Lacrosse has been a sport on the rise for years now, cemented as a pastime in many households worldwide. It is no surprise that it is yet again a competition Millbrook excels at. After a 12-7 record last year, and a third round exit in the playoffs, the team expects to further increase their reputation on the field. Though not as intimidating in size comparison, this year’s squad is deeper and more athletic. Sam Weeks, Tosin Adeoti, Erik Meyer, and Jackson Wilkins each bring established veteran leadership at the defensive end. Tommy Gouveia finishes up that side of the field intending to replace the massive Josh Madey at goalie.

That harassing veteran protection may be the team’s biggest pride. Coach Charles Kraciuk said, “With a core group of sixteen returning varsity athletes and an elite defense, the lacrosse team will look to improve upon the most decorated season and deepest playoff run in school history.” Already dominant at stopping their opponents from scoring, creating a dynamic offense is this year’s focal point. Their biggest off-season loss was at midfield as Joe Cooper, Garrett Patnesky, Shain Jefferies, and Connor Wilcoxen all graduated. Alec Lademann, Jake Breeden, and Eric Stieber not only plan to replace those departures, but establish an even better midfield from previous seasons. The team’s focus is on quicker ball and player movement rather than the isolation heavy gameplan they have found success with in past seasons. Flashy assists, close up goals, and dominant body checks are all in store this spring. The ball is going to swing around, everyone is going to get touches, and a new leading scorer will be discovered. This year has more than enough potential to be Millbrook’s best lacrosse season ever.

The squad is deep with a plethora of talent and potential breakout players: Jordan Gailey, Cameron Celetti, and Will Fasano are just a few. With so much talent, anyone on the team has a chance to star this year. Senior Alec Lademann said, “We have high expectations this year as last season we set a record for Millbrook making it into the third round of the playoffs. More importantly I speak for the whole team when I say that this year is for the boys.” Great teammates all make each other better, and with everyone’s mind set on improving the team as a whole, anything is possible. A state championship is in everybody’s vision, but every player knows to take it one game at a time. Their first goal is to improve their record, win the Cap-8, and advance further in the playoffs than last year. If the team wins the state championship this season, it should come as no surprise. Even if they do not make it that far, athletes far and wide will be in awe at the ability of this team.