By John Strock ’21

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While the Strake Jesuit Varsity Lacrosse team struggled last year with a 4-11 record, the men have climbed out from the ashes with an outstanding work ethic and hunger to be the best of the best. Head Coach Kevin Anderson believes that program can go far given his squad’s dedication and team spirit.

With morning lifts every Tuesday and Thursday and after school practice offered everyday, Jesuit lacrosse pushes to meet the task head on.

One of the reasons the team is so efficient and committed is the excellence of senior role models. Coach Anderson takes pride in his senior class and acknowledges their knack for being excellent leaders and workers on the field, building a culture of success. “There could be no better leaders than this year’s senior class,” he said. Such leaders include face-off midfielder Mikey Green and defender Ethan Tyler.

This well-rounded senior class, combined with the junior class, has also produced a powerful defense, which has been in the making for the past couple of seasons.

“This is the best defense we’ve had in all the years I’ve played here,” Captain and defender Doug Irby said. With three of the four captains playing with long poles, the defense is crucial part of the team’s performance.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the field, the offense is relatively young but eager to prove their skills. Juniors, such as Ryan Russell and Reed Huffmeyer, and sophomores, like Gavin Switzer and Kale Watts, prove that the team has a promising future not only for this season, but for years to come as well.

“This year will be the start of a streak of successful seasons because of the offense,” sophomore goalie Hampton Pillsbury said.

Competition in our district is tough, especially from the Woodlands, Bridgeland, Seven Lakes, and Kinkaid.

“We play in a very competitive division,” Assistant Coach Montroy said, “with some of the best teams in our area. That’s why it’s so important for us to continue to work hard and improve because we know the type of players we are going to be facing each game.”

The athletes in our Varsity Lacrosse program show the skill and commitment and intense team spirit needed to be a playoff team and, eventually, to go to state. The team is working hard to bolster its reputation as one of the best in Houston.