Lacrosse is not just a game—it is a constant battle of speed and precision. In 2024, the Mater Dei Varsity Girls Lacrosse Team accomplished a winning streak, which led to them taking home the Trinity League championship and clinching a berth to the CIF Division 1 playoffs. 

Despite their winning streak, they fell short in the quarter finals and ended sooner than they had hoped. However, the team felt last season was nothing short of extraordinary. Teamwork and determination are vital components to success in athletics. It takes dedicated, passionate players and a skilled coaching team to drive a team to success.. 

Sophomore Mia Games is a goalie on both the Junior Varsity (JV) and Varsity Lacrosse Teams. Although she had no prior experience with the sport, she is now a key player who ranked up to varsity goalie her freshman year. As a goalie, she is the last line of defense, determining if the opposing team wins or loses a single point. 

“I started playing last year, and the person who got me into it was my dad, because he wanted me to play sports at Mater Dei,” Games said. “The person who pushed me a lot was my coach, Sam. She left last year, but she was really a big impact in my lacrosse journey, as well as Coach Ane.”

Fueled by the guidance from her coaches and the support of her father, Mia Games developed a deep passion for the sport. Her desire to improve has earned her a place on the varsity team this season. Her improvement shows that it is possible for a player with no experience to improve quickly and become a key athlete on a team.

In any sport, there is a risk of injury. Oftentimes an injury will prohibit athletes from playing until fully healed but there are still ways to contribute to the team as a whole. Sophomore Ava Hefner, who played as a midfielder for varsity, was injured last season. However, she did not let that stop her from continuing to play an active role in the team.

“l am hurt, so I won’t be able to play the whole season.” Hefner said. “Although I am really trying to step into the leadership and coaching role and just try to lift my teammates up and grow as a person off the field.”

Instead of stepping back in the sidelines, Hefner tries to be a pillar of support for her team by providing the tools needed to succeed. She has been present at all of the practices showing persistence and dedication to the sport by her determination and strength off the field, making her continue to be a vital part of the team.

Junior Mia De Van Der Stein is another key player on the varsity team playing  the midfielder position. 

“A midfielder basically lines up to take the draw, which is the initial possession of the ball.” De Van Der Stein said. “As a midfielder, I’m allowed on all parts of the field so I can play defense and attack all over the field.”

Lacrosse has been a big part of Van Der Stein’s life since she started playing in sixth grade after a friend recommended the sport to her. Since then, her passion has grown, fueled by the unwavering support from her teammates and coaches. 

“I love how it’s an intense, fast sport I can play with my friends,” De Van Der Stein said. ”Just the thrill of the game makes it really exciting.”

Her passion and commitment will now extend beyond high school, as she committed to the University of Pittsburgh in the Division 1 team for college. 

A team can only be as good as the coaching they receive. Varsity Girls Lacrosse Head Coach Ane Horton likes to instill confidence, discipline and leadership in her athletes. She pushes players to grow both as a player on the field and as an individual off the field. 

“I just want them to be the best versions of [themselves] whether they choose to go far in lacrosse after college or not.” Horton said. “I want them to just become athletes off the field as well so they know how to tackle issues and overall, shaping the same character on the field and taking that into their everyday lives.”

Horton demands focus, effort and dedication from her team, always expecting the best from her athletes. She is the driving force behind their sense of unity and the evolved skills players have acquired by her coaching practices. 

Brendan Murphy, a player development coach for the lacrosse team, works closely with players to help the athletes work for total mastery of their skills and at the same time embrace the competitive nature of lacrosse. 

“Sports are competitive, no matter what you’re playing. Even if it’s chess, checkers or competitive video games, you’re competing.” Murphy said. “I believe that the biggest thing a player needs is confidence, because it is just a game. But if you can take that outside of just a sport, you’ll find it really has good results for you in life.”

Murphy helps players to go beyond their limits. His goal is to develop not only talented players, but fearless competitors. Under his guidance, each player on the lacrosse team is ready to compete, feeling confident in their skills. 

Mater Dei’s Girls Lacrosse Team drives student athletes to push themselves to do their best as well as build strong friendships within a close-knit community. Whether you are new to the sport and never picked up a stick before to being an experienced lacrosse player, joining this team will push an individual to pursue excellence as this sport offers you a unique opportunity to grow, compete and thrive. 

“Get on the field, get your stick and go play lacrosse, because it will change your life,” Games said.