This season’s Varsity Girls Lacrosse team turned in a stellar performance.

With the cohesion of new recruits, long-standing members of the team, and invaluable leadership of captains Emily Hamman, Anna Sawyer, and Camille Armaganian, Girls Lacrosse experienced an outstanding 2024 season. The girls achieved an impressive series of victories against a number of teams, including defeating rivals Suffield 16-1. Their remarkable teamwork and strategic play led them to several key wins and a record of 13-2. This season’s success not only boosted the team’s morale but also set a new standard for excellence in the program’s history.

Williston’s lacrosse program, established in the 70s, carries a proud heritage and fields three levels of play. The varsity team has consistently excelled, competing against top NEPSAC schools and earning numerous individual accolades, including All-American and Academic All-American honors.  They play one of the toughest schedules in NEPSAC, facing formidable opponents like Loomis Chaffee and Deerfield. The program emphasizes sportsmanship and teamwork, with many graduates continuing to distinguished NCAA careers. This season, the team additionally achieved an almost undefeatable season with their sole losses against Loomis Chaffee with a score of 7-12 and Canterbury School with a score of 6-8.

Francesca Gionfriddo, a new sophomore recruit and midfielder on the team, experienced a welcoming and encouraging environment this spring, and is proud of the success achieved by the hard work of her teammates.

“I think the program history and precedent has been there for a long time there is an expectation to work hard to never give up and to support your teammates, but I think this team really showcased that and really demonstrated what Williston lacrosse is all about,” she said. “I think the whole team looks forward to getting back together and continuing to play hard, improve and leave a positive legacy.”

The team has four seniors, seven juniors, three freshmen and eight sophomores. This year, the influx of sophomores on the team heightened the pace of the team’s success. Scarlette Graybill, a returning sophomore recruit, recently reached the remarkable achievement in 100 goals in only her second season. The team continues to carry a strong dynamic under the uplifting leadership of its captains, and the overall positive and fun energy of the team has truly shaped its success.

Scarlette believes this year’s team set a new standard for Williston’s girls lacrosse

“I think it definitely made everything a lot more competitive and with faster pace, so I think we’re just going to be able to keep pushing forward and building off of that,” she said. “I feel like us, as a team, we definitely strive off of good energy and so far captains come with high energy and good moods and everyone is affected by that. As a team we all like work together and we’re all having fun”

Charlie Lonergan, the Head Coach of the Varsity team, agrees that the competitive, motivated, and hardworking nature of the team was crucial to the dynamics that led to this season’s success.

“The team has talented lacrosse players, athletes and competitors, and they all share a common goal of playing at a high level,” he said. “While we won most of our games, there were many small moments where things didn’t go their way or they were challenged to be better, and they always stepped up.”

“It says a lot about their mental toughness and drive to be great, and it was a significant reason for our success,” he added.

Additionally, Lonergan agrees that the leadership of the captains, with the dedication of the underclassmen, paved out a path to success and an overall great season.

“Their guidance, vocal leadership and leadership by example has been formed through developing and growing through each of their three sports, and they put everything into this team and this season,” he said. “Our senior leaders mesh really well with each other and they also connect with everyone on the team, bringing the group together. Underneath them, we had a lot of younger players who are dedicated to the game and also lead smaller subsets of players on the team. This all combines to create an atmosphere where everyone is working hard and pushing each other.”