The rest of York may be asleep, but the York Girls Lacrosse program is up and ready for practice at 5:30 A.M. From conditioning to stick work to game play, the girls are willing to do whatever it takes to improve their game leading up to the season. These practices are every Wed. and Fri. from now until the end of Feb. The girls meet before school in the field house to work on their lacrosse game for an hour and half.

The girls have had success on all three levels this past year, and they hope to keep their momentum going. The morning practices are brutal and everyone lingures into the field house with their groutfits on and their hoods up, but the girls know that these practices are key to success for the season.

“I like morning practice because it is a great way for everyone to get ready for season,” sophomore Cate Duhig said. “It allows us time to improve our stick skills and to stay in shape throughout the winter months. I also like morning practice because it is before school. We don’t have to worry about having practice after school. Overall, morning practice is a great way for us to get together as a team and work on our stick skills.”

Not only do the players see their importance, Varsity Coach Ryan Walz emphasizes the importance of them and how they impact the team. While they are optional, Walz describes how much of an impact they can have when season comes around.

“We have twenty-five open gyms that is like being one month ahead of schedule,” Varsity Coach Ryan Walz said. “You get a ton of touches and do a ton of conditioning. They make you stronger, faster, and better skilled. It also helps with team bonding, chemistry, and camaraderie.”

They are not only helpful for lacrosse skills, the girls also do a lot of training to become the best possible athletes. The training includes running, lifting, and footwork.

“After a long offseason, they help get everyone in shape and ready for the season so when we start, everyone’s already ahead of the game, and we don’t have to take time to get there,” senior May Mann said.

The lacrosse girls work very hard and many are very dedicated going to these optional morning practices. When it comes down to tryouts, these help a lot to see the girls who stand out and have a dedicated work ethic, which is needed to be a dedicated and active player.

“As a coach you learn quickly those players who are most dedicated, hardworking, and willing to put in the extra effort,” Walz said. “Therefore, when it comes to tryouts it helps coaches make decisions.”

Even though it requires lots of dedication and hard work, the girls ultimately have fun despite the extremely early wake up call. They find ways to make it less painful and an enjoyable experience (meaning as enjoyable as humanly possible for a 5:30 A.M. practice).

“You get to play fun games with girls who love lacrosse as much as you do and meet new people,” junior Katy Clugg said.  “Also, there’s always music playing to keep the mood lively.”

Come out and join the lacrosse girls on Wednesday and Friday mornings in the field house to improve your stick skills, get in shape, and most importantly have a good time!