This year, a record number of students from all graduating classes are committed to play lacrosse at the collegiate level.
The lacrosse program at Hereford is dominant for several reasons. Many parents sign their children up for lacrosse recreation programs as early as preschool.
Hereford brings in a lot of experienced players and that is what makes the lacrosse programs so skilled and competitive, according to Coach Kalisz, Director of Athletics.
The community has many options for lacrosse as well. Several local club teams such as Breakers, Rock, Diamonds, and others are available for a variety of age groups. In this way children develop their skills. All of this year’s committed athlete’s play on club teams (see sidebar).
As the season approaches, committed athletes are in the spotlight. Collegiate performances and highlight plays can be expected from both the girls and boys lacrosse teams.
“I most look forward to the people on the team and the chemistry,” said Shannon Feeley (’19), defense.
Both the girls and boys lacrosse teams are hoping to achieve state championships after losing late in the season last year when the boy’s team lost to Mount Hebron in the state semi-finals and the girl’s team lost to C.M. Wright in the regional championship.
“I think the chances are good, we have good depth, and a strong starting lineup, if we can play to our full potential, I believe the ship is all ours,” Andrew Clark (’17), defense.
The girl’s team defeated Dulaney, the defending state champions, twice in their regular season, so they were a competitive team, according to Libby May (’19), who plays attack.
Committed players must meet certain requirements throughout the year. These requirements include keeping an eligible GPA and doing things that a good student would do, such as behave properly in the classrooms and, of course, playing lacrosse. One interesting fact is that girls can’t get pregnant or else that would make them ineligible.
Troy has committed to the Air Force Academy. He said he particularly liked “the opportunity and the coaches.”