BY JONNY WALKER, STAFF WRITER
The St. Bonaventure University women’s lacrosse team opens its 2022 season one week from today at Youngstown State.
The Bonnies, coming off a 2-10 season in which they lost all eight of their conference matchups, dedicated the offseason to preparing for the upcoming season.
Junior midfielder Courtney Fox, ranking second on the team with 11 goals last season, emphasizes the need to have a short memory.
“My expectation for the season is for everyone to go into a game with a good mindset, not thinking about what the score was last year,” said Fox.” “We are a different team.”
The Bonnies welcome 12 freshmen to their 38-player roster.
“Team wise, I think we still have so much room to improve and build chemistry,” said sophomore defender Paige Szymusiak.” “So, I expect during the season we will continuously push each other and improve our overall game.”
Szymusiak’s role on the team expanded as last season wore on. She started the final six games of 2021. The Lancaster, New York native spent the offseason improving her stick skills and working out up to six times per week.
“This year I feel much more confident and comfortable in my game,” said Szymusiak. “I hope my role is that I can help push my teammates to improve and be a leader on defense.”
The team’s more established players dedicated themselves to improving over the offseason too. Fox watched film on upcoming opponents to decipher their plays. The Central Square, New York native also focused on her dodges and defense.
“I … give my all in every rep, in the weight room and on the field,” said Fox. “I … try to be a role model for our underclassmen.”
Both players echoed a selfless, team-first mindset.
“Everyone is looking to get onto the field for as long as they can; however, if you’re not in, it’s expected of you to be your teammates’ biggest cheerleader until your number is called,” said Fox.
This season will be Jason Levesque’s third as the Bonnies’ head coach. That team-first mentality starts with him.
“Our coach truly believes in us and believes that we have the potential to be great and to continuously build our program,” said Szymusiak. “He constantly reminds us that although we are teammates, we should still push each other on the field so that we are always on our toes and wanting to get better every practice.”
The team’s work ethic extends beyond the field to the classroom.
“We also want to continue our streak of being the highest team GPA while in season,” said Fox. “Everyone takes their academics seriously, especially during the season.”
The Bonnies travel to Youngstown, Ohio February 11, marking the start of non-conference play.
walkerjc20@bonaventure.edu
