Panther Profile: Abby Thorne
4/17/2024 1:30:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
Get to know the second-year lacrosse captain
Abby Thorne is a senior defender hailing from Adelaide, South Australia. Thorne, a second-year captain, joined the Panthers in 2021 competing that spring to prepare for their inaugural season in 2022. In her two seasons, she has started all 35 games that she has played in, recording 58 ground balls and 32 caused turnovers. In addition, Thorne competes internationally for Team Australia and most recently played in the World Championships and The World Games in the summer of 2022.
Why did you choose to attend Pitt, as it is so far away from home?
I knew from a young age I wanted to play college lacrosse. I am from a small city in Australia where most of our culture centered around watching sports. Finding out that Pittsburgh was also a smaller city that revolved around sports really drew me in. I also knew how good of a school Pitt was and that I would have a great opportunity to play in the best college lacrosse conference in the country. Ultimately the reason I committed was Coach Boss [Head Coach Emily Boissonneault]. Her passion and commitment to me and the program were extraordinary. She has fulfilled every promise and commitment she made to me on the day I committed.
What was the biggest adjustment in moving from Australia to the United States?
The biggest adjustment was definitely being so far away from the beach. I loved the beach growing up, and it was a huge part of my weekly routine. I had also never seen real snow before coming to Pittsburgh, and the weather I have experienced especially while playing is something I have never dealt with. I definitely needed to buy a lot more winter clothes when I first arrived.
What is your favorite quote?
"Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love what you are doing or learning to do." I have had this quote from Pele on my bedroom mirror since I was 12 years old.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I was born in England, just outside London. My family moved to Australia when I was 6 years old.
Had you been to the United States before coming to school? If so, where? Do you have a favorite place you've visited?
In 2019, I was in Baltimore for a week at Loyola [University Maryland] for a training camp before my U19 World Cup. I think my favorite place so far is Florida; I have been there multiple times. I love the beaches there (although they're not as good as home), and I have made some awesome memories there. I also loved Colorado. It was very different from any place I have been before.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
I really love cooking and baking when I have the time. This is something I want to get better at, and I am always looking for new and yummy healthy recipes.
What is your favorite restaurant in Pittsburgh?
I have been to and taken many people to Altius. Not only is the food amazing, but the view of the city is breathtaking.
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
It depends what mood I am in, but I am definitely a cookies and cream girl or I'll go for something fruit flavored.
What is your most frequently used or favorite emoji?
I would probably say the blue and yellow hearts because, obviously, H2P!
What is an unusual talent that you have?
I can do the worm [a dance].
Vegemite: Yes or no?
Yes! Everyone has strong opinions about Vegemite, but I would say that 99% of people who hate it aren't doing it right. My recipe recommendation is butter on toast, then a thin layer of Vegemite on top. And if you are feeling fancy, add some avocado or a slice of cheese on top. I make sure that I have a constant supply of Vegemite at my college house.
Do you prefer driving on the left or the right side of the road?
Definitely the left. I haven't driven much since being in the America, and it's probably for the best that I don't.
Has your family visited you in Pittsburgh?
I was lucky enough to have my Mum and Dad and my sister and her partner visit me spring 2023. It was so awesome for them to see me living out my dream, and they had the best time in Pittsburgh.
Tell us about your experience playing lacrosse back home. What does it mean to have represented Australia in lacrosse?
I was fortunate enough to compete in my first Junior World Cup when I was 17 years old, and since then, I played in the 2022 Senior Women's Lacrosse World Cup and competed in the 2022 World Games. It is the most surreal experience. Putting on the green and gold and singing my national anthem is the highest honor. I don't think it will ever become any less special. It's something I dreamt of since I was a little girl, and I am beyond grateful for the people around me who pushed me to that level.
What is your favorite part about playing lacrosse at Pitt?
My favorite part is the team and the culture we have created. Being a part of the inaugural team, I had a real opportunity to make a difference and create a legacy. My teammates and I, especially the original 14, made a mark on history. We love and care about each other like we are family; we respect every staff member and are committed to the development of the program. The memories I have made with my teammates are ones I will cherish forever.
Originally published in the Fall/Winter 23-24 edition of H2P Magazine.
