RIVERDALE, NY — When Grace Lipponer thinks back to her time playing for the Manhattan University women's lacrosse team, she can't help but think about those core memories of her college career which helped shape her. Lipponer established her legend at Gaelic Park by scoring the most goals in a single season in the program's history with 63 tallies in 2022.
"Coming together and having your best friends with you and upsetting a team is a big part of what it means to be a Jasper," Lipponer said.
That's why as tough as it was to walk away from a fifth season due to COVID-impacted eligibility rules, Lipponer launched the start of her teaching career after graduating with a bachelor's degree in General Education and masters in Special Education from Manhattan University.
The change of lifestyle in the real world was an adjustment at first, Lipponer says, and it prompted her to explore a new hobby. Lipponer had started doing more long-distance runs, which helped her cope with her experiences with Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Still in contact with her former professor, Peter McCarthy, assistant professor of Special Education and Elementary Education at Manhattan University, a newfound passion emerged for Lipponer. McCarthy introduced her to the JCK Foundation, an organization founded by John Tessitore in honor of his late friend, John Kelly, who lost his battle with OCD. JCK spreads positive educational messages to students and athletes about how to live with OCD and overcome mental health challenges.
"All credit to Dr. McCarthy because I wouldn't have known about it if he didn't connect me with the founders," Lipponer said.
To boot, JCK partners with the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon for fundraising campaigns. Lipponer interviewed with them and they granted her a spot to run in the marathon on November 2nd.
"It hit so close to home for me," Lipponer said of partnering with JCK. "I told them about my experience with mental health and OCD and we really hit it off."
Plus, as tough as running a marathon is, Lipponer is no stranger to the impressive feat. While teaching and living in Spain last year, Lipponer was encouraged by her friends to run with them in the Rock 'n' Roll Running Series Madrid Marathon edition after constant training together.
"I felt very much the same playing lacrosse my senior year as I did completing the marathon, just that feeling of accomplishment," said Lipponer, who led the Jaspers to the MAAC semifinals in 2022.
Additionally, the Long Island native was regaled with NYC Marathon talk from her overseas friends who had always marveled at it. As a result, it made Lipponer realize how fortunate she is to get to reap the benefits of New York City.
"Coming back to New York this felt meant to be," Lipponer said. "Making this connection with JCK and getting the opportunity to run it for something I'm passionate about."
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 8.2 million adults in the United States have been impacted by OCD at some point in their lives.
Lipponer described the feeling of it too, which sometimes made finding structure challenging.
"It's mental health but I think it can affect you physically as well," Lipponer said. "I'm more aware of it now and have learned how to manage it."
The thrill of competing in lacrosse was an escape.
"Being an athlete teaches you grit and determination," Lipponer said.
Currently, she runs anywhere from three to five miles a day, which is light work right now. With the summer months approaching, Lipponer is getting ready to increase her training regimen as she builds for November.
"You're doing it for yourself and you don't have that outward motivation as much whereas lacrosse was a whole different aspect when you're doing it for the girls next to you," Lipponer said of her mindset while running a marathon.
Both are equally special though, especially having the backing of the Manhattan Women's lacrosse family at each step of the way.
"Going to Manhattan and playing D1 lacrosse has definitely prepared me for it."
For more information on Lipponer's campaign, click here!
