Mottice Carries Family Legacy into Junior Lacrosse Season

CINCINNATI -- University of Cincinnati junior midfielder Peyton Mottice has had an eventful first two seasons at Cincinnati, and the 2022 season cannot come soon enough as she strives to add to her family's Bearcats athletics legacy.

The grind of being a college athlete is not for everybody. Having to go to practices everyday while also balancing schoolwork can take a toll on some. However, Mottice was ready to embrace the challenge, crediting her family for motivating and preparing her.
 
Mottice's father, Mike, and cousin, Jalen Wade, were also once athletes here at UC, both lettering on the baseball team.
 
She also has a sister who is set to play lacrosse collegiately.

"My whole family motivated me to practice and be ready for when I go," said Mottice. "I definitely had the training to be prepared but you can prepare as much as you want, its just a whole other level."

Mottice said her father and cousin playing at UC did have a role in her becoming a Bearcat, including her father's high regard for the university.

"Hearing all the great things my dad thought about the school definitely had an influence on why I came here," said Mottice. "It wasn't to pass down tradition, but to add to my family's legacy."
 
Although it was cut short due to COVID-19, Mottice started adding to that legacy during an outstanding freshman campaign in 2020. In what would be the team's final game (March 8 vs. Kent State) she scored a career-high six goals, which also tied a team season-high, including the game-winner.

Mottice, a native of Downingtown, Pa., calls it the most memorable game of her young career.

Because of her rookie play, Mottice was named to the 2021 Preseason All-AAC team before her sophomore season. She says the recognition did not mean much to her because she knew she had to prove it on the field for a second-straight year, but "it definitely gave me more confidence."

While Mottice had a successful sophomore year (including a goal six seconds after halftime in the April 16 contest against Old Dominion, the fastest second-half goal in school history), there is a moment that stands out to her. It was not only huge for her, but especially the team. It allowed UC to reach the postseason.

"My favorite moment was how we got into the conference tournament," said Mottice. "It was against ECU (April 25), and in the last minute I fed Anna Platou to score (with 24 seconds left)."

Mottice is ready to lead the Bearcats. She'll look to help the team advance to the postseason again, while adding to her family legacy. On top of all that, she juggles pre-med classes while being a top athlete at UC. Mottice has high aspirations for when she graduates, too.

"I want to go to medical school and eventually become an obstetrician, which helps deliver babies," she said.

The Bearcats open their season at Marquette on Feb. 12, with their first home game on Wednesday, Feb. 16 against Ohio State (4 p.m.) in Nippert Stadium.