Lax leads the way

     The music was on and pumping through Jaskwhich Stadium and the girls combined lacrosse team were ready. 12 miles west at Central High School the boys combined lacrosse team was also taking the field for their first practice as a recognized WIAA sport.  This first practice for both teams was all about getting hyped up for the upcoming season. The first game for Kenosha Storm girls varsity was on Mar. 21 against Mukwonago, They won 14 to 13, starting the season on a winning note. Those wins came from all the hard work put in before the games. 

     “To prepare for the season I have been coaching youth lacrosse at the boys and girls club as well as practicing my shots in my backyard,” Devin Stewart (11) said. 

     Most of these girls and boys found this sport from friends, family and even a student teacher. Jude Birong (11) found the sport through having his student teacher become his coach during his eighth grade class. Birong and his team practiced five days a week and had film sessions. 

     “I’m feelin pretty good. We have a strong team this year. We’re mostly juniors and seniors. Last year we had a good season, so im feelin pretty positive about this one,” Birong said. 

     Xochitl Delvale-Vera (12) had played since freshman year and this was her last time on Kenosha Storm. Students she played with her freshman year have all graduated and she was getting to know her new team. Working together and communicating through practices paid off. Delvale-Vera as a senior wanted the rest of the team to look up to her as a person who they could trust. 

     “It [lacrosse] has taught me to trust in my instincts and trust in the people around me to do their job just as much as I do mine,” Delvale-Vera said. 

     Players on both teams stressed the importance of sharing their experiences with each other.  

     “You can learn from anybody whether they are younger or older,” Max Anderson (10) said.