Lacrosse has become a big hit in many schools and has grown over the years after becoming a prominent sport. However, with this growth has been the rise of good teams, including Millard West. Out of the Nebraska/Iowa Girls’ high school lacrosse, Millard West is ranked first in the region.
All this recent success wouldn’t be possible without the countless hours spent practicing for the team. Oftentimes, they practice three to four times, making room for about a game a week. Many players claim they find various ways to practice at home, whether by themselves or with friends.
“During practice, we don’t slack, we act like it’s a game, like we work just as hard if it were a game, because we want to kind of keep the mentality of working just as hard in a game as in practice,” junior Shivangi Sharama said. “Sometimes on my own, I’ll do wall ball at home. If I have a friend who will go with me to the turf, I’ll just go shoot around.”
Constant practice doesn’t just mean physical drain, but sometimes social. Spending hours out of the week with the same group of people can cause tensions, especially in very competitive sports. Nevertheless, over the off-season and hours of practice, the girls have created an unbreakable bond between themselves. Ways this team was able to strengthen their bond were through many bonding activities and captains ensuring the team stays kind as well as supportive.
“I think we just support each other,” sophomore Hayden Strine said. “The big thing is that if nobody supported each other, we wouldn’t be where we are. We’re comfortable enough with each other that we can tell each other what’s wrong and what we’re doing wrong. We always support each other when we do good things, and even when we do bad things. It’s like we’re all there for each other, and I feel that’s what makes it a team.”
This relationship, although secure, can be tested by some formidable opponents. On April 19, the Wildcats went against the West Des Moines Tigers, the second-ranked girls lacrosse team in the region. Even though this team was incredibly strong and unified, the four team captains were able to pull the whole group together in these stressful times.
“During practice, we lead the drills, we make sure we start on time, and then we get ready for game time, and we make sure we’re ready,” junior and captain Grace Forsman said. “If we are in the middle of a game and losing, we just try to keep the energy up whenever we get down, we’ve got to get back up, and it’s all about mentality. If something happens, we don’t try to degrade each other, we build each other up.”
This team has worked tirelessly this season to perfect their abilities. Even though they tend to struggle with their confidence and with staying motivated, the girls have made it clear that they are there for each other. The State championship will be May 17 at Millard West. This has been a stressful and incredible season for girls’ lacrosse. Win or lose, the Cats will push on as a team and as best friends.
