The class of ‘28 is making its mark on the girls’ varsity lacrosse team with seven new additions. Players Caroline Borega, Bridget Dacy, Sarah Griffin, Haley Helfrich, Gabi Masson, Gracie Pruett, and Catie Ward earned their spots on the varsity roster this year and are ready to make history this upcoming season. 

Making girls varsity lacrosse is not easy by any means. Tryouts typically last three to four days  and test a wide range of skills, including cradling, ground balls, catching and throwing, as well as fitness components and more. 

Varsity coach Cat Catanzaro has been coaching girls’ lacrosse at Lake Forest for many years, and in that time, she’s never moved up seven freshmen to the varsity team—until now.

“What makes these girls stand out is their background knowledge of the game, you can tell they’ve been playing at a high level for a long time. Their basic skills are far more advanced than we typically see in freshman,” Catanzaro said. 

Making varsity is not easy—especially as a freshman. It is a huge accomplishment that takes true dedication and hardwork to reach such a high level. The team practices six days a week, with each practice lasting an hour and a half, on top of their day to day film study and other responsibilities expected of a varsity athlete. 

On top of a demanding varsity schedule the team  finds time for bonding—whether it’s team dinners, parties or something as  simple as carpooling  to practice and games.

“The bond our team has is very strong and it was really easy to get close with all the upperclassmen because they are so welcoming. I have gotten really close with the other freshmen too since there are so many of us!” Dacy said. 

Seven freshmen on one  team seems like a lot, but just one month into the season , both teammates and coaches are already seeing tremendous growth. With strong leadership guiding them through their freshman year, these players are set up to continue to improve and excel. 

Senior Maeve Farrell was one of five freshmen in the class of 2025 to make the team. She now leads the team with these seven new freshmen. 

“Their skills add a lot of value to our games and practices, their determination to improve and grow as players, inspires everyone on the team,” Farrell said.

Varsity lacrosse’s goal is to take the state title on June 7th. So make sure you get out to west campus to support them on their road to state. 

“Having a class of seven freshmen that can contribute well to the team means the sky’s the limit for them,” Catanzaro said.