As the girls’ Varsity Lacrosse team prepares for Senior Night, emotions – pride, nostalgia, and love – run high. Fifth former and co-captain Kate McKiernan says it’s surreal for her and the entire team.
“It’s kind of scary,” she says. “In the spring, everything does come to an end. You still see those girls around when you have a senior night in the fall or winter. But in spring, it’s like a real goodbye.”
Kate McKiernan, who’s been playing lacrosse since second grade, has become a core leader on the team. Her leadership style is unlike any other. But she owes this to her other senior captains, Ellie Grahn (Babson commit) and Hadley Lineberger (Colgate commit).
“They both have incredible lacrosse IQs, and they care about the game, us, and doing whatever it takes,” McKiernan reflects. “They’ve shaped how I see the game and how I want to lead.”
Sophomore Paige Saunders, a midfielder, echoes the same admirations. “The seniors are the heart of this team,” she says. “They’ve held us together. I’ve looked up to them so much. They’ve made me want to be better—not just as a player, but as a person. “
Saunders, who has played since first grade, finds meaning in her versatile role on the field. “I like my position because I help on both sides- defense and offense. I like being everywhere,” she laughs.
But it’s the team culture that keeps her rooted in Kent Lacrosse. “Every year, new girls join and bring something special. It makes us stronger and closer. We are like a family.”
Looking ahead, Saunders is excited to step into her role as an upperclassman. “I want to welcome the younger players the way the upper-level students welcomed me when I was a freshman—with love and respect. I’m ready to take on more responsibility and help carry our legacy forward.”
For McKiernan, that transition is already underway. “I am excited for next season, for my last ride with this amazing group,” she says. “It’ll be hard to say goodbye, but I want to make the most of it.”
As the team honors its seniors, one thing is clear: Kent Girls Lacrosse is much more than competition. It’s about being there for each other and being a team that wants each other to grow. Although the seniors will be stepping off the turf soon, what they gave all these girls will be instilled in them forever. That kind of impact does not just fade when they graduate.
