With only a couple months left of high school, most seniors stick to what they know by finishing the sports they played for years. But for Sydney Walker and Morgan Wright, senior year meant starting something entirely new. With little experience with lacrosse and several seasons of running track, they both wanted to challenge themselves to try a new sport with the support of their friends.
For almost all four years of high school, Wright has spent her time on the cross country and track teams. However, this spring, she wanted to be involved in a sport that would challenge her in different ways. For the most part, cross country and track are more mental sports because it is based on your individual success. Meanwhile, team sports like lacrosse require a different approach and focus on the success of the team. Therefore, Wright wanted to try a competitive sport while building new friendships and connections.
“I thought it would be super fun to try something new,” said Morgan Wright. “I got my best friend to play with me, and my dad is one the JV Assistant Coaches, so he wanted me to play.”
Likewise, Walker stepped back into a lacrosse uniform because of the influence of her friends who have played lacrosse for several years. After playing goalie for the girls’ soccer team during her freshman year and running track almost every spring, she wanted to spend her last few months of senior year by coming back to a sport with her friends.
“Everyone is super nice and uplifting,” Walker said. “So, it was really easy to get into and not really have any fear.”
In contrast to Walker’s smooth transition into lacrosse, Wright had to adjust a little more since this experience was entirely new to her. However, with the support of her teammates and father, it helped her feel less nervous.
“I was definitely pretty nervous because a lot of the girls were really good, and I didn’t really know what was happening,” Wright said. “But there’s also a lot of new girls who are new to this sport, and my friend helping made me feel less nervous.”
The dynamic of lacrosse team is very collaborative, with players encouraging one another and helping each other improve during practice and games. Even new players can quickly feel part of the group because everybody uplifts each other.
“[My teammates] helped me by being super supportive,” Wright said. “Varsity girls too, like when I make a good catch, everybody cheers for me and is super supportive.”
For Wright and Walker, senior year wasn’t just about playing lacrosse, it was about taking on new challenges, forming strong friendships, and exploring outside of comfort zones to create memories.
“My individual goal for the season is probably to score a goal” Wright said.
