I have been happily busy with my coaching schedule, and last weekend marked the start of games for both teams. Sunday was the first time, since the end of the 2019 Old Westbury Season, that I was on the sidelines coaching in an actual contest. It was so much fun!
First, the East Meadow 3rd and 4th grade Girls played at Plainedge. I did not know what to expect from our team, but was thrilled to be out there helping them, in what was their first game in over a year, and first game ever for many of them. I had forgotten how much energy I expend when coaching games. I was in a constant state of communication, either shouting encouragement and directions to players on the field or trying to coach up the girls on the sideline. The game went by so fast, I never knew what the score was until I looked at the scoreboard after the final horn blew. We won 5-4! By that time, what had begun as a light mist had become a steady drizzle (just enough precipitation to wreak havoc with the eyeglasses). Needless to say, the weather did not dampen the girls excitement about the results.
After the Girls Game, I had enough time to go home, have some lunch, and change Coaching Shirts, before it was time to drive to Hempstead, where the 5th and 6th grade Boys were meeting so we could caravan down to Oceanside, for what would be the very first lacrosse game ever for almost all of the players on our team. The last time I had been on the sidelines for a Boys game was probably four years ago. By the time we took the field it was raining heavily, and that would continue throughout. Once again, I was not sure what to expect from our team. Again, I expended a ton of energy and was constantly in motion and shouting instructions to the players on the field or those on the sideline. Though we ended up on the short end of an 8-2 final score, there was a great deal to be happy about. Most of all, I was impressed with how hard they competed, right up to the final whistle. And despite the score and the miserable weather, I think they all had fun (though probably not as much as I did!).
I wish I had thought to take a photo at the end of the game.
As if coaching two teams isn’t enough lacrosse, I have also continued to tune in to as many college games as possible. Whether I am keeping track of former players, or just looking for good matchups, with Live Streaming being so prevalent, there is no lack of lacrosse to watch. I was able to catch the entire North Carolina at Notre Dame game on Saturday, which was also played in a downpour (probably the same rain we slogged through on Sunday). I have seen UNC play a number of times this year and ND play once. I was surprised that the Irish were able to push the Tar Heels, putting their unbeaten season in jeopardy. But Carolina, who trailed by a goal to start the second half, 7-6, scored the first three goals of the second half and would never trail again, en route to a thin 11-10 road win. It was one of those games, where I felt fortunate to be able to be watching it. Check out the highlights yourself, below.
It feels really good to have lacrosse back, and to be coaching again!
A New Season 