"We have really bought into each other and done so much self-reflection that we want to play for each other and we want to play for even more time," said Cuocco.
Spectators traveling to the Midwest venue highlighted the expanding national footprint of the sport during interviews with WGN-TV reporters.
"I think this team really rose to the occasion," said Northwestern fan Micheal Gallagher.
Former players also praised the university infrastructure and the presentation of Martin Stadium as a premier national site.
"It's an incredible venue and we're really excited for everyone in the lacrosse world to see it," said Paige Jones, a Northwestern fan and former player.
Visiting fans from opposing programs traveled significant distances to witness the historic first semifinal appearance for the Johns Hopkins women's lacrosse program.
"We've got alums from all over the country that have flown into here.
They're not driving, they are taking flights so it's pretty impressive that there's a lot of support Johns Hopkins' women's lacrosse," said Johns Hopkins fan Erin Hellmold.
Families of alumni traveled from traditional East Coast lacrosse hubs to support the Blue Jays during their national tournament run.
"We flew in from New Jersey this morning with my daughter. I graduated from Johns Hopkins in 1997," said Mary Ann Dickson, a Johns Hopkins fan.
The traveling fan celebrated the milestone achievement for the athletic department as the team competed among the final four programs.
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"This is the first time our program in D1 has been in the final four and we're here for it," said Dickson.
