This year, the girls lacrosse team has seen several freshmen step up in a significant way, filling key roles on the varsity roster left by last year’s graduating seniors. Despite their youth, these newcomers – Ellerie Catullo, Camryn Godfrey, Lily Hart, Anna McVeigh, Audrey Mennerich, and Shiyann Werts – have brought energy, skill and a fresh dynamic on the field, helping to keep the team competitive and cohesive through a season of transition.
“I’ve gotten to know everyone better, and I feel like those relationships with all the upperclassmen help bring the team together,” Audrey Mennerich ‘28 said.
A tight-knit team culture is especially important in a sport like lacrosse, where trust and communication are crucial to success on the field. In particular, the new freshmen have been a defining factor in fostering a strong team spirit and chemistry.
“I would say that the freshmen have a really great energy and they keep the spirits high and are very fun,” Cece Durkin ‘27 said. “They really are a key component to our team dynamic and team culture, so I think that they’ve been just such a great addition to our squad this year.”
Last year’s large graduating senior class left a large gap on the team, allowing many freshmen athletes to take on more prominent roles. For example, many underclass players have become top goal scorers this past season.
“You really see them stepping up and taking leadership positions, and that’s been great to witness,” Durkin ‘27 said.
The chance to learn from more tenured, older players has additionally allowed freshmen to thrive within the varsity environment.
“Having my teammates around me supporting me and learning from the upperclassmen definitely helped me adjust,” Lily Hart ‘28 said.
As central contributors to the team in their first year, these freshmen are hoping to continue to grow as a unit and strengthen the program throughout their high school careers.
“We already have six freshmen on the field, so we’re all playing together a lot,” Mennerich said. “I think we are going to all grow together—in skill, speed, communication, and as a team.”
Other freshmen have also echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the class’s long-term goals.
“I feel like our class is kind of setting up the future of the program that will hopefully continue to succeed,” Hart ‘28 said.
Additionally, that future is being supported by the encouragement of team leaders like senior captain Sydney Wanner ‘25, who values the camaraderie between classes.
“My favorite part about the lacrosse season is getting close with my teammates, especially the younger girls,” Wanner said. “I really just want to encourage them to play their little hearts out and have a lot of fun.”
The team ends the season in the semi-final round of PAISSA, after a loss against Agnes Irwin. In the years to come, the freshman are looking to lengthen their season and leave a positive impact on the girls lacrosse program.