As the spring season unfolds, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation as WHS’s boys and girls lacrosse teams gear up for what they hope to be a season of triumph and achievement. Although the teams’ past efforts should not be overlooked, the teams’ chances for success this season have grown due to their determination to improve.
“I think our team can live up to the expectations as a top contender to win states this year,” senior Siena Ferrucci said about the girls team. “We help each other stay focused and motivated to keep the season successful. Every player is so athletically talented, and we all work extremely hard to win.”
The teams’ hard work and dedication is not limited to the spring as no matter the time of year, the athletes train for success.
“Playing other sports allows me to stay in shape and develop other aspects of my mind and body that I might not develop as much during lacrosse,” junior Nate Whitworth said. “I also play club lacrosse year round and practice shooting, passing, and catching in my backyard as much as I can to keep my stick skills as sharp as possible.”
Coaches agree with players that it is important to improve individual performance, but also stress the need to work collaboratively with their teammates.
“Teamwork and communication play a huge role in our success,” boys team coach Jim Wilcon said. “We talk about it, we drill it, we emphasize it all the time to be honest.”
With the athletes feeling optimistic about their overall goal of making it to the state tournaments, there’s a sense of confidence in the air as the team reflects on their past achievements and sets their sights on success for the season ahead.
“I’m feeling really good about [making it to] states this year, as we have the best team that we’ve had since I’ve been in this high school,” junior Olivia Scully-Power said. “We did really well last year but finished with a few hiccups, and I think we need to just make it through the season and assess where we are after every game.”
As the season progresses and the stakes are raised, it can be hard for athletes to maintain constant motivation in each game or practice. Some athletes agree that keeping it simple when under pressure makes a big difference as not everything will go as planned.
“Being a defender, you have to be very mentally tough,” Ferrucci said. “You have to be prepared to get penalty calls, the majority that aren’t your fault. It’s hard to get used to understanding that penalties are a part of the game, but being resilient is the most important characteristic a defender needs to have.”
As activities off the field, such as end of the year tests and possible summer internships, can affect the players, a proper balance between school work and sports can create a better environment for success in both arenas.
“Our coach always says academics are more important than lacrosse, and if you can’t get it done in the classroom, you can’t get on the field,” senior Kevin Brown said.
Pre-game routines and rituals can be helpful for preparation before tournaments or games. Some players find themselves valuing physical activities and warm ups to prepare.
“Before matches I find myself doing a certain stretch before every game,” Brown said. “[It helps] me to feel loose and calm my mind before the game.”
Others make sure that they have the right mindset before games to ensure a positive outcome, experience, and overall good game for themselves and their team.
“Most of the time, pre-game I try to stay as bright and sort of unfocused as possible, just sort of ready to have fun,” Whitworth said. “This prevents me from being tense for the start of the game, and then shortly before the game starts, stretching is when I really get focused on the game.”
Members of both teams feel that they have an exceptional bunch of players who have endless potential when it comes to completing their goals and attracting success.
“We know who we are. We know that we are good. We just have to work hard and take everything game by game,” Brown said. “We’re so excited to play this year and show why we deserve to be at the top of the rankings.”