After months of preparation, the Ponies are ready to take the field for their upcoming season that they have high expectations for. The girls lacrosse team looks to have a strong season. With many talented players this upcoming season, head coach Carly Fedorowski should have a strong team to coach. The Ponies have eight players who are committed to play at the next level, with future players also going to commit. With a lot of experience, determination and grit, the team is ready to achieve their goals for this season.
Strong leadership from seniors such as captains Marit Wolden, Jillian Maddux, Grace Young and Indi Capelle helps a team stay focused and communicate well. When a team has strong leaders more players are often motivated and perform better.
Last year’s seniors brought strong leadership that helped guide the team and push everyone to improve. It will feel different without them, but now all of us seniors need to step up and lead the team, senior La Crosse Wisc. commit Anya Schultz said.
Meanwhile, the girl’s strong relationships on and off the field help them play well together. Similarly, Many of these girls who are playing on the varsity team have been playing with each other since youth lacrosse.
“The team chemistry is very similar to last year because most of the players returned. Since they only lost three seniors, the team is still very close and has a strong bond,” junior goalie and Tampa, FL commit Jacky Richert said.
Practicing on their own outside of practices or games ensures that the skills they practice are more likely to be done in games. It creates mental toughness and helps quit bad habits the more it is worked on.
“Always give 100% like do wall ball, shooting, like anytime you can always work outside of it and things will work out okay,” senior captain and St. Benedict commit Jillian Maddux said.
Last year, Prior Lake defeated the Ponies 13 to 8 in the state championship. This season, the ponies are looking for revenge when they face Prior Lake.
“I’m most looking forward to playing Prior Lake our first game to get revenge from state last year,” Richert said.
The girls placed second in state last year. Before that, the last time the girls had made it to the state championship was in 2011.
Maddux wants to “make it to state again and make history in the state championship,” along with her team this year.
Finally, after falling short in last year’s state championship, the team is coming back more motivated. With the roster full of talented players and strong leadership, they are determined to turn last year’s disappointment into a success this year. Players are focused on improving each game and supporting one another throughout the whole season. Their goals are to work hard, play together and win the state championship this year.
