Head Coach: Sarah Brauer and Kate Cortese
Last year’s record: 4-8
Recap: Last season, the team was reinstated at SHS after not fielding enough players in the spring of 2023 and reached success with numerous wins. They placed 6th in the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League.
Key Matchups: Palo Alto
Star Players: senior Leena El-Ashmawi, junior Sophia Faraone and senior Riley Adler
Key losses to graduation: Chelsea Angel Esteban, Ryder Gangemi and Emma Green
League: Santa Clara Valley Athletic League
Prognosis:
With the team brought back just last season, the Falcons ended with a record of 4-8. The season was a learning experience for most players and one that will likely set them up for success for this new upcoming season.
Junior Sophia Faraone, one of the team’s main scorers and a powerhouse in the midfield, mentioned that the team is growing and improving rapidly.
“We really bonded a lot with our teammates, which is why I think we’re doing so well because we’re willing to make that pass or take the opportunity,” Faraone said.
Sophomore Evelyn Williams, who was new to the sport her freshman year, noted that the team was a great place to grow as a player.
“Last season, I had never really played lacrosse before, so it taught me perseverance that I never needed in another sport,” Williams said. “Lacrosse is so different because you need really good hand-eye coordination, but improving just made the sport so much more exciting.”
While the season won’t be easy with matchups against strong squads like Palo Alto and Mountain View — who the Falcons split with in close games last year — the team is optimistic about reaching for improvement and building close team chemistry in the coming weeks. Last season fuels the Falcons while the coming season is an opportunity to solidify their improvements.
“Last season was the first season we were back on lacrosse and we also have the same coaches this year, so it really built more of a lacrosse atmosphere at our school and more people are willing to join,” Faraone said.
Starting their season off strong, on Feb. 26, the Falcons defeated Notre Dame 9-6 in their first preseason scrimmage. With early goals from senior Leena Elashmawi and Faraone, the Falcons kept themselves comfortably in the lead for most of the game and ended up securing the win. The Falcons take on Los Gatos on March 19 in their next preseason game.
