by Kaleigh Homer ’15

Kelly Hughes, former assistant coach for Sherwood girls’ lacrosse, became head coach last year. In just one season in charge, Hughes immediately created a new atmosphere in which she emphasizes to her players the need to stay positive while still working to get better everyday. It’s a formula that worked and last year the Lady Warriors only lost one game, won the region, and also made it to regional championships.

To make the team even stronger this season, Hughes wants to make sure that everyone’s attitude stays positive because she believes that when playing any sport, a player needs to be mentally tough. “I don’t accept defeated attitudes. Positive attitudes and high expectations are the key to success. I expect players to be on their best every chance they get. My players should expect it from themselves,” said Hughes.

Hughes comes from an outstanding lacrosse background. She played for Sherwood, making varsity as a freshman and starting in every game. She went to Iona College in New York, a Division I school, and not only did she play all four years, she got a lot of playing time. In addition, Hughes played in England with and against English, Welsh and Scottish national players and coached five teams in England.

This upcoming year, Hughes plans on bringing more energy and excitement to the team and working hard, especially at practice, so players practice how they play. “When I took over the program, there were parts of practice that were boring, in my opinion, and lacrosse is not boring. I feel like you should always want to be there; otherwise, what is the point? It should always be fun, and honestly hard work is fun if you do it right,” said Hughes.

Although the former coach Mitch Rosenfeld helped the Lady Warriors to an overall record of 11-3 in 2011, the players feel they are benefiting from a coach with so much playing experience herself. “Hughes played girls’ lacrosse in college so she really knows her stuff. Mitch was a great guy, but Kelly knows lacrosse better. Coach Kelly has us run drills that she knows she benefited from herself,” said senior Maddie Doan.

In addition to the new atmosphere Hughes is fostering, she also aims to introduce a new philosophy. “Cheer for all small victories. Point out individual mistakes privately whenever possible, but team mistakes can be said out loud. When telling a player they are doing something wrong, don’t forget to tell them how to do it correctly. Positivity, it sounds typical, but I want my girls to be there. I want to be there,” said Hughes.