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Lifetouch

The varsity girls’ lacrosse team is ready to tackle another season with a brand new face leading the program. Following the four-year pattern of having a new coach each year, Mr. Alexander Diaz is the latest to head the team. He’s been involved in the game for over 10 years and has worked as the head coach of many organizations, including Roswell Youth, Buckhead Girls Lacrosse, and Eagle Stix Lacrosse. 

The coaching carousel began in 2017, which means the seniors have played for a different head coach every year of their high school careers. 

Despite the revolving door of coaches, the dedicated girls have embraced each new face and adjusted to the lack of consistency. In fact, the program is on the rise. 

For example, a record-breaking 70 girls came to tryout this year, including 22 juniors. As a result, tryouts had to be extended from its original four days to an additional week.

“Tryouts allowed us seniors to prove our leadership and get to know all the girls, even though it was a bit crowded,” senior Emma Winkler said.

“Obviously the biggest challenge is making sure everyone’s on the same page, but overall I think it has created a tighter bond with the team,” senior Penelope Melissas said about the growing number of girls in the program

Senior Maggie Braswell agreed. “It refreshes the team and makes sure we are pushing each other to our fullest potential,” she added.

One way the team maintains their stability from year to year is through their traditions.

“I think it’s really important that traditions are made by the athletes because it allows us to carry on special things without the fluidity of having the same coach each year,” sophomore Neve Thanner said. 

“My favorite tradition is our chant we do before every game,” junior Madison Watson said. “The game would not be the same without it.”

Junior Molly Palumbo especially enjoys the trips to away games.

“One of the best traditions is during the bus rides to away games where we get to know the girls better in a funny way. The game is called ‘Your mama don’t wear no socks” she explained. 

With so many spring sports teams in action at the same time, field space is limited in the afternoons. This means that the girls sometimes have to practice in the mornings before school, but many of the players actually enjoy it.

“Something interesting that I like is our morning practice tradition,” sophomore Adeline Moody said. “Even though practice starts at 6 am and it’s so early, I like to get some Bang ™ energy drinks to get ready for the day. After one of those you are hyped up.”

The team is currently 4-3.  Their next game is Wednesday, March 11 at Buford, and their next home game is Thursday, March 19 against Lovett. Come out and support your lady laxers!