As the Boys Lacrosse Team walks onto the field, you may notice that number 19 stands out from the rest. He is one of the smallest players. However, after watching him play, you see that he stands out not because of his size, but because of his skill. 

Emmet Lee – a standout freshman on the Varsity Lacrosse Team – is already making noise as one of the top attackmen in the state. 

Growing up in a lacrosse-driven family, Lee has had a stick in his hand since the second grade, when he joined the Lake Forest Lacrosse Association. This is a common gateway for many athletes in Lake Forest to get into the game of lacrosse.

He was also inspired by his older brother Patrick and his father, who doubles as a coach. Lee’s father has been his coach for eight years and has stuck with him throughout his journey in the lacrosse world.  With these mentors, Lee’s skill level increase rapidly from a young age

“My dad has been Emmet’s lacrosse coach since he was little, so he’s always had a family member by his side. A lot of our older cousins as well as our older brother have always been interested in lacrosse, which I think has grown his passion for the game,” said junior Cate Lee, his older sister. 

The intensity grew for Lee as he began his club lacrosse career in fifth grade. He was quick to join in on the competitive aspect of the game.

“My favorite aspect of lacrosse is how fast paced it is, and how competitive it gets at points,” Lee said.

As one of two freshmen on the Varsity team, Lee has already made an outstanding impact. Eyes are drawn to Lee as he uses his speed and agility to score many of the goals that the team gets each game. He has started every single game of this season, and even as a freshman, he is leading the team on and off the field. 

“Emmet is a great teammate. He’s humble and he likes to get people motivated. He always carries the ball bucket and cleans up the field. He has emerged as a great young leader. He’s the next big thing for Lake Forest,” junior teammate Huston O’Neil said. 

The shift from middle school club lacrosse to high school has been an adjustment for Lee. From playing with kids his own age and size to guarding high school players twice his size, the intensity of the sport has increased. Although this may be intimidating for many, Lee was certain that he wanted to play for  the varsity team. 

“I knew that I wanted to be a member of the team. I was a little bit nervous trying out for Varsity this year because it is much different playing with the older kids,” Lee said.

His nerves do not show on the field though as he has been described as a key component to the team this year.

“He’s definitely one of the shiftiest and quickest guys to guard. He changes direction so fast that you could easily get lost guarding him if you’re not careful. He’s smart when he plays, and he’s just as good of a feeder as he is a scorer. He’s been a great addition to our team this year and we’re happy to have him,” said junior captain Marty Hippel. 

As a freshman attackman, Lee looks up to all of the seniors on the team, but especially fellow attackman, senior Graham Garrigan.

“My biggest role models this year have been all of the seniors on the team, but if I had to pick one it would definitely be Graham. We have worked really well together on the attack line this season, and the team all together has had great chemistry,” Lee said

As Lee’s first Varsity season comes to a close, he has his sights set on winning a state championship in order to help his role models achieve their high school goal.

“My future goal is to play in college, but for now my biggest goal is to win state this year,” said Lee.