Ignatz DeCourcey, Special to The Denisonian—
As their Fall Ball activities come to a close, Denison women’s lacrosse is now preparing for their upcoming spring season, and for the seniors on the team, it looks like it is going to be a memorable one.
On Oct. 8, the Big Red had their Play Day at Granville High School’s Walter J. Hodge’s Stadium. This day gave them the opportunity to scrimmage against two other collegiate teams: Kent State University and the University of Indianapolis.
“I have truly never played with a team so good,” defender Kate Coward ‘24, said, emphasizing how excited this experience made her in anticipation of the upcoming season.
Attacker Merrill Rollhaus ‘24 added that their experience is unique as seniors, citing a newfound positivity and optimism that is consistent throughout the team. “We really prioritize mental health,” Coward said.
The women continually spotlighted the importance of the team, looking forward to developing their relationships with one another and getting to know the freshmen.
Attacker Jane Lukens ‘24 said, “I think we all have this sort of ‘play for each other’ mentality, that stands out this season.”
Their connections with one another greatly impact their relationships on and off the field. While winning is important to them, these seniors also focus on the significance of their teammates, the friendships they have made during their time here, and the familiarity of it all.
Confidence, capability, and cooperation seem to be three key drives for the team overall. However, their motivations are not limited to their own abilities but encompass the success of their peers as well.
Lukens said, “We sort of have this nothing-to-lose mentality where it’s just like: go out there and have fun while also working hard.”
And after winning 11 of their 22 games last season, the Women’s Lacrosse Team anticipates another competitive year.
To prepare, the team has consistently partaken in character building conditioning exercises, regularly scheduled lifts, and multitudinous practices. “We have a hard-work attitude,” Coward said, naming it as one of the many positive attributes of the team’s community.
Coward, Lukens, and Rollhaus “have all been playing the sport forever,” Rollhaus said. With such extensive experience and the long list of teams these women have been a part of over the years, their attachment to the Big Red in their senior season is particularly meaningful.
Since none of them anticipate playing again after graduating at the end of this academic year, the upcoming season will truly be their last.
But despite the difficulties in saying goodbye, they nevertheless welcome an exciting new season full of passion and positive competitive energy. The Big Red women’s lacrosse team will always have a special place in their hearts.
As Coward said, “I’ll definitely miss the game.”