It was a split-second decision that set the stage for Madeleine Chun’s entire lacrosse career.

She was in middle school and at her first tryout/practice with a new club team. Her dad, Micky, had told Madeleine to tell the coach she was a midfielder, “because he always wanted me to be a middie. He thought I was fast.”

So when she got there, she looked around and saw the midfielders in one group, and the coach was telling them they would all do conditioning runs around the whole field.

“And I look over and see the defenders all just playing catch, throwing long passes to each other. I was pretty lazy, so when coach asked me what I was, I immediately said ‘I play defense!'”

A disinterest in running that day turned into a very wise choice for Chun’s lacrosse future.

Now a senior who patrols and controls the defensive side of the field for Manhasset, the younger sister of former Manhasset boys standout Connor Chun helped her school win a state title in 2022 and has them primed for possibly another one.

Manhasset will compete in the Class C semifinals Wednesday against North Shore, and if it wins, it will go for a third straight Nassau crown on May 29th at 6 p.m. at Adelphi.

“Not only does Maddy lead by her play, but she is constantly communicating to her teammates and getting everyone on same page,” says first-year Manhasset head coach Jackie Williams.”She goes 100 percent at all times. She brings a level of intensity to our team that raises everyone’s level of play.”

Chun’s longtime teammate, Shea Panzik, credited her friend’s attitude.

“She’s very aggressive, and works very hard, pushes herself every game and practice,” Panzik said. “She’s a good communicator and coach on the field.”