Girls lacrosse season has officially begun. It’s the season of practices every day and games are ago. Since the team has started working hard, what are the things that they hope to accomplish? And what things are the coaches wanting to see this year?

“Yes, I’ve played boys lacrosse. What inspired me to be a coach was my love of the game. I love working with youth because I think it’s a way to give back to the community. I hope that we continue to improve and hopefully win all the games that we should win,” said Coach Riley, assistant coach for varsity.

Let’s hear what the new head coach for varsity, Coach Cough, had to say when asked what inspired her to join the team. “My nephews play lacrosse, so I kind of grew up watching them play, and I love the sport. And I was fascinated by girls lacrosse.” When asked her thoughts on her goals, she had this to say: “I hope that we have a lot of fun, I hope that we win some games, and I hope that we progress from the beginning of the season to the end of the season, and that we just see players develop.”

Head JV coach, Coach Griffiss shared the same sentiment when it comes to goals for the year. As for why she joined, she said, “I was a softball coach at Metz for six years. The seventh season was the year we went out for COVID, and us spring coaches were given the opportunity to coach at Osbourn. Coach Riley and I have known each other for quite a while, and he asked me to come help.”

We got some feedback from returning players on the JV team about how they feel about this year. Here is what JV captain Camila Rodriguez said:  “Honestly, I hope to be more confident on the field and do my best. I feel confident about our team this year, and I’ve made many new friends. Most definitely, I think I’ve improved in many different areas of lax.”

And player Sophia Vandivere said, “I feel optimistic and excited to watch the team grow and improve and get to know everyone better. I’m looking forward to my final season next year. I’m inspired by my friends and my teammates to continue doing better and help the team succeed each game.”

As for the senior players on varsity, this is how they feel about their final year.  Captain Ciara Kraft had this to say: “I feel excited for my last year, but I’m also really sad. I love this team, and I love playing lacrosse, so I’ll really miss everything. As a senior, I feel like I have to be a role model. It’s a little stressful, especially as captain, but I’m lucky to have other amazing seniors on my team. I hope I can leave a good impression on the underclassmen and motivate others to want to play defense. I think so far, this season is doing pretty well. I hope we can have fun and enjoy playing while also trying our best. Hopefully, we can beat last year’s record. I think I totally improved from last year, not only with my own skills but with communication on the field.”

“Honestly, I’m shocked. It’s shocking that I have made it to my final year; I’m scared for what’s to come. I hope to get out of my shell and explore different things, I want to be able to get out of my hole. I’m excited about this year as it’s my final year. I’m going to have as best a time as I can and be out and about more often. I definitely improved as I’ve been more focused on school, work, and lacrosse, and by improving myself, I improve,” said offensive player  Ximena Flores.

Another offensive player, Tuana Mahmuti, said, “I am excited that it is my last year of lacrosse. I hope to become better in lacrosse and practice more often. I think I have improved from last year. I think that I have improved my time management skills. After four years of doing high school and sports, I’ve had a lot of time to see what tactics work best for me to get it all done. I’m feeling good about this year so far, and I am having a lot of fun.”

Finally, some optimistic and wise words from varsity player Nidia Perez would inspire any athlete. “I feel emotional because I realize the season’s going to end soon, but I’m going to put 110 percent of my effort every time I’m out on the field. I love lacrosse, and I think it’s the best sport ever invented. I enjoy being able to play with friends, I hope I score some goals, of course, as an offense player. Most importantly, I want to make memorable memories and pass down my experience and knowledge to the new players who are starting out. I want them to have the same drive and passion as I do, as everyone has the potential to be the best player they can be like I did starting out. I’m feeling great. Our team is strong, and I think we will have some great games. Other teams will be shocked at how much we’ve improved. I personally just feel excited every time I get to play and show off what I can do. I definitely improved so much from last year. I catch more balls, throw better passes, and have better game knowledge and self-awareness of what’s happening around me. I think this year is mt best year so far, and it makes me more excited to play.”

Sounds like this year will be one of the best for girls lax. If you’re interested at all in watching any games, here are the dates.

Fri. Mar 21, Home- VS. Mount Vernon High School at 6:00 pm

Wed-Mar-26, Home VS. Thomas Jefferson High School J.V 5:30 PM. V 7:00 PM

Thu. Mar 27, Home- VS. Park View High School V 6:00 PM

Tue-Apr-1, Away  @C.D Hylton High School- VS. C.D Hylton High School J.V 5:30 PM V 7:00 PM

Wed. Apr 2, Home- VS. Potomac High School JV 5:30, V 7:00 PM

Mon. Apr 7, away @Hanson Park- VS. Park View High School, V6:00PM

Thu. Apr 10, Home- VS. Patriot High School JV 5:30, V 7:00

Fri-Apr-11, Away @Liberty High School- VS. Liberty High School. V 7:00 PM

Tue. Apr 22, Away @Gainesville High School- VS Gainesville High School. JV 5:30 PM 7:00 PM

Thu. Apr 24, Home- VS Battlefield High School. JV 5:30 PM V 7:00 PM

Mon. Apr 28, Home- VS. Osbourn Park High School. JV 5:30 PM V7:00PM

Mon-May-5, Away @ Freedom High School (South Riding)- VS Freedom High School. JV 6:00 PM V7:15PM

Wed-May-7, Home- VS Gar-field High School JV 5:30 PM V 7:00 PM- Varsity senior night