Young team, new coach, fresh start
Elizabeth Roby
Issue date: 2/4/10 Section: Sports
Despite unfortunate dynamics last season, the Wittenberg women's lacrosse team succeeded in making its first tournament appearance in six years. Fueled by new head coach Nichole Johnson, the team hopes to go even further in this season.
"Our main goal this season is to match last season's achievement and go even further into May," said Coach Johnson.
Coach Johnson found her way to Wittenberg after assistant coaching at Lynchburg College for two years. In her first year at Witt, she strives to begin a long- lasting career and build a solid foundation with the women's lacrosse team.
The team is quite young this year with six freshmen, eight sophomores, three juniors, and three seniors. With a new coach taking staff, players find themselves on an even playing field despite past performances. Johnson looks to the freshman class to build teams
"There is good talent in the freshman class," said Johnson."They will be playing their first year as impact players and will add competition to the team."
An important aspect of the freshman class is that no opponent has witnessed their capabilities on the field, which makes them an unknown threat to other teams. The six freshmen look to add strong defensive movement under the leadership of senior defender Andrea Berry.
Along with Berry as the anchor defender, senior Joelle Ghanem will be a midfield threat with her speed and her natural ability to lead a moving attack. Senior Bonnie Kenney is also looking to impact the defense as goalkeeper, transitioning from her experience there in field hockey.
With the team's first practice only a week under its belt, players have been working quite well together and embracing the change of a new coach.
Other changes are occuring for the players themselves. There are three players who dual-sport in field hockey and one who plays soccer, meaning they need to beginning to adjust to lacrosse. Coach Johnson sees great promise in dual-field hockey and lacrosse player Kellen Morrissey, '13.
"Our main goal this season is to match last season's achievement and go even further into May," said Coach Johnson.
Coach Johnson found her way to Wittenberg after assistant coaching at Lynchburg College for two years. In her first year at Witt, she strives to begin a long- lasting career and build a solid foundation with the women's lacrosse team.
The team is quite young this year with six freshmen, eight sophomores, three juniors, and three seniors. With a new coach taking staff, players find themselves on an even playing field despite past performances. Johnson looks to the freshman class to build teams
"There is good talent in the freshman class," said Johnson."They will be playing their first year as impact players and will add competition to the team."
An important aspect of the freshman class is that no opponent has witnessed their capabilities on the field, which makes them an unknown threat to other teams. The six freshmen look to add strong defensive movement under the leadership of senior defender Andrea Berry.
Along with Berry as the anchor defender, senior Joelle Ghanem will be a midfield threat with her speed and her natural ability to lead a moving attack. Senior Bonnie Kenney is also looking to impact the defense as goalkeeper, transitioning from her experience there in field hockey.
With the team's first practice only a week under its belt, players have been working quite well together and embracing the change of a new coach.
Other changes are occuring for the players themselves. There are three players who dual-sport in field hockey and one who plays soccer, meaning they need to beginning to adjust to lacrosse. Coach Johnson sees great promise in dual-field hockey and lacrosse player Kellen Morrissey, '13.
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