GERSTELL ACADEMY LACROSSE
Having Fun Scoring Life Lessons
By Maria Beam Gray
Fast breaking to a 4-0 start in IAAM “B” conference play and a 7-4 record overall that includes wins against formidable “A” conference opponents, it would be easy to call Gerstell Academy’s lacrosse season a success to date. After all, it’s a standing ovation worthy turnaround after goose egging it at the bottom of the “A” conference leaderboard last season.
However, measuring success by wins alone is not to be found in head coach Dave Kennedy’s playbook. He’s intent on not just stringing together a winning season but rather on building a program that promotes hard work and a lifelong love of the game.
“We focus more on the process and preparation,” stressed Kennedy, who's in his 3rd season at the helm. “We learn to judge success on effort and attitude, on learning to be great teammates, and on formulating good habits as that's what sets the tone in a program.”
Keeping that tone light and fun while getting to work has reaped rewards as players who buy into the culture are crucial. Kennedy credits this squad for being outstanding leaders on the field, in the locker room, and in the classroom.
While scooping up and cradling championship hardware is always an end goal, it’s the week-to-week the Falcons are concentrating on as they aim to get better each game.
Helping the leadership charge is a defensive starting group that is senior laden. Impactful vocal leaders include Reilly Sullivan, an Army commit, and Sam Skelly. Senior goalie Ava Reed is in the midst of what her coach describes as a “great year” and she’ll be taking her talents to UMBC next season. Lexi Larson and Maddie Donovan help round out the defensive power five.
“Keeping a positive mindset while playing is always emphasized to our team and I’ve learned to think about the next play,” reflected Reed, as to what lessons she's gained from her coach. “Coach Dave has always shown confidence and support in me and allowed me the chance to show what I am capable of in goal. With that, I have grown more confident in myself to play to my full abilities.”
Where the defense is seasoned with maturity, the Gerstell offense is what Kennedy calls young and unselfish led by sophomore midfielders Reagan Ramsey and Maggie Kennedy, as well as junior midfielder Sara Fenwick.
“They've become a cornerstone and we rely on them a lot,” noted Kennedy, especially after the team’s leading scorer last season, Olivia Sprinkle, has been sidelined with injury for her senior campaign.
Another player standing out for embracing her role in the team is junior Addy McIIvain, a utility-type player.
“Addy is a selfless player, taking the draw or playing attack or defense or middie,” cited Kennedy. “Going wherever we need her game to game.”
As the Falcons look to dominate in the home stretch, Reilly Sullivan reflects on what playing high school lacrosse has meant to her and how that will help her as she transitions to becoming an Army Mule.
“Playing for Gerstell has been an honor, providing me with opportunities to work on my skills and develop my leadership abilities,” praised Sullivan. “From Coach Dave, I have learned to continue to persevere and step out of my comfort zone and he is always pushing me to become my best self.”
With four conference games ahead out of the six regular season matchups left on the schedule, Gerstell will continue to take it game by game as they prepare for the postseason. Above all though, it’s who they're with on the journey that matters the most.
“When these girls get older, they won't pay attention to the wins or losses,” observed Kennedy. “It’s the experiences along the way and as a coach, you just want to make sure they're getting the right things out of it.”