With the warming weather, the girls’ varsity lacrosse team springs into action, embodying the vitality of the season—one filled with promise and potential. This spring, marked by eager participation and spirited competition, showcases the team’s skill and determination as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of playing in the Founder’s League.
Coach Clarke describes this season as “super challenging, in the Founder’s League especially,” having to face teams like “Hotchkiss and Taft, which are at the top.” Despite the tough competition, the team’s ability to hold their own against these top-tier teams is regarded by Coach Clarke as one of their biggest achievements this year.
With a mix of new talent and returning athletes, the team is beginning to find its rhythm. Coach Clarke says the team is “finally getting into a flow,” a statement echoed in the enthusiastic participation and team spirit seen during practices and games. Coach Clarke also emphasises the fun and collaborative atmosphere of the teams, with the girls being “so much fun” and having “a really good time. They all get along really well, and they just want to come out and enjoy the game.” Beale Dunne, one of the captains, adds that “How close we are as a team is our biggest achievement so far this season.” The strong bond is precious during challenging matches, helping them lift each other’s spirits and stay motivated.
Reflecting on the season’s progress, Morgan Clarke, the other captain, shared, “We haven’t won a ton of games, but I think we made a lot of progress, especially in our offence and understanding how we play as a team.” She highlighted a recent game against Hotchkiss, noting the team’s ability to settle the ball and get a lot of shots, which was a significant improvement from the beginning of the season. The growth in team cohesion and game play is a testament to their hard work over the past month.
An exciting theme of “playing for your younger self” motivates the team this year, reminding them why they began their athletic journey. This theme is visually represented by a wall in the locker room decorated with photos of the players when they were younger, symbolizing their long-standing passion for the game. In May, the team hopes to work with a local youth lacrosse league to give back to the community and further connect with their roots in the sport of lacrosse.
As the season continues, Coach Clarke looks forward to upcoming matches against teams like Gunnery and Berkshire following the challenging game against Hotchkiss. She remains optimistic about these opportunities, believing they come at a perfect time as the team is starting to come together. Kent’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team continues to demonstrate resilience and joy for the game that transcends the pressures of competitive sports. Through collective efforts on and off the field, they continue to uphold the values that make playing sports a transformative experience.
