Submitted by Chris Willard
CENTRE WELLINGTON – This year marked a turning point for the U15 girls’ lacrosse team in Centre Wellington.
What started as a group of girls with varying levels of experience quickly transformed into a tight-knit team, united by a shared passion for the game.
Under the leadership of a new head coach – who, for the first time, took on this role with the girls’ team – the season became a story of growth, resilience and triumph.
When the girls first gathered at tryouts, there was a mix of excitement and nerves. Some had never picked up a lacrosse stick before, while others had years of experience.
Yet, from day one, the focus was clear: everyone was there to learn, improve and, most importantly, have fun.
The coach, alongside his carefully selected team of assistant coaches, emphasized that this season was about more than just winning games – it was about developing as players and as a team.
It’s worth noting that the entire bench staff was new to girls’ lacrosse. The head coach had recently moved over from boys’ lacrosse, bringing with him first-time assistant coaches, Blake Willard, who has played for over ten years, and Bella Garkowski, another experienced player in the girls programming.
Their combined expertise was instrumental in helping these girls progress throughout the season. Blake and Bella, in particular, were able to connect with the team, fostering positive working relationships that helped the girls develop both their skills and their confidence.
They rounded out the bench with Meghan Wood as trainer and Tracy Ososki as team manger, who were both fundamental to the girl’s success.
The early practices were all about mastering the fundamentals. Catching, passing, and shooting were skills that the girls drilled until they became second nature.
While it was challenging at first, especially for those new to the sport, the supportive environment made a big difference. The girls encouraged each other, celebrated small victories, and built the confidence needed to face tougher opponents.
As the season progressed, something special started to happen. The girls, who had begun as a group of individuals, started to gel as a team. They began to understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, learned to communicate effectively on the floor, and most importantly, developed a deep sense of camaraderie.
Team dinners, road trips to games, and countless hours spent together helped turn teammates into friends.
The season wasn’t without its challenges. Early on, the team faced tough opponents who had more experience and better records. But rather than getting discouraged, the girls used these games as learning opportunities.
The coaches reminded them that every game, whether a win or a loss, was a chance to improve. This mindset helped the team stay focused and resilient, even when the going got tough.
All the hard work paid off when the girls travelled to Whitby for a major tournament. The energy was electric as they took to the floor, determined to showcase everything they had learned. And they did not disappoint.
With solid defence, smart plays, and an unstoppable goalie, the team achieved a breakthrough victory that would set the tone for the rest of the season. This win was more than just a point on the scoreboard; it was proof that their hard work and dedication were paying off.
One of the season’s pivotal moments came during the Zone playoffs, where the girls faced off against the Kitchener Kodiaks, a formidable team that had been a thorn in their side all season. The Kodiaks, bolstered by several girls who transitioned from field lacrosse to the box program, were known for their skill.
Members of the team celebrating their win at the provincials. Submitted video
Field lacrosse, which is non-contact, contrasts sharply with box lacrosse’s full-contact nature, making the Kodiaks’ adaptability particularly impressive. The Centre Wellington girls knew they were in for a battle.
In what turned out to be a nail-biting game, the girls played with heart and determination, refusing to be intimidated by their opponents. Their hard work and perseverance paid off as they secured their first win against the Kodiaks, capturing the Zone championship.
This victory was more than just a win; it was a statement. The girls had proven to themselves and others that they could compete at the highest level.
With renewed confidence, the girls headed into the provincial championships, determined to make their mark. The competition was fierce, but the Centre Wellington girls were ready. They started the tournament with an incredible display of skill and teamwork, winning their first three games in shutouts.
This dominant performance earned them a bye straight to the finals, where they would face off against one of their most formidable rivals: the Orangeville Northmen, a team known for being one of the best in Ontario.
The final game was everything a championship should be: intense, competitive, and filled with dramatic moments. The score remained close throughout, with both teams battling fiercely for every possession.
Then, in the last 1:30 of the game, the Centre Wellington girls scored a crucial goal, putting them in the lead. The pressure was on, but the girls showed incredible composure.
With their goalie standing tall and their defence locking down, they protected the ball and managed to burn the remaining time off the clock, securing a hard-fought victory and the provincial championship.
Their performance was nothing short of historic – this was the first time in over a decade that a girls’ team from Centre Wellington brought home a gold provincial medal.
A standout moment came when their goalie, Madison, made headlines, not just locally, but nationally.
Her stellar performance earned her highlights on TSN’s Instagram, and she was even called out in the Lacrosse Classified Podcast, Episode 300—one of the most renowned box lacrosse podcasts in the world. Being selected as the player of the week was an amazing achievement that the entire team celebrated.
As the season came to a close, there was a strong sense of pride among the girls. They had come a long way from those early practices, and they had done it together. For many of them, this was the first time they truly felt what it meant to be part of a team.
They had learned to trust each other, support each other, and push each other to be better.
The friendships they formed and the skills they developed would stay with them long after the season ended.
For the head coach, this season was also a first. It was his first year leading a girls’ team, and he approached it with the same dedication and passion that he had brought to coaching boys’ teams in the past.
But there was something special about this group of girls.
Their determination, willingness to learn, and incredible team spirit made this season unforgettable. Watching them grow, both as players and as people, was the most rewarding part of the experience.
As the girls look ahead to the next season, there is a sense of excitement and possibility. They know that they have built a strong foundation, and they are eager to continue improving.
With the support of their coaches, families, and each other, the future of girls’ lacrosse in Centre Wellington looks brighter than ever.
This season was more than just a series of games—it was a journey of growth, friendship, and empowerment.
And for the U15 girls’ team, it was a season they will never forget.
