As a proud manager of the women’s lacrosse team, I look forward to every game. When Addie Huff scores a game-winner, or Lauren Jalics makes a Lebronesque stop on defense, I feel so much adrenaline and excitement I could practically run a marathon. Instead, I settle for a few passionate hive fives and jumps of joy. 

At the high school, it is the duty of team captains to find managers for their teams. These managers are usually juniors and seniors. They bring drinks and treats for the players after home games, while also recording stats and radioing goals and fouls to athletic department staff who manage the scoreboard. 

Becoming a manager is the perfect way to get involved and grow school pride. I always try to promote the team, and I’ve learned new lacrosse rules at every game. One of the most complex rules is the sphere: an imaginary bubble around the player’s head, where the ball is protected from defensive checks.

There have been times I’ve gotten so fired up about women’s lacrosse, I ask my co- manager, Evan Weisman, if we can go to practice to help out. He responds with the familiar head shake and grin, reminding me that we would probably be crossing a line. 

For lacrosse, managers are not needed at practice. However, for sports such as baseball and basketball, they are typically in attendance. I have to tell myself it just means I’ll be cheering even louder come game day.

I have played soccer all my years at the high school, and the soccer team managers have left a deep impact. I would love to go back and thank Megan Spring, Maya Mayan and Benedetta Strangi; they never failed to put a smile on my face and some sugar in my belly.

I’m so happy to be a part of the beautiful tradition of being a sports manager. I hope to leave a legacy of enthusiastic management to inspire the next generation. If you read this column, I hope to see you at a women’s lacrosse game soon! 

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