You, my friend, may not be able to tell but what you’re reading is the product of five packs of gum and countless staring contests with blank screens as Xavier Rudd serenades my creativity to come alive. 

Well, he tries.

This began simply. Write my column about our girls lacrosse team – celebrate a little, thank a lot, and acknowledge all those who’ve had a hand in our success.

But as I sit here, I find there are no words to translate the depth of the love and appreciation I have for our coach and our team, our family. 

An indecisive freshman, I was persuaded by my best friend to give lacrosse a try.

La what?

Despite my neophyte knowledge of the sport, I fell in love, and wound up on varsity with three other freshmen. The rest of the team was made up of intimidating older girls whom, I will only admit this once, I idolized.

It was in my first year of Coach Diana’s reign that I met four sophomores who exemplified everything a great player should be, both on and off the field. I yearned for the wisdom of Abby, the grace of Katie, the athleticism of Duff, and how to put it: the ‘uniqueness’ of Sami.

The year 2011 seemed to be the season of C’s – Chamberlain and Caldwell, both good coaches, comparably better people, but still not quite complete.

Then along came Linden.

Who would have ever thought that a team full of strong-willed, full spirited young women would take so well to a grumpy old man practicing tough love times two?

Not me, but I’ve seen it with my own eyes. These times are ‘a changing.

Through his undoubting persistence to challenge us for the better, Coach Linden has rightfully earned a place in our hearts, as hopefully we have in his. All seniors, current and future, can rest assured that this team will be left in incredibly loving and capable hands.

After three coaches, three seasons, and three unforgettable years spent with these girls, I am honored to see them all finally move on to the bigger and better things I know the future has planned for them.

For if one thing I’m sure, it’s that one day they will look back on these times and realize exactly how much being a teammate, a friend -yes Sam, I’m using the f-word- and a sister helped in reviving the team spirit that never quite left.

In their shadow lies a legacy to teach future teams the foundations of lacrosse and life: work wins games, dedication earns respect, and never, ever, give up.