Moreau Catholic High School's lacrosse program is still in its infancy, but the team is ready to make a name for itself this season. With a mix of experienced returning players and new talent, Coach John Wallace is focused on growing the program, improving the team's lacrosse IQ, and most importantly, having fun.
When asked about the top returning players from last season, Coach Wallace immediately highlighted Luca Oca and Aiden Sinay, both senior midfielders. Oca, who has been playing lacrosse since he was young, brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to the team. He is also the primary face-off man, a crucial role in possession and scoring opportunities. Sinay, on the other hand, was among the top offensive players last season and will be a key player in the team's attack.
Tiago Dias and Cameron Wallace, both seniors, are also expected to have a significant impact on the team's success. Dias will be a key player on defense, while Wallace has been working hard in the off-season with a personal coach and playing on a travel club team.
In terms of new players, Coach Wallace believes that all of them will make an immediate impact due to the team's small size. With only 13 players on the roster, each player will have a crucial role in the team's success. The coach is also counting on the team to recruit more players and grow the program. However, he specifically mentioned Luca Oca and Aiden Sinay as players who will have a significant impact on the team's performance.
When it comes to choosing team captains, Coach Wallace emphasizes that it is not an honorary title. The captains must be leaders that the other players look up to, committed to all team events, and exemplify the values of Moreau Catholic. They must also maintain good grades and be role models for the team. Currently, the team is still deciding on captains or players who are battling for that role.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are crucial for success in any sport, and Coach Wallace is determined to build a strong bond among his players. With a small team, he believes that spending time together on and off the field will help create a tight-knit group. The coach also encourages his players to communicate effectively and support each other on the court.
The team's schedule this season is challenging, with their league consisting of well-established teams and two new teams, including Moreau Catholic. Coach Wallace sees this as an opportunity for his team to learn from the more experienced teams and apply those lessons to their non-league games.
When asked about the team's strengths and weaknesses, Coach Wallace mentioned that the team needs to work on their fundamentals and game situations. As a coach new to the high school level, he admits that he could have spent more time on these aspects instead of focusing on weight training. However, the team's defense was a strong point last season, and the coach plans to continue building on that by implementing a stronger defensive scheme.
Communication is key in any sport, and lacrosse is no different. Coach Wallace believes that effective communication is critical on defense, where the team needs to know their responsibilities as the ball moves around the offensive players. The coach also plans to implement a simpler motion offense that is easier for inexperienced players to execute successfully.
As for balancing academics and sports, Coach Wallace believes that communication is once again crucial. He encourages his players to communicate with their teachers if they need to miss class for a game or practice and to prioritize their studies. The coach also emphasizes the importance of time management and being responsible for their academic commitments.
In conclusion, Coach John Wallace and the Moreau Catholic High School lacrosse team are determined to have a successful season. With a strong focus on growth, teamwork, and communication, the team is ready to face any challenges that come their way. As they continue to build the program, this season will be a crucial step toward establishing Moreau Catholic as a competitive force in the sport of lacrosse.
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