Lackawanna Trail Seniors Celebrate National Signing Day, Defying the Odds
By: Doug Noldy | Sportzwire | November 22, 2024 | Photo courtesy Borden Photography
Lackawanna Trail Seniors Celebrate National Signing Day, Defying the Odds
For most high school athletes, the end of their senior season marks the conclusion of their competitive careers. For a select few, however, the journey continues at the collegiate level. At Lackawanna Trail High School in Factoryville, four standout seniors defied the odds, signing national letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at the next level. The SportzWire team caught up with Tea Burns, Nora Evans, Emma Shaw, and Lorenzo Domiano to discuss their achievements, challenges, and future goals.
Tea Burns – Field Hockey, Queens University of Charlotte (Division I)
Major: Nursing
A defender with nearly a decade of experience, Tea Burns fell in love with field hockey at the age of nine after attending a camp. Despite an ACL injury as a freshman, her resilience and work ethic paid off, earning her numerous accolades including Keystone State Tournament All-Star, First-Team All-Conference, All-Region, and All-State honors. Tea was also recognized on the prestigious Max Field Hockey Top 2025 Players to Watch list.
Tea’s achievements extend beyond the field, as she also earned All-State Academic honors. She credits her mother, Erin, a former field hockey player, for being her biggest supporter. Tea chose Queens University of Charlotte for its top-notch nursing program and welcoming atmosphere, saying it felt like home. She also plays for NEPA Force and Electric Surge field hockey clubs, where she honed the skills that have made her a standout.
Nora Evans – Field Hockey, Central Michigan University (Division I)
Major: Dietetics and Nutrition
Nora Evans, a defender and midfielder, began her field hockey journey nine years ago, introduced to the sport through a youth program organized by a family friend. Guided by her mother, Laura, who is the head coach at Lackawanna Trail, and her NEPA Force coaches, Nora blossomed into a star player. She earned First-Team All-Conference, All-Region, and All-State honors multiple times, and was named a Scranton Times and Wyoming Examiner Athlete of the Week.
In addition to her on-field accolades, Nora was also a recipient of the All-State Academic Award. Like her teammate Tea, she was featured on the Max Field Hockey Top 2025 Players to Watch list. A member of Lackawanna Trail’s 2023 PIAA State Runner-Up team, Nora described her recruiting journey as long and stressful but ultimately fulfilling. She fell in love with Central Michigan’s campus, team camaraderie, and the supportive atmosphere.
Emma Shaw – Field Hockey, Mansfield University (Division II)
Major: Physical Therapy
Emma Shaw’s field hockey journey began thanks to her cousins, who urged her to try the sport. She quickly developed a passion for the game, dedicating countless hours to improvement with the help of family friend and coach Sarah Brander. Emma’s accomplishments include All-State Academic honors and being part of Lackawanna Trail’s 2023 PIAA State Runner-Up team.
Initially uncertain about playing in college, Emma’s talent and determination attracted attention from several schools, and she ultimately chose Mansfield University for its strong support system for student-athletes. In addition to field hockey, Emma competes in softball, cross country, and track, and she plans to try out for Mansfield’s track team.
Lorenzo Domiano – Golf, St. Francis University (Division I)
Major: Accounting
Lorenzo Domiano was introduced to golf at age eight by his father, Ben, and quickly fell in love with the game. With encouragement from his family and coaching from PGA professional Terry Hurst, Lorenzo developed into a formidable competitor. One pivotal moment in Lorenzo’s journey came in 2018 when he met his idol, Phil Mickelson, at the U.S. Open. Lorenzo not only got to meet Mickelson but also received an autograph, which fueled his passion and inspired him to pursue his dreams in the sport.
After transferring to Lackawanna Trail from Abington Heights, Lorenzo found a welcoming environment that helped him thrive, earning him the Newcomer Award. Lorenzo visited several colleges but was particularly impressed by the friendly atmosphere at St. Francis University, where coach Derek Kulas and the team made him feel at home. Lorenzo will join fellow Abington Heights golfer and friend Robert Munley at St. Francis, continuing a bond forged over many rounds of golf.
Shared Success and a Bright Future
Tea, Nora, and Emma share more than just their love for field hockey. All three earned All-State Academic honors, a testament to their dedication both on and off the field. They were also integral members of Lackawanna Trail’s 2023 PIAA State Runner-Up team, an achievement they describe as one of their most cherished memories.
For Tea, Nora, and Emma, field hockey remains central to their lives. They will continue competing with their travel teams, running track in the spring, and hitting the gym to maintain their fitness. They also aspire to coach field hockey someday, hoping to give back to the sport that has given them so much.
For Lorenzo, golf remains his passion. He’ll continue to improve his game through lessons, tournaments, and practice—even during the winter months. When the snow clears, he’ll be back on the courses, ready to compete at the collegiate level.
SportzWire Salutes the Trailblazers
The accomplishments of these four athletes reflect years of dedication, sacrifice, and support from family, teammates, and coaches. They’ve defied the odds and inspired their peers with their determination to succeed both on and off the field.
The SportzWire team congratulates Tea, Nora, Emma, and Lorenzo on their achievements and wishes them all the best as they embark on their collegiate journeys. Their hard work, passion, and perseverance will undoubtedly lead to even greater successes ahead.
