Allison Vigne didn't grow up in a lacrosse family, but she grew up in a lacrosse town. In Annapolis, Maryland, where the sport pulses through neighborhoods and schoolyards, she found her way to the game early and never looked back. Now a standout at William & Mary, Vigne's journey is defined by curiosity, persistence, and a love for both the sport and the people around it.
"I grew up in Annapolis, Maryland," she said. "The best part about my hometown was growing up near historic Annapolis and living near the water." That sense of place—a mix of history and community—shaped her, and she sees echoes of it in Williamsburg. "Funny enough, Colonial Williamsburg feels very similar to my hometown."
Finding Lacrosse in a Lacrosse Town
Vigne's introduction to lacrosse came early and organically, woven into the fabric of the community. "I began playing lacrosse in 1st grade," she said. "Annapolis was a lacrosse hot spot and all of my friends were playing. My parents did not even know what lacrosse was until I was introduced to it at my school."
"I was said to be a quick learner, motivated, and competitive," Vigne said. "It took some time, but I picked up lacrosse quickly and became good.
"Growing up my elementary through middle school coach had the biggest impact on my lacrosse journey," she said. "Attending a K-8th grade school, I had the same coach throughout my whole time there and they always inspired me to keep playing, but most importantly, to have fun. Yes, the wins and losses happened, but my coach made lacrosse fun in my eyes, which I think is very important at a young age."
That foundation carried her through high school, where she helped Archbishop Spalding establish itself among the country's top teams and earned a No. 12 national ranking.
Choosing William & Mary by Chance—and Falling in Love with It
Vigne's path to college lacrosse began with a spark of belief—and a few recruiting emails. "I knew I would have a chance to play lacrosse in college when I got my first few emails after my first summer recruiting lacrosse tournament," she said. "My coaches always said I had the work ethic and personality to do it, but I didn't truly believe them until I actually spoke to college coaches on the phone."
Numerous collegiate programs showed interest, but W&M wasn't on her radar until a detour changed everything. "Initially, I didn't know much about W&M," Vigne said. "But on the way home back to Maryland after attending another school's prospect day, my mom convinced me to stop and see the campus."
That unplanned visit became a turning point. "Little did I know at the time I would end up at W&M, but after walking around campus I found myself falling in love with the place," she said. "The beautiful campus, the people, and the strong academics impressed me and I knew I wanted to go to W&M."
Since arriving in Williamsburg, she has built a career defined by team-first play and quiet determination. "My greatest trait as a lacrosse player is being a team player. It sounds so simple, but I believe it can be hard to find at times." Vigne said. "I think I have the ability to put others before myself and always support my teammates no matter what position I may be in."
Her consistency stems from an internal drive. "The biggest key to my success in lacrosse has been being self-driven and motivated," Vigne said. "My teammates and coaches around me have always pushed me to be better, but I think my ability to want it in myself and find it in myself to play better or do extra work has been my biggest key to success in lacrosse."
Beyond the Field: Community, Art and Perspective
Vigne's impact at William & Mary extends beyond lacrosse. She's active on campus as a member of the Students for University Advancement, was a 2025 President's aide, and is also a part of the Best Buddies Club and Morgan's Message.
Academically, she is pursuing a path that blends curiosity about people and organizations and is studying sociology with a concentration in social problems, policy & justice and minoring in organizational management & behavior.
She also has a creative side that includes a diverse set of artistic abilities, such as painting and drawing.
Looking Ahead: Enjoying the Moment
Now entering her senior season, Vigne is focused on soaking it all in. "My goals for my senior season are really just to enjoy my last season of lacrosse and take it all in; it may not be a statistically driven goal, but to me this is just as important," she said.
When her playing days are finished, Vigne is eager to begin a career in professional sports. Her experience previously interning with the Baltimore Orioles & being a part of W&M Lax will undoubtedly help turn that ambition into a reality.
"The greatest lesson playing lacrosse has taught me is to persevere," Vigne said. "Being able to persevere through the ups and downs of lacrosse throughout my life has even helped me translate it off the field."
Above all, however, her time at W&M has taught her to be present. "The greatest lesson I learned as a student-athlete is to enjoy the moment," Vigne said. "You will face ups and downs academically and athletically, but truly, my four years at W&M flew by right before my eyes. Currently, as a senior, I'm still learning to take time to slow down and appreciate the people, the place, my sport, and simply where I am: William & Mary."