St. Margaret’s girls lacrosse team hosted 28 student-athletes from the Los Angeles chapter of Harlem Lacrosse to campus for a skills-building clinic that forged friendships through the sport.
Harlem Lacrosse is a nonprofit supporting academic and life success through sports. The girls who came to St. Margaret’s are mostly new to lacrosse, and built skills in ground balls, shooting, dodging, draw controls and defense in a clinic overseen by coaches Holly Reilly and Veronica Johns-Richardson, and run by alumnus Cailin Young ’18 and 11 current Tartans.
In addition to the training, the day was an enjoyable opportunity for students to make connections with others from different backgrounds.
“When young people make those connections, they can further build the skills necessary to effectively engage with others across cultures, perspectives, and backgrounds,” St. Margaret’s Director of Equity and Inclusion Victor Cota said.
St. Margaret’s first connected with Harlem Lacrosse at last year’s U.S. Lacrosse Southern Section championship game. St. Margaret’s won the game, 17-6, and the Tartans and Harlem Lacrosse tailgated together afterward. The relationship grew from there.
“This clinic was such a meaningful experience because the girls we played with were so passionate and so much fun,” sophomore Ally Taylor said. “I hope this becomes an annual event because we would love to see their progress and continue playing with them.”