As summer starts, spring sports must also come to an end. The Jackson-Reed boys’ and girls’ lacrosse teams gained popularity this season, with an increased number of newcomers, many from fall sports like soccer and field hockey.
The girls’ team faced many challenges but pushed through to finish with a record of 11-6-2, including tournaments. The JV girls played just five games, finishing with a 4-1 record. The boys’ varsity soldiered through its season, ending with a record of 6-8.
The teams kicked off their seasons in late February with a month of preseason practices. “[Preseason] was such a great experience, as I got to meet everyone before the season started, which helped build stronger relationships between teammates,” freshman Naomi Schneider said.
Around 50 girls tried out, with more than a third of them freshmen. Three freshmen ended up on varsity, and the roster for each team was about 23 people, as well as a few girls on the practice squad and one girl on JV moved up to varsity.
The first few unofficial games of the girls’ season were part of an event called the Bishop McNamara Play Day, a series of 20-minute games. The play day started a sort-of rivalry between JR and Bishop McNamara, as they would play four times during the season. The final time was at the Field Tournament near the end of the season, where the Tigers won five games, including against McNamara.
The girls’ team also faced a notable challenge when the head coach stepped down after five games. Despite this, the varsity went on to win the majority of their games. A big individual highlight was senior captain Celia Joldersma topping 100 goals and finishing her JR career with 152 goals. Joldersma said she was “really excited” to end with so many goals.
The girls’ varsity made it two games into the DCIAA championship, defeating Washington Latin and closing out the season against Georgetown Day School. The JV team concluded its season with a game against Latin, which they won 9-5.
For the boys’ team, preseason practices some players called “Hell Week” were a great bonding opportunity to bring players together and set the stage for the season. Both the JV and varsity emphasized the idea of community. “The key to a successful season is definitely all the players getting along and getting to know each other,” freshman Micah Rosenbaum-Solomon said.
The upperclassmen were encouraged to support the rest of the team and assist the coaches in building a positive environment. One team bonding event was the Middle School Lacrosse Clinic, which the JR team helped host. The clinic provided a learning experience for middle schoolers, built positive relationships between the middle and high schoolers, and helped the middle schoolers to get an idea of the JR team. Another bonding opportunity was the varsity’s Senior Night. JV players attended to support the 16 seniors being celebrated.
Similar to the girls’ team, the boys’ team had its own difficulties. The JV team also played just five games. “[The amount of games] makes things a little harder for the JV kids who are gonna move up to varsity next year since we don’t have as much in-game experience, but it’s still a great opportunity to play,” Rosenbaum-Solomon said.
The boys’ varsity played in the DC Lacrosse Classic Championship as a wrapup of the season, losing a close game to Sidwell, 8-7. The boys’ team closed out its season on May 30 with the annual alumni game.
With a great turnout for both teams this season, the 2027 season looks promising for both boys’ and girls’ lacrosse. We’re all looking forward to what comes next, especially with the community’s increasing interest in lacrosse. Junior captain Lilia Choice said she “hopes we can build our lacrosse family, foster positive energy, and win!” •