PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. -- Pace University women's lacrosse player Delilah Doyle exemplifies what it means to be a strong athlete. In sports, handling adversity is a key to being successful. Everyone faces different obstacles in life and for Doyle, that is overcoming three open heart surgeries throughout her childhood.

No matter the age, open heart surgery is a major procedure that requires weeks or months of rehabilitation to recover. However, those who have undergone open heart surgery can live a normal lifestyle. Doyle has conquered the setback multiple times to become one of Pace University's finest athletes. Her story proves that humans are capable of incredible feats when faced with hardships.  

Doyle's lacrosse career jump-started in high school after she was finally cleared to play in what is referred to as an over-exertion sport or restricted activity. Before that, she tried her luck in several other sports such as softball, soccer, and basketball but none resonated with her as much as the game of lacrosse.  

"When I was a freshman in high school, I was cleared for lacrosse and was told that if I wanted to give it a go, I could. One day I was at softball tryouts and the next day I was at lacrosse tryouts. I think because it was one of my limitations, I wanted to prove that I could do it if I wanted to do it," said Doyle.  

Her most recent heart surgery came at 19 when she arrived at Pace University as a first-year student. Doyle was faced with a lengthy recovery to begin her collegiate career, but she would never let it get the best of her. In fact, it made her stronger both physically and mentally. 

When asked about how she dealt with her surgery at 19, Doyle said, "It gave me a tougher path than usual to get to where I wanted to be. I got told that I couldn't play sports multiple times. Being an athletic and active person, honestly pushed me more to be who I wanted to be and to not let this get in my way. It gave me motivation to be a tougher, more determined athlete." 

For the West Babylon, N.Y. native, lacrosse has behaved as a remedy concerning her recovery from open heart surgery. Being a part of a team provided her with additional motivation to return to competition while also staying healthy. Sometimes in difficult situations, people need an extra incentive to help them stay on track. For Doyle, it was returning to her passion and what she referred to as, "being a part of something bigger than just yourself." 

Sports can take you to special places and for Doyle and the rest of the Pace University Women's Lacrosse team it brought them to a 2023 Division II National Championship title. The victory marked the first Pace University National Championship and the first Westchester County college to claim a national title. Doyle's determination throughout her life has built up to this moment as she has earned every bit of the accolade.  

Moving ahead to the 2024 season Doyle mentioned, "In 2024, I hope to leave my mark on the team. I am a fifth-year student right now, so this will be my last season. I would like to continue to build a legacy of Pace Women's lacrosse and make my name memorable." 

In her final season at Pace, Doyle will continue her role as one of the main defensive players. Throughout her four years as a Setter, Doyle has tallied a team-high 80 caused turnovers while securing 74 ground balls. In 2024, she will retain her significant role with the team both on-and-off the field.  

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, each year, more than 2 million people around the world have open-heart surgery to treat heart problems. Going through the process can be one of the most disconcerting treatments you can undergo. It takes a special individual to overcome heart surgery and return to a sport and Delilah Doyle has proven to everyone that setbacks make you stronger. Sometimes in life, you must push through obstacles in order to discover one's true self.  

Doyle's message to others is simple, "Don't let anybody tell you what you can and cannot do. Work hard for what you want to achieve, but no matter how long or how tough it may be, you can come out on top. Staying true to what your goals are and what you want to accomplish is all that matters. I can do everything that I want to do. I live every day like any other person."