Charlotte North: Superstitions, Success, and a Boston Anthem
Charlotte North, a name synonymous with women’s lacrosse excellence, etched her name into the sport’s history books through a combination of unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and a touch of superstition. Her journey to becoming the NCAA’s all-time leading goal scorer and leading Boston College to the 2021 national championship was paved with a meticulously crafted routine, one that revolved around a carefully curated playlist. This playlist, more than just a collection of songs, became an integral part of her pre-game ritual, a source of power and focus that helped propel her to unparalleled heights.
North openly acknowledges her superstitious nature. In an interview on "The Resilient Life" podcast with Ryan Manion, she confessed, "I’m very superstitious. I actually have to listen to a certain playlist to get ready for a game. There’s a number of other superstitions that I have." While she didn’t delve into the specifics of all her rituals, she highlighted the pivotal role her playlist played in preparing her mentally and emotionally for competition.
At the heart of this playlist lies a single, powerful anthem: "I’m Shipping Up to Boston" by the Dropkick Murphys. This raucous, high-energy tune, with its distinctive Irish-punk sound, served as North’s go-to hype song, the sonic catalyst that ignited her competitive fire, especially during her time playing for Boston College from 2021-22, after transferring from Duke.
The song’s significance extended beyond personal preference; it became a shared experience, a rallying cry for the entire Boston College lacrosse team. "It was our song that we would always finish with in the locker room before we walked out for a game at Boston College," North explained. The collective energy of the team, united by the song’s infectious rhythm and defiant lyrics, created a palpable sense of camaraderie and determination.
The impact of "I’m Shipping Up to Boston" on North’s career is undeniable. For her, the song is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a time capsule, a vessel that carries cherished memories of exhilarating victories and unforgettable moments. "Any time I hear it in the world today it just reminds me of some pretty cool moments," she said, her voice tinged with nostalgia and gratitude. The song serves as a constant reminder of the hard work, dedication, and teamwork that defined her time at Boston College.
Whether preparing for a high-stakes national championship game or a routine rivalry match, North relied on the power of "I’m Shipping Up to Boston" to center herself and tap into her inner reserves of strength. The song became a psychological anchor, a sonic trigger that helped her access a state of peak performance.
North’s success extends beyond the collegiate level. She also represented the United States on the international stage, playing a key role in the USA women’s national lacrosse team’s gold medal victory at the World Lacrosse championships in July 2022. Demonstrating her exceptional scoring ability, she led the team in goals with 23 and was tied for second in points with 28 during the tournament. Her contributions were instrumental in securing the gold medal for the United States, further solidifying her reputation as one of the world’s elite lacrosse players.
In 2024, North added another remarkable achievement to her already impressive resume. She played on Team 1, the first ever USA women’s national box lacrosse team. Box lacrosse, a fast-paced and physical indoor version of the sport, presented a new challenge for North, one she embraced with characteristic enthusiasm and skill.
The USA team’s participation in the World Lacrosse women’s box championships in September 2024 marked a historic moment for the sport. North once again rose to the occasion, leading the USA team in goals with 25 and finishing third in points with 31 during the tournament. Her exceptional performance helped propel the USA team to a gold medal victory, defeating Canada 10-7 in a hard-fought final.
North’s ability to excel in both field and box lacrosse underscores her versatility and adaptability as an athlete. She is a true testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and a unwavering commitment to excellence. Her success is not solely attributed to her physical prowess; it’s also a product of her mental fortitude, her ability to embrace challenges, and her reliance on rituals and superstitions to maintain focus and confidence.
Charlotte North’s story is an inspiring example of how passion, perseverance, and a touch of superstition can lead to extraordinary achievements. Her impact on women’s lacrosse is undeniable, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players. And, undoubtedly, every time "I’m Shipping Up to Boston" blasts through a speaker, her accomplishments are celebrated, reminding everyone of the power of a song, a team, and a supremely talented athlete. Her journey highlights that superstitions can be a positive ritual that when performed correctly can lead to great success. Ultimately, Charlotte North is not just a lacrosse player; she is an icon, a role model, and a testament to the power of the human spirit.
