The FWCD Varsity Lacrosse team ended the season with a 7-7 record and placed 3rd in SPC. The team had a very consistent focus on unity as they always found ways to have fun and support each other.
The team owed their success to their connection, according to both Captain Will Hammond ’27 and Head Coach, Patrick Diamonon. The team was constantly bonding and getting to know each other which really increased their team chemistry. This was especially true this year as most of the players have known each other for a while.
“This team, for the most part, has played together for a while,” Hammond said. “So this year, the team meshed and played well together.”
Another strength was the team’s perseverance and grit. Diamonon greatly praised them for this very necessary skill.
“We were always going into games short handed, but we always competed,” Diamonon said. “So the resiliency of the boys was the biggest thing this team had for sure.”
Aside from Hammond, the team captains included John David Hart ’26 and Wes Dieth ’26. Diamonon celebrated each of the captains for their individual aspects that made them great leaders. Hammond for his goalkeeping skills, making him the backbone of the team’s defense; Hart for his determination and courage to always guard the best player on the other team; Dieth for his constant encouragement and his showing up for the team even when he was injured.
“I try to be a good leader by making sure I’m there when they have questions and helping them grow as players,” Hammond said.
SPC was a fun, challenging environment for the team. They tied St. Andrews on the second day before beating Trinity Valley School for third place. Diamonon said that there was a lot of excitement at every game.
“Our home fans that travel with us definitely brought a lot of energy for those games,” Diamonon said.
One of Hammond’s favorite memories of the season was beating TVS. It is always fun for players to win, but it’s even better when it is a rivalry game.
“Being able to end the season on a high note was a great feeling,” Hammond said.
Perhaps the most memorable moment for players, coaches, and fans was the shorts. This was Diamonon’s favorite memory because of how committed everyone was to the idea. At the start of the season, the players brought up the idea of wearing 2000s style NBA shorts during a game. At the time, most people doubted they would follow through with it. However, the last home game against Parish Episcopal School was filled with baggy shorts. Each of the players had bought a pair and agreed to wear them together.
“I loved how everyone on the team committed to it,” Diamonon said. “It’s a nice camaraderie and culture building.”
In conclusion, the lacrosse team embodies what a true team is, one that shows up for each other in the best and most randomest ways. They consistently support each other and find the true meaning of sports: fun.
