The 2024-25 school year has been historic for Wakefield sports to say the least. With championship glory being felt within multiple sports, the bar has been set high for every team. Among these teams is men’s lacrosse– and while they haven’t started off on the right foot, going 0-2 in their first two games, they’re looking to turn things around and continue Wakefield’s run as a source for athletic success in North Carolina.

This year, one of the team’s focuses is building chemistry with each other to set the foundation for a successful season. The players on the team are aware of the importance of chemistry and team building, and are implementing that into their game. Lex Nino, a senior on the team, speaks out about the tremendous growth of camaraderie. 

“Team chemistry is at an all-time high I believe,” Nino said. “We have made that a priority this year, and it’s something we pride ourselves on.” 

This chemistry can really help the team build their attitude towards the game and perform to the best of their ability. Simon Ng, another senior player, makes it known that the bonding the team shares sets them apart from other teams this year. 

“Our offense and defense get along really well in general,” Ng said. “Most teams don’t have that.”

Not only are the players working towards a successful season, but so is the coach. Coach James Riedel is proud of his players, and is working hard to help the athletes grow and stay determined. Riedel speaks about this hard-working group and stresses the importance of their effort.

“This team has a lot more grit than last year’s team. Our record does not reflect how hard this team works; our effort will,” Riedel said.

Behind the team’s drive for success lies a number of student leaders, but especially senior Ben Romano, one of the co-captains on this year’s squad. Romano has confidence in his team and shares the same belief as his peers that they can and will work together to have a fun and successful season.

“The team has been great so far. The guys have a lot of drive and passion to get better which is super important,” Romano said. “So I feel good going into the season, [and] we as a team feel strong.”

This year the athletes aren’t just growing independently, but as a team. They are working together to try to win games, and although they have had a slow start, the season has just begun. With the chemistry being at an all-time high and the determination that these athletes show, their future could be extraordinarily triumphant.

“We have established an attitude where we never give up,” Riedel said. “This attitude and approach will define who we are.”