All of the hard work that the men’s lacrosse team has put in since September is finally paying off. With a new head coach and a lot of new players, the team is adjusting to these changes.

“Teams evolve and change every year,” said head Coach Fernandez. “New players are added and older ones graduate. The dynamics are different all the time, but I feel great that the young men have really started to play well together, have chemistry, and a strong work ethic.”

Coach Fernandez isn’t the only one that recognizes the recent changes. For players who have been on the team multiple seasons, adjusting to a new coach can be a tough transition.

“Coach Fernandez was definitely one of the biggest changes to this year,” said senior Jonathan Tine, captain of the lacrosse team. “He was brought up to be the head coach and the way he teaches, conducts practice, and his hard-core work ethic has whipped us into shape.”

Fernandez coached the JV team the past two years and has gotten to know most of the players well.

“It has been an honor watching these guys advance in their skills and knowledge of the game,” said Fernandez. “Continued growth and building men with great character is what we strive for. I’m so thankful for this amazing opportunity to watch these boys, along with our assistant coaches, come together and improve everyday as players and men each day we are out there. It’s our favorite time of the year!”

Having a good team dynamic is one of the most important aspects for this team on and off the field.

“Our goal is to have a winning record, win a state championship, and eventually become a strong solid unit with tons of team chemistry and love,” said Tine. “To achieve that I believe the more time you spend with each other, the better connection you will have. That means hanging out after practice, getting lunch, movie dates, and maybe even some good pickup basketball games together. When everyone is on the same page, it’s easier to make things happen on the field. It also has to do with trust. When you have a strong bond with somebody, you can trust they are going to get their job done and have your back through thick and thin.”

Tine isn’t the only one who believes this. The team as a whole knows that working together is the key to winning.

“Good team chemistry wins games because you can get along together,” said senior Connor Regan. “If you know one person is bad at something you can help them improve, it increases your chances of winning.”

There are a majority of new, younger, players that have taken the spots of last year’s seniors. As a captain, Tine works to help them fit in on an older team.

“Leading by example is important,” said Tine. “Doing the right thing helps the younger guys know what’s expected from them. I try to be a vocal leader and correct teammates when they get unfocused or when they need to be motivated.”

The coaches and the captains work together to keep the players motivated.

“To motivate the players, we use positive reinforcement and constructive criticism too,” said coach Fernandez. “I believe in each and every one of them and get to know them as individuals. What motivates one player may be completely different from what motivates another. I try to find out what works for each one.”

According to junior Lewis Evans, the coaches and captains strive to motivate the player’s work.

“They get us hype,” said Evans. “Through pep talks, consistent training, and self-motivation or preparations for big games. That’s important this year because the competition is more competitive than last. Each team has more depth than they had last year, including us.”