Athlete of the Week: Josie Russ
Senior Josie Russ, co-captain of the girls’ varsity lacrosse team, started playing lacrosse at the age of 10. As a young girl, her oldest brother would teach her how to throw and catch after school. It didn’t take long for Russ to grow more serious about lacrosse. She joined a club team in seventh grade, and found that she thoroughly enjoyed the sport. “I ended up loving it,” Russ said. “I’ve made a lot of friends and memories through lacrosse over the years.” At Exeter, Russ joined the varsity lacrosse team during her lower year, and was appointed co-captain this year.
Russ is a versatile athlete and an avid contributor to the Exeter community. She is a co-head of ABS and the ESSO club Pen Pals, as well as a proctor in McConnell. She played on girls’ varsity volleyball during the fall, and was a co-captain of the girls’ squash team in the winter. Russ will be attending Wesleyan University next year to play both squash and lacrosse.
Prep Caroline Matule played on the squash team with Russ and was inspired by her enthusiasm and encouragement. “She cheered me on and gave me advice on how to improve,” Matule said. “Josie was an amazing captain. She was always organized and available to talk.”
“Josie brings a lot of energy to every practice and game.”
Lower Molly O’Day commented on Russ’ contributions to the volleyball team. “She was a really positive teammate, who got us cheering on the sidelines and was very kind to the newer girls,” O’Day said. “I really admire how well she takes direction.” O’Day explained that even though Russ was not a captain of the volleyball team, she used her leadership skills effectively to help her teammates.
Russ uses those leadership skills as co-captain on the lacrosse team. “I lead the team in warm-ups, and make sure that the coaches and players can communicate,” she explained. Russ added that alongside her two co-captains, seniors Jacie Lemos and Bronwyn Shields, she works to create a positive environment and to address any problems the team faces.
“Our team’s motto is full 50 [a complete game is 50 minutes long], which means going a full 110 percent the whole game,” Russ said. “We have extended this motto to our practices and workouts. It keeps everyone focused, working hard and motivated,” she said.
Russ’ view of the team dynamic is one of equality and comfort. “Everyone plays a very important role,” she explained. “On this team, seniority doesn’t exist—everyone feels comfortable with each other.” Lower Michaella McCarthy agreed with Russ, stating that veteran players often offer up valuable lessons for the younger players. McCarthy emphasized that the advice never feels like harsh criticism, but rather a reminder on how to approve.
Russ’ co-captain, senior Bronwyn Shields, appreciates Russ’ constructive criticisms and motivational spirit. “Josie brings a lot of energy to every practice and game,” Shields said. “Whenever I make a mistake, she’s there to tell me to try again and encourage me.”
Similarly, lower Auden Barbour admires Russ’ dedication to helping each player improve their individual skills. “She’s always ready to help me one-on-one,” Barbour said. “Josie is so positive and reassuring, even after a bad play. She makes helpful suggestions during practice and takes extra time to work with me or other members of the team.”
Prep Tori Simon admires Russ’ athletic skill, as well as her upbeat attitude and her determination to keep the team spirit positive. “She’s an amazing lacrosse player,” Simon said, describing Russ as “energetic” and an “overall great captain.” Simon recalled the Varsity bonding trip to Florida, during which Russ and co-captain Jacie Lemos put up decorations and left candy outside players’ doors for St. Patrick’s Day. “It’s small things like that which make Josie a great captain. She cares about us and always wants to make sure we feel comfortable and happy,” Simon said.
Prep Bella Hillman agreed with Simon, commenting on Russ’ ability to inspire her through small pep-talks. “Before I go on the field, she’ll say ‘You got this,’ and it makes me feel more confident in myself,” Hillman explained. “Josie is really friendly and supportive of everyone, and will always have your back. She looks out for everyone, and is always willing to offer her advice or opinion on something,” she said.
McCarthy echoed Hillman’s words. “If we’re ever in a tough game or we’re having a rough practice, she always has a smile on her face and is there to motivate everyone else,” she said. McCarthy also elaborated on Russ’ contributions to the team, citing her ability to lead by example as a crucial factor in helping her teammates improve. “Josie has really set a standard for herself, on and off the field, that has become one players strive to replicate,” she said.
Upper Bella Edo also draws inspiration from Russ’ ability to correct her mistakes. “Even if she makes a mistake, she always recognizes it and wants to learn from it,” Edo explained. She reminisced in a memory from prep year, when Russ poked fun at herself after messing up on the field. “I didn’t know Josie well at the time, but it was cool to see a lower—who was new to the team—already feel comfortable enough to make fun of herself. It made me feel a little less nervous about being new to the team.” Edo elaborated on how Russ has encouraged the rest of the team to strive to do their best. “She has helped me by just being a great defender, and with her ‘never give up’ attitude, she makes everyone around her want to achieve greatness.”