t play lacrosse,” Kristufek said. “I decided to pursue playing in college when I was a freshman and played on varsity. I loved being able to play every single day and I didn’t want to give that up.”

Both are statistical and emotional leaders for the Lions (7-2), who won five straight before being edged by St. Charles East 8-7, Saturday.

Kristufek has 28 goals, 27 draw controls and seven caused turnovers. Culin has 24 goals, 19 draw controls and six caused turnovers in eight games. Sophomore Peyton Johnson has 32 draw controls. The Lions have scored at least 10 goals in six victories, including 16-15 over Lockport April 15. The Lions lost to Downers Grove North 10-4 in their West Suburban Conference opener April 8.  

“I have loved growing and developing with some of the same girls since freshman year,” Culin said. “I have enjoyed playing in one of the toughest conferences in all of Illinois. A good amount of our games are among the top-ranked teams in the state. It definitely makes myself, the team and program better.”

This spring, Rockhurst is 12-2 and 4-1 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, which includes Lewis and downstate Quincy. Kristufek was impressed by the Hawks’ direct admit master’s degree program for speech language pathology, her major. Her Rockhurst visit as a junior happened to be the coldest day of the year.

“We took a tour outside and [the temperature] was in the negatives. I loved it even then,” Kristufek said.

Culin will major in business at EMU (8-7, 4-2 in Mid-American Conference) with hopes of working in finance or accounting. She also was a starting varsity tennis player at LTHS.

“When I visited I knew it would be a place where I could succeed on the field and in the classroom,” she said.

Both cited the LTHS program for increasing their skills and excitement for the sport and creating off-the-field benefits.

“As a senior captain, I have reflected on my four years and realized that I have become not only a better lacrosse player but also a better leader,” Culin said. “I have also learned from all of my current and past teammates. Especially as an underclassman, I was blessed to have good role models.”

As seniors, they’re helping the Lions surpass last season’s 11-10 record under then now second-year head coach Morgan Gallagher. The 2024 team had double-digit goals in four games.

“I’ve learned how important it is as a teammate to support the girls around me. Getting cheered on by your teammates by clicking sticks after a drill is what makes LT girls lacrosse so fun and I try to make sure everyone gets that same experience,” Kristufek said.

“I love seeing my teammates every day and seeing them in school. I love everyone focusing in during games but laughing together at Portillo’s after.”