It would be a huge understatement to solely refer to lacrosse as a stress reliever. Without a doubt, the sport is quite intense both on the field and as a spectator at a girls lacrosse game.

As a fan, you witness the gritting of mouth guards, the players running up and down a muddy foot-ball sized field, and the fierce finesse on a player handling their lacrosse stic. The game is more than just that, though. Regina Dominican lacrosse is the epitome of what the lacrosse season is all about.

Nora Byrne ’16, co-captain, proudly spoke of the lacrosse experience this year.“We are doing pretty well right now,” Byrne admitted.

This year the team has won the most games in the history of Regina’s lacrosse program. A unique addition, two new coaches, has helped bring them a long way.

Coach Colleen and Danny Speth are both natives of Evanston. Colleen played Division I lacrosse at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and DePaul University club. Danny played club as an undergraduate at American University in Washington, D.C. Their dedication and support of their players reflects the team’s growth as a unified team.

“There is a lot of fight in these girls. They have played in a lot of really close games. A lot of one-goal games,” Ms. Speth said. Four out of five one-goal games have been won this season. Whether there’s a second or five minutes left of a game, they are willing to do anything to come out with a victory.

Byrne said, “Attitude is the most important thing. If you come into practice, work hard, give a positive attitude, and get competitive, everyone else will join in.”

Their key to success is having the ability to agree on a common goal. The game is taken seriously. Each player possesses a strong aura on and off the field.

Regarding the game, Byrne added, “You can come out here no matter what. Whether you are brand new or have played for ten years, you’ll have a great time. Everyone is constantly learning how to play the game. Regina Lacrosse is definitely so much fun.”

“My favorite part about lacrosse is that no matter the size you are (tall, short, skinny, a little bigger, etc.) there’s a spot for you on this team. You do not have to be cookie cutter to be amazing at this game. There’s a spot for anybody anywhere to be successful. There’s some sports where you kind of need to be a certain size and build. That is not the case in lacrosse. There are amazing people of all shapes and sizes on that field. If you want it bad enough, you can be great,” said Ms. Speth.

In fact, Stella Galanis ’16, decided to dip her toes into something new this school year. Galanis tried out for the Regina Lacrosse team. She decided to join to keep fit and get involved in a sport. The team welcomed her with open arms and she grew to love them and the coaches.

Stella revealed, “I found out that I have fast reflexes when I thought I had really slow ones.” Galanis now shows off her new skills as goalie!

There is this perception that women’s lacrosse is not a physical game. However, there are just as many whistles blown and fouls called compared to men’s lacrosse. Regardless of gender, it’s definitely physical and a tough game. If you think that lacrosse being a non-contact sport depends on the gender playing, you’re wrong.

Ms. Speth attests, “These girls have bruises all up and down their arms to prove it. Check out pictures from prom. It’s definitely an aggressive sport. Maybe one of them didn’t do well on a test and you can see it in their shot.”

The Regina Dominican lacrosse team wholly exemplifies what needs to be brought to the field. Good season, ladies!