An Atypical, Unforeseen Poets Lacrosse Team
If there was ever an underdog to root for this year, it’s the Women’s Lacrosse team, as they find themselves the sole lacrosse team on campus. The dismantling of the men’s program was an unfortunate blow for the school, but it has directed the spotlight toward the women who remain. This season promises to be one of growing pains but of development, with the purpose of making it a team to remember.
Last season, the Poets had an 8–8 overall record, with a 4–7 record in conference matches. Unfortunately for the program, many of the seniors from the previous season graduated, leaving a gaping hole in the roster, one that has been supplemented by athletes from other sports and students who have never played any sport before. A typical lacrosse team fields 12 players: a goalkeeper, five attackers, and six defenders. For most collegiate teams, there are at least two or three options for each position, giving a team depth regarding injuries and unforeseen circumstances. However, Coach Escobar’s team barely fills the field and has little choice regarding injuries or poor performances.
Head Coach Leslie Escobar recalled her difficult search for new players: “I had to become creative in my recruitment process as we did not have a roster that could head into competition. Huge shout out to the Head Women’s Soccer Coach, Derek. He was super cool about some of his athletes becoming dual sport!” Their athleticism has allowed them to manage the transition from a sport played with feet to one with hands. While these women have had experience as student-athletes, there are some players who must brave that terrain for the first time.
For any person, athletic background or not, picking up a new sport is a difficult feat that comes with a development period. Coach Escobar denoted the aspects that might arouse the most frustration, “From a player’s point of view, the toughest part is the very beginning. Picking up a stick without knowing the correct hand placements can become easily frustrating as stick-eye coordination could take a while to develop.” Her positive outlook was, “These girls bleed courage.”
For most of the roster, this season is one of new experiences and learning something completely different. Joining them in a new environment is Head Coach Leslie Escobar, who will begin her first season at Whittier College. Coach Escobar played collegiately at Chowan University in North Carolina. Her love for lacrosse kept her in the game as an Assistant Coach at Fullerton College and eventually as the Head Coach at Valencia High School, which helped prepare her for the role this year. She considered her role in leading a new team, “As a coach, the toughest part of working with a half-new team would be balancing the strengths and weaknesses of each player. Creativity is my best friend.”
While it may seem as though having inexperienced players is simply a detriment, there are qualities someone being introduced to the game has that may work to their advantage. As Coach Escobar put it, “A positive impact that has resulted from our “team being new” is our high energy and enthusiasm. Our teamwork and willingness to learn have led to rapid skill development and growth.”
The team is focused on a collective goal, which entails playing but also developing their relationships off the field, “Our energy as a team is essential; the dynamic of the group is everything.” Each player has recognized their role and done their best to work on the aspects they believe can make the team better as a whole. Coach Escobar candidly put it, “We expect the season to be challenging but rewarding as we work together to improve as a team. In a few words, our goal for the season is simply to get better every day!
“This season, goals are more individual-based. Our newer players have different ambitions than players with a lacrosse background. The growth we aim to achieve consists of stronger chemistry, more efficient output, and a deeper understanding of the game.” Coach Escobar hopes to inspire the same enthusiasm and dedication she has for the game in her team this season, which may lead to better seasons to come. She concluded her outlook on the year: “We would love to have support shown as we head into this memorable season!”
Photo Courtesy of ACTION WEST PHOTOGRAPHY
