After falling to eventual state champion Blessed Trinity in the first round of the playoffs last season, the girls lacrosse team is working to advance farther this season.
The Knights finished the 2023 season with an overall record of 8-8-1, which was an improvement over their 2-11 record at the end of the 2022 season.
“The team definitely improved a lot last year and really hustled for the wins,” junior Arden Henley said. “I think we need to carry on that mentality and hopefully, continue improving and make the overall Midtown program stronger. This year is going to be a rebuilding year, though, because of the loss of so many seniors.”
The team graduated 13 seniors last year. Senior co-captain Shea Edwards said many new players are going to have to step up to fill the gaps.
“I’m hopeful for this season, but there’s definitely going to be a learning curve,” Edwards said. “I think that because we do have new players and people who aren’t used to playing at the varsity level. I’m hopeful though because the people are excited about playing and the energy is good, so I think it will carry on to the game.”
The coaching staff is expanding, adding coaches Chaya Murrell and Brenda Robertson.
“I’ve always loved coaching and helping out the younger girls express themselves through sports,” Robertson said. “I was always interested in coaching in high school, but never had the bandwidth, and now that I’ve graduated college, I have the time to give back and help coach a wonderful group of girls.”
Edwards believes the coaching staff will help the team rebuild.
“I feel confident in the coaching staff,” Edwards said. “Ryan’s dad [Dan Carter], I know he’s capable, and he helped us a ton last year, so I feel good about our coaching staff, and we’ll see where they take us.”
Robertson has been playing lacrosse for most of her life, playing at the youth, club, high school, collegiate and recreational level.
“I’m still currently playing and learning new things that I hope to bring to the girls at Midtown,” Robertson said. “Every time I play with or against a new team I learn something different by being on the field and picking up new skills from other girls I’ve played against and connected with.”
Henley said she appreciates how the coaching staff cares about both the team’s performance on the field and their emotional well-being.
“I think the coaches are doing a very good job of balancing our mental health and how we play,” Henley said. “The coaches lead a talk to see how all of us are doing and I think it honestly helps us play better too since we are so open with each other, making our bond stronger.”
Edwards said she is anticipating seeing how the season will go, even with all the adjustments.
“I’m very excited for the season,” Edwards said. “We have a really good sense of camaraderie and really are a team. I think we may not win all the games, but what may be different from us than the region champions is that we focus. We’re really aware of mental health and take care of each other as much as possible, so I think, regardless of how much that translates to playing, I think that’s nice and refreshing for a sports team.”
Robertson said she is anticipating a good season as her first year as a high school coach.
“I’m very excited to watch how the girls mesh together as a team,” Robertson said. “I’m hoping to create an environment where the girls are able to trust and support one another in every aspect on and off the field. I want each and every player to improve in both their athletic ability in addition to increasing their lacrosse IQ as well.”
