Lacrosse program welcomes new players

by Genevieve Klein Opinion Co-Editor

Amongst all the sports that NDB students can choose from, lacrosse is one that offers a playing environment extremely open to newcomers. The program is relatively new, with its first season being in 2016. As a result, many students are drawn to the team and the opportunity to learn and grow in a new sport without immense pressure.

Tryouts took place the week of January 30 and the season is now well underway, with new players finding their footing alongside returning players who are excited to be back on the field. The season started with going over the critical basic skills of the sport, serving as an introduction for new players and an important reminder for those returning. Drills focused on passing and catching, cradling the ball and targeted shooting, which helped players become more comfortable handling the lacrosse stick and moving the ball around the field.

“[We are teaching] basic fundamentals, but also pulling in skills they have from other sports that are transferable,” said JV Coach Melissa Ansari. “For example, with basketball, playing in a key, or soccer, with field awareness, and pulling in some of those existing skill sets and applying them to this new sport for them.”

At the begin- ning of the season, Varsity Coach Will Evans scheduled three additional scrimmages against other local high school teams from different leagues as a way to get new players accustomed to the flow and rules of games before the start of the regular season. The team played against Sequoia HS, Burlingame HS and Woodside HS.

“I thought it was really fun because there were a lot of people who were new and had never played before,” said freshman Audrey Rosen, who is a first-time lacrosse player. “The coach put us at different positions to see what we like to play and I feel like it wasn’t super stressful because they were scrimmages.”

Team members on varsity and JV played together in these early scrimmages, along with the weekly practices. This creates an environment where new players can learn from those more experienced.

“That’s the thing about lacrosse. I love it because you get to [play] with returning players a lot more. And it’s fun because they have a little more experience. [So] it’s really cool to practice and play with them,” said Rosen.

Many underclassmen trying lacrosse were introduced to an exciting game where they can grow and improve their skills, but alongside that, they were introduced to a welcoming group of teammates. While some were at first intimidated by the prospect of an unfamiliar game and group of students, they soon saw that there was no need to be worried.

Mia Cienfuegos, an experienced lacrosse player, made varsity as a freshman. She has played the sport for multiple years, but not yet in a high school league.

“I just thought the whole team was really intimidating, but everybody’s super nice and so was the coach,” Cienfuegos shared. “We learn a lot and improve in a short period. I feel [that] every game we all become better at playing together, and I think that’s going to go along with the season very well.”

As teamwork continues to grow, the rest of the season is looking very positive for both new and returning players alike.

by Ashley Strain Sports Editor

Swim season is finally back. NDB has both a varsity team and a JV team, with roughly 30 swim athletes altogether. The team tryouts began in winter to prepare for the spring season up ahead.

The varsity and JV teams practice together four times a week on the Serra HS campus. The teams practice with the Serra swimmers, and the coaches work together to benefit both teams. This system works well as it mimics a swim meet and pushes both teams to get better, especially while under the pressure of others.

The team maintains a club-like atmosphere, full of relaxed, yet competitive swimming. The Serra and NDB athletes are able to work together and challenge each other to get better.

The team has a weekly jamboree against local high schools in the Bay Area. Both teams participate in five league meets throughout the season, ending with one championship to close out. The team recently competed in the Varsity Swim Small School Invite on March 11 at Sacred Heart Preparatory HS, with several local high schools.

NDB Social Science teacher and Swim Head Coach Wendy Connolly has been collaborating with the Serra HS coaches and has helped build NDB’s swimming program for years.

“In terms of the season, we are starting out strong because we are swimming with the Serra team,” Connolly shared. “This creates a competition for the girls, pushing them to work harder than they’ve ever worked.”

The swim team is looking forward to competing with local schools in their upcoming meets as their season continues.