When coaching sixth-graders on the Minnesota Elite club lacrosse team, Megan Menzuber encourages the girls to be less selfish about scoring goals and more team-oriented.

Funny thing is, Menzuber's coaches at Holy Family Catholic in Victoria have been nudging her in the opposite direction. Menzuber obliged, carrying the Fire offense with 72 goals this season.

The goals did not come at the expense of her other skills. Menzuber dominated games from her midfield spot, pulling down draws, snagging interceptions and threading passes to teammates. An ability to do it all makes her the Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year.

"I still love setting people up and making plays," Menzuber said. "But this year I had to step up and score those goals."

Getting that mindset to sink in took time. A varsity standout in eighth-grade, Menzuber drew interest from Minnesota Elite coach Laura Mark. When Mark called Holy Family coach R.J. New for information, he said Menzuber was unselfish to a fault.

"Laura asked, 'What does that mean? When there is a 2-on-1 does she always look to pass?' I said, 'When it's 1-on-0 she looks to pass,'" New said.

Not that she's afraid to finish. She opened the season with six goals against Chanhassen, her hometown, and scored a half dozen or more goals in seven additional games. She finished her career with 239 goals and 81 assists.

Her abilities are not confined to one sport. As a junior, Menzuber played No. 4 singles on the Fire's Class 1A state championship team. Pretty good for someone who traded soccer for tennis as a sophomore.

"I think I did well under pressure trying to get it done for my team," she said. "That experience carried over to my other sports."

Jefferson's Graff is player of year in boys' lacrosse

Last winter she led the hockey team with 18 goals. Menzuber remained a three-sport star even after committing to play college lacrosse at Marquette. Her cousin, former Eastview standout Ryan McNamara, also plays for the Golden Eagles.

She stayed sharp with her lacrosse stick during the winter months by playing wall ball at Lifetime Fitness. She always invited teammate but often went alone. The payoff - opposing coaches lauded her deft hands and stick skills.

"With tennis and hockey you build wrist strength which helps in lacrosse - plus hand-eye coordination," said Menzuber, who refused to give up any sport for fear of boredom.

Coach New leaned on Menzuber this season, giving her responsibility to direct teammates during games.

"I try to lead the offense and call plays," Menzuber said. "And during timeouts, he'll talk and then he'll say, 'Now you talk Megan.' If I have something to say, I'm not afraid to help my younger teammates out."