With the spring sports season canceled at its very beginning (or before it even started, for some Union teams) due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UnionAthletics.com will spend the next few months spotlighting many of the Union seniors whose athletic careers came to a premature end. Previous senior profiles can be viewed by heading to http://www.unionathletics.com/seniorspotlights.
 
M.K. McIntire has spent four seasons with the Union women's lacrosse team, having played in all 47 games during her four-year career. After leading the team with 66 draw controls as a sophomore, she had her best statistical season as a junior, when she netted eight goals with four assists for a career-best 12 points. She exploded for a career-high four goals and five points in her penultimate game as a Dutchwoman, scoring on all three of her eight-meter attempts in a 15-12 win over Oneonta on March 7.
 
In addition to her time on the lacrosse field, McIntire is a member of Union's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and also a member of the U-Marketing club.
 
What has been your favorite moment as a student-athlete at Union?
One of my favorite moments was when we beat Vassar in overtime in 2018. It was our last game and we were ending our most mentally taxing season ever. Emma Lowrey scored the game-winning goal and it was a huge win for us! The sun was shining and many of us had family members there. It was a really fun day. 
 
How has being a student-athlete at Union benefited you over the last four years?
Being a student-athlete at Union has created a second family that I didn't know was possible. I will cherish the relationships I made at Union with my teammates and their families for the rest of my life. Being a student-athlete also gave me important time management skills and interpersonal skills. I wouldn't trade my time on the women's lacrosse team for anything; it was truly unique. 
 
What has been your most meaningful experience outside of athletics?
The overall school spirit and enthusiasm about Union is unparalleled. People genuinely enjoy being at Union and in the presence of each other. I love that there is not much of a disconnect between non-athletes and athletes, and I love the strong alumni network that Union has. The friends I made at Union I know I will have for the rest of my life. 
 
What advice would you give to younger athletes about their time at Union?
I would tell younger athletes to never give up. During some of the hardest seasons was when I learned the most about myself. I would tell them to enjoy the ride and don't take anything for granted. I would give anything to finish my senior season with my teammates. You never know which game will be your last one, so work your hardest and most importantly have fun!