​Jenika Cuocco had no idea she would be on the field for her inaugural WLL game against the New York Charging on June 20, and she entered the matchup on Long Island with little expectation beyond lending support to Caylee Waters, the Maryland Charm goalie she has long admired. Cuocco, who grew up idolizing Waters and now shares a locker room with her in College Park, found herself in a position to learn from and emulate the veteran in real time. “It’s surreal to be on the same team with her and even roommates when we go away for these travel games,” Cuocco said. “She brings such an energy that, honestly, no one can recreate. She has such a love for the game and makes everyone want to be around her.”
From the outset, the rookie sought to back Waters in any capacity, but Waters quickly proved to be a reassuring presence when Cuocco’s number was finally called. Waters was among the first to help Cuocco shake off nerves, delivering encouragement as Cuocco prepared to take the field. “I was just trying to take in every experience and be the best teammate I could be, and then I got the opportunity to step on,” Cuocco reflected. “Caylee did an awesome job — and this is why she’s so amazing — she was the first person in my corner. She was like, ‘You got this. Go show out. I believe in you.’”
Cuocco appeared in the second half against Hofstra’s James M. Shuart Stadium, and her performance came in front of a hometown crowd an hour from where she grew up. While the Charm ultimately fell 12-10 to the Charging, Cuocco made a meaningful impression with five saves on a 50 percent stop rate during the final 30 minutes of play, signaling her potential to contribute meaningfully at the professional level.
Maryland head coach Emily Parros had anticipated using two goalies and had laid out a rotation plan with Waters ahead of the game, a strategy she has long employed successfully at the collegiate level. Parros praised Waters for the leadership she provides, noting that the veteran goalie’s energy and talent make her an invaluable force on the field. “Just the passion that Caylee has for this game, she would do anything for her teammates,” Parros said. “With that energy she brings in the cage — obviously, she’s extremely talented and stops some of the most insane shots I’ve ever seen — but her ability to lead and inspire her defensive unit and her team is bar none.”
Parros’ decision to select Cuocco in the April WLL College Draft underscored the coaching staff’s belief that she could impact the professional ranks. The former Drexel and Northwestern standout—whose college résumé highlights a transition from a top-tier Big Ten program to the professional landscape—was described by Parros as a “no-brainer” pick at No. 14 overall. “When you look at what she did at Drexel, I think everyone’s eyes were a little bit opened,” Parros said. “They had a fantastic run with her in net. Transitioning to a Big Ten championship program and seeing the different kinds of opponents they see, she was fantastic. Watching her play in college, she’s very steady. She’s cool, calm and collected and plays to her confidence.”
Cuocco’s steady play and poise have continued to define her early pro career as she helps lead Maryland’s defense with Waters. In a season marked by high expectations and a high-stakes environment, Cuocco’s emergence as a reliable option between the pipes signifies both a personal milestone and a broader statement about the Charm’s evolving goaltending depth. As she continues to grow in the pro ranks, the narrative around Cuocco is one of resilience, faith in her abilities, and a commitment to learning from the best as she carves out her place in professional lacrosse. The journey from a Long Island kid cheering on Waters to a professional goalkeeper making crucial saves in NCAA Tournament moments marks a significant arc in Cuocco’s lacrosse story. And with Waters’ guidance and Parros’ trusted two-goalie system, Cuocco’s impact is poised to extend well beyond a single debut performance.