Another ball makes its home in the net, and a cheer erupts among the players. Customary fist bumps are exchanged after every goal, but for this game they are followed by something new. The team runs over to the opposing bench, lifting their jerseys to reveal messages inked on their undershirts. Carved out in bold black ink are the words: “Pander this.”

Prior to last year’s game against Zionsville, Hamilton Southeastern Boys’ Lacrosse Head Coach Scott Beesley received harsh words from the Zionsville coach. Both had been part of a group chat, and when Beesley requested film from a past game, tensions rose. The Zionsville coach berated him through text, ending his message with the phrase: “Don’t pander to us.”

When word of the interaction reached the team, they knew they needed to stand with their coach. The players got together and devised a plan to make a statement.

“Most of the guys had shirts saying, ‘Pander this,’” said senior player Colton Wheeler. “After scoring a goal, we would run up to Zionsville’s sideline and pull up our jerseys to show our undershirts and the messages written on them.”

The team knew this game would be tense, but when they arrived at the game, the strain between the two teams was palpable.

“The energy was aggressive and loud,” Wheeler said. “And we all made sure it stayed that way throughout the game.”

HSE played hard the entire game, pulling out an 18–10 triumph. As a high-performing team, a win like that is no surprise. But with the drama beforehand, the victory felt different.

“After Coach Beesley received that message, the game felt like it had more meaning than just playing Zionsville,” Wheeler said.

This season’s matchup against Zionsville is just around the corner, and old feelings from last year are resurfacing.

“Coming off a four-game losing streak, we need to make a statement, so we’re preparing for the game this week. Personally, I hope there is still tension. It makes it more fun,” Wheeler said.