University of Colorado lacrosse star killed in crash

May 2024 · 3 minute read
Julia Sarcona, a student-athlete at University of Colorado-Boulder, was driving outside Boulder, Colorado, Saturday morning when her Subaru veered off the road and hit a tree

Julia Sarcona, a student-athlete at University of Colorado-Boulder, was driving outside Boulder, Colorado, Saturday morning when her Subaru veered off the road and hit a tree

A star player on the University of Colorado women’s lacrosse team was killed over the weekend when her car crashed into a tree.

The school said in a statement on Monday that 21-year-old senior Julia Sarcona was driving her 2017 Subaru Forester on Colorado Highway 119 just west of Boulder at 9am on Saturday, when the vehicle veered off the road and struck a tree near mile marker 33. 

Sarcona died at the scene from her injuries. Colorado State Police said she was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision. 

Alcohol or drugs are not believed to be factors, but it is suspected that Sarcona may have been speeding, reported Boulder Daily Camera.

'The loss of Julia Sarcona is heartbreaking for our team and lacrosse family,' Buffs coach Ann Elliott said.

Sarcona was a senior attacker on CU Buffs and a three-year letter winner

Sarcona was a senior attacker on CU Buffs and a three-year letter winner

Elliott described Sarcona, who was an attacker on the CU Buffs, as someone with an 'incredible heart' who was 'always funny and caring' and 'could always make you laugh and smile.'

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The coach added: 'She was an integral part of this program and has impacted each of our lives in so many ways.'

Sarcona's coach described her as someone with an 'incredible heart' who was 'always funny and caring'

Sarcona's coach described her as someone with an 'incredible heart' who was 'always funny and caring'

A press release from the university credited Sarcona with helping build the Buffs' lacrosse program into a nationally recognized team. She appeared in 11 games over three seasons and scored two goals as a sophomore in 2016.

'Her impact on our program and lives will never be forgotten,' Elliott stated.  

Sarcona was born in Huntington, New York, on Long Island. She was a three-year letter winner in lacrosse and was to graduate this spring with a degree in public relations.

The college senior was planning to intern a second time in CU's Sports Information Office this spring after working in the department last summer. 

Sarcona was also a camp counselor for the CU Lacrosse camp and helped with instruction and coaching for community youth clinics the team hosted for City Lax Denver and the Field Day for Boulder Valley Youth Lacrosse. 

She is survived by her parents, Joseph and Alessandra, her brother Matthew and sister Nina. 

Sarcona, a native of Long Island, New York, is pictured above with her family, including brother Matthew (left) and their dad, Joseph (right) 

Sarcona, a native of Long Island, New York, is pictured above with her family, including brother Matthew (left) and their dad, Joseph (right) 

On Monday, Sarcona's friends and former classmates held a vigil in Northport, New York, to celebrate her life. 

'I'll never be the same without her,' Ali Pavinelli, Sarcona's neighbor and best friend, told News 12 Long Island. 'She meant that much to me.'

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