There is a new face on the sidelines of the girls’ lacrosse team this year.
Teacher Abigail May has worked to make changes and improvements to the team in her time as a coach this season.
“I like to be very honest in my coaching style and make sure that all the players get to know me as a person, as well as how I like to interact with them as a person, and make sure that we’re on the same page all the time,” May said.
May previously coached a club team. She also played three high school seasons and an additional four seasons in college.
“I had always been fascinated by it (lacrosse). It was something new that my high school had, and I never tried it. One of my best friends played, so I learned everything from her. I kept playing because it was something new to me,” May said.
Having a new coach for the girls’ lacrosse team has opened up many more opportunities to help the players succeed in their season.
“We’ve been really focusing on trying to bring up our lacrosse IQ so that knowledge of the game, and we’re trying to figure out what’s gonna work best for us and the players that we have to utilize them to the best, best of their skills,” May said.
Coaching is something that can bring out many positive memories and experiences for anyone involved on the team. But along with the positives, there are bound to be negative aspects to being a coach of a girls lacrosse team.
“Seeing the girls be successful, watching them hit career milestones, is probably my biggest excitement. I feel like my least favorite part about coaching is making sure that we’re on the same page as other teams and making sure that communication is there. But it’s something that we learn to work through,” May said.
Starting out as a new coach at a new school is difficult, but May is not the only coach of the girls lacrosse team.
“The other coaches have been a big help. I knew Coach Rea before going into this job, so she’s been able to help me see how the lacrosse world works, especially on the paperwork side of things. It has been super helpful,” May said.
Along with coach Rea, the team is headed by coach Mike Soyars. The three coaches work together to make the team run efficiently.
“ We all try to work together and make those game plans. I also start practices as the first one out there because of other things that the other coaches have going on. It’s been really exciting to get to start those practices each day,” May said.
Overall, May has enjoyed her season with the team.
“I’m very proud of all the girls for some ups and downs and injuries that we’ve had,” May said.
