Boys and Girls Lacrosse Train for Preseason
The girls varsity lacrosse team smiles for a preseason photo in Orlando, Florida. Courtesy of @exetergirlslacrosse
By MATTHEW MINOR and LEO ZHANG
During spring break, Exonians attended preseason trips to prepare for the upcoming season. The girls and boys lacrosse teams traveled down south to Florida to get a head start on their season.
The girls’ team stayed in Orlando near Universal Studios, where they had action-packed days. Upper Adora Perry described their daily routine. “Preseason was a blast for all the girls involved. Our days varied, with a really great balance between work and play. Typically, we woke up and enjoyed a quality hotel breakfast as a team. We then transitioned to buses, went to our two- hour morning practice, then came back to the hotel. At that point, we enjoyed lunch, then either went for a second practice for the day (“two-a-days”) or spent the evening relaxing or enjoying our three-day passes at the Universal Studio Parks. Our days were long but enjoyable and we were always together as a team.”
“The downtime and just kicking back with the guys was probably my favorite part of the trip; we got to spend time getting to know each other better.”
The boys ran on a similar schedule north of Orlando. Prep Luke Kim gave a detailed breakdown. “A typical day for us would start at around 6:45 a.m., where we would have to get ready and get breakfast at 7:00. Right after breakfast, we would go to practice for about two hours. We would get back to the hotel at around 10:45 and have lunch. We would have some time to relax, recover and bond with the team until about 2:00 p.m., which was when our second practice was. Then once we finished another two-hour practice, we would head back for dinner until 7:00 p.m. Then at the end of the day, we had a scrimmage against a school that was also on the training trip.”
At practices and scrimmages, the team sharpened their skills. “Everyone on the team was there, so we really got to use that time to plan ahead for the season in ways we hadn’t done in past years. This meant getting buddies earlier, creating mottos and even practicing plays and motions that we’ll use in the season,” said senior and captain Nina Kellogg.
Senior Emilie Dubiel explained the areas that needed some work. “We spent a lot of time practicing and working on our zone defense, which really started coming together on the trip. We also got the opportunity to scrimmage Deerfield and Choate, which really helped put together everything we worked on.”
Not only did the trip help with lacrosse but also with team bonding. Perry explained, “Preseason was essential for team bonding; we had an awesome time together and established a really great connection. Both on the lacrosse field, where everyone grew as players and learned how to work together, to experiences in the hotel and during our free time. We performed skits as classes, which was a really fun thing to put together, and performed those skits in front of coaches and our other teammates. I think the time we spent together was quality, we were all so happy and energized throughout the trip and really enjoyed our time together.”
Dubiel agreed, “I think preseason helped us by allowing us to get to know each other on the field in a fun environment. Especially with a new team, it takes time for everyone to get to know each other, on and off the field. This trip is so beneficial in the sense that we’re able to get to know each other better as players and as people. It also gives us the chance to come into the season feeling energized and excited.”
“As we continue to practice and play, I can only see our team growing together, so we are extraordinarily excited for what’s to come.”
Upper Teddy Capozzi believes that team bonding was something that needed improvement during the trip. “The downtime and just kicking back with the guys was probably my favorite part of the trip; we got to spend time getting to know each other better. Being paired with different roommates strengthened a lot of the camaraderie throughout the team also.”
With preseason over, Perry explains how the team is shaping up as their season begins. “Our team is looking really good right now, especially anticipatingourfirstgame this Saturday, April 1. We have a ton of new players as well as players stepping up to really critical roles on the field. The sense of dedication and commitment to the team right now is strong, and our culture is one of support, consistency and excellence on the field. Our greatest challenge this season will be adapting to new styles of team play, including a new defensive strategy and I think some players are taking huge strides in playing great roles for the team. As we continue to practice and play, I can only see our team growing together, so we are extraordinarily excited for
what’s to come.”
