The Sporting 06 girls played one ugly game in June, losing to a longtime rival, a team they can never seem to beat. After that game, Emily was lucky enough to be invited to play several games for the Sporting 05 team, which is one age level up. Although we'd like to think she was invited because of her stellar play, she's still struggling to get back to pre-injury form, so that likely wasn't it. We do know that one invite came after a few other girls couldn't make it. Her pride was a little bruised for that one, and she played incredibly well in the game, making some great throw ins and playing very strong defense. She also played for two out of three showcase games for the 05 girls, and despite not playing her best, she ended up scoring the game winner in both games. All in all, it was a good experience and a confidence builder for her. This summer, she will play two tournaments for her summer team and some summer league games with NWC, but will mostly concentrate on her overall fitness and strength.
The end of lacrosse season did not go as we had anticipated. After starting and playing ten complete games, Elizabeth was unexpectedly pulled early on in the 11th game and then received uneven playing time for the rest of the season. The coach offered no explanation, although played a JV player (not even another varsity player) in her spot whenever she wasn't on the field; she also gave her the silent treatment and (literally) turned her back on her when she was on the sidelines. Elizabeth, however, handled the entire situation with the grace we've come to expect from her. She may have cried all the way home in the privacy of our car, but she she held her head high on the sidelines, never said a bad word about the coach in front of her teammates and continue to cheer on her team. Unfortunately, not having Elizabeth on the field meant that the team lost two very close games, which made the coach's decision even more perplexing (why would you sideline your best player in a one goal game). Her teammates rallied around her, turning their backs on the coach on the sideline and standing with Elizabeth instead of next to the coach (which is where they usually stand). Lost in all of this was the fact that Emily had a wonderful second half of the season, playing every minute of every game upon her return from injury. She was an integral part of the defense and team and really started to shine as the season went on. They absolutely loved being on the same team and playing with each other and loved the other girls on the team. We are interested to see what next year brings, as four or five girls have already decided that they will not return for the next season.
Celebrating their only win of the season.
I just absolutely love watching her play. She is so powerful on the field.
Lax juniors
One of the Emily's closet friends was called up to varsity for the final two games of the season.
Elizabeth's final goal of the season, against East Catholic. They played some of their best lacrosse in this loss against their rival powerhouse.
In early June, Elizabeth attended the prom at Northwest Catholic. Because the prom was scheduled so late in the school year and held outside, there were almost no restrictions (no masks or social distancing) and so it was one of the most normal experiences the kids had all year. Although no outside guests were allowed, both for numbers reasons and for contact tracing, almost everyone in the junior and senior class attended. Elizabeth and her friends had a wonderful time and it was so great to see them all together having so much fun.
May was a bit of a rough month of soccer for Emily. She was sidelined for the first few games because of her foot injury, which was very frustrating for her, especially because she only felt pain when playing soccer. Once she was able to start playing again, she found herself struggling to get back to the level she was at prior to her injury. As the month came to a close, she found herself getting back to form and the team had a good showing at the OPI Memorial Day tournament. They played some of their best team soccer against one of the top teams in the region, shocking themselves as well as their opponent. Although they ending up losing, holding a 1-0 lead for most of the game showed them what they were capable of.
Our sweet, funny, stubborn, athletic, beautiful Emily is fifteen today and what a year she's had. She started her year as an 8th grader and ended it on the eve of final exams as a freshman. She has embraced absolutely everything about high school - from her hard won position as a starter on the varsity soccer team (a dream come true), to her ever-increasing circle of friends, to the rigor of her academic courses - Emily has absolutely thrived. She has also dealt with the constant changes and disappointments of COVID better than almost anyone we know. When sports were "paused" over the winter, she hit the gym with a vengeance and came back in the spring stronger and faster, and with a killer throw in. When her lacrosse team was quarantined and she had to take classes online, she made the best of it, cooking breakfasts and lunches for herself, such that her teachers always wanted details about what she was making. We have watched her blossom as a person as her friend group grows - she is well-liked by school friends and her soccer friends and they are all always looking for ways to spend as much time together as possible. She is fun and easy to be around 95% of the time, although she's an absolute terror the other 5%. We have enjoyed watching her grow this year and cannot wait to see what the future holds for her.
