With a 3-3-1 start on the season, new Girls Varsity Lacrosse Coach Alyssa Shaver is proud of the effort her Lady Cats have displayed on the field.
‘People can expect to see a more fired-up team this season,? Shaver said. ‘From what I have heard, last season was rough (1-14), but we are going to put that in the past and move forward to become’competitors this season.?
A native of Flint, Shaver is the third coach in the program’s history at Oxford High School, replacing Tim Bausack who resigned after the 2014 season.
Shaver is a 2008 graduate of Carman-Ainsworth High School where she was a standout athlete in volleyball, basketball and lacrosse, which she played all four years.
Shaver scored a school record 81 goals her senior lacrosse season and netted an impressive 226 career goals at CAHS.
Upon graduation, Shaver continued her lacrosse career at the University of Detroit-Mercy where she played under the direction of former University of Maryland All-American and National team member, Mary Ann Meltzer for two seasons. Shaver later transferred to Lawrence Tech University in Southfield where she is working toward an industrial/organizational psychology degree and is a captain of the Blue Devil’s lacrosse team.
This year’s Oxford team yielded 10 returning players from last year including juniors Mandalyn Sterner, Jamie Bailey, Oliva Schassburger, Roz Schassburger and Shelby Mabry; Seniors Kayce Calcaterra, Claire Seely, Maddie Barnewold, Rachel Grzanka and Savannah Fullmer.
‘They bring experience to the team and leadership.? There are a lot of new players to varsity this year and the returnees help to balance it out,? Shaver explained. ‘They contribute on every part of the field.?
Shaver also welcomed seven new players to this year’s team including goalie sophomore Alexa Alban, junior defender Ashanti Huddleston, freshman Hope Watson, sophomore Bailey Brocco, junior Samantha Schwartz, sophomore Abby Barnewold and sophomore Courtney Petree.?
‘They all have very positive attitudes that have helped to improve their skills in the short time that we have been practicing.? They all have a ton of potential and I have utilized all of them in the games we have played this season,? Shaver added. ‘Our goalie has been doing a great job, especially for a young goalie.? The hustle that Ashanti shows on the field rubs off on every person.?
The biggest strength of the team thus far is a ‘willingness to fix mistakes in order to get better,? according to Shaver.
‘They did not have the greatest season last year, but every girl has a positive attitude and is willing to listen to me and work hard at what I am telling them to do in order to become a better team,? she said.
‘I am extremely excited to be working with the Oxford varsity girls lacrosse team,? Shaver added. ‘I can see a ton of potential and I truly believe that if the girls keep working hard, we will reach our goals.?
The girls will next take the field on April 23 at Clarkston. The game begins at 7 p.m.