A NEW SEASON WITH A NEW REPUTATION

By Lauren Boone, Ardrey Kell High School

The lacrosse girls of Ardrey Kell came into a new year with new skills, high hopes, and great determination.  Now if only they had a coach.  That wish was granted thanks to the willpower of Debbie Bowman and Suzanne Keever who both have daughters on the women’s lacrosse team and hearts dedicated to the team as well. 

            Ardrey Kell was blessed with Dr. Tina Murphy who is now a part of the Ardrey Kell coaching staff as Head Coach of the 2007-2008 Women’s Lacrosse team.  Asked if she was qualified to be a lacrosse coach, Dr. Murphy answered with, “I feel that coaching is more than knowledge of the game.  I feel a coach also has to understand team dynamics and how individual players interact in a team environment.  Although I bring experience to the table there is plenty of room for growth and learning.” 

            Her coaching experience which is being brought to a table full of eager girls includes nine years of coaching lacrosse at high school and college levels.  Dr. Murphy played Women’s Lacrosse as a goalie at Nazareth College in Rochester, NY and obtained her Masters in School Psychology and her Doctorate in Psychology at Alfred University.  

            Because this is the second season to Ardrey Kell Women’s Lacrosse team, there are new and returning players to the team which opens up many doors for a coach. 

“There are different levels on each team and the first step is figuring out where everyone is at and then trying to get them to the next level.  A lot of basic skills, rules, and general information that is necessary to build a solid foundation will be a focus.”  Dr. Murphy explains. 

            Looking forward to a new and hopefully, successful season, the lacrosse girls are taking full advantage of their enthusiasm and new coach.  Off season consisted of regular weight training sessions, on field practices, and regular running assignments which will be evaluated with a fitness test. 

Junior, Megan Haigler adds “I think Coach Murphy is a great coach who is very intense however she has a positive attitude that is just what our team was looking for.”  For people who are wondering what to expect from the Ardrey Kell Women’s Lacrosse team this season Kristin Miller was happy to say “…We will have more of a winning record because our girls have been putting so much time and effort into practicing that it really will show when it comes to playing against other teams!”
Dr. Murphy (also now known again as Coach Murphy) is proud to say that her new team will show tenacity, hustle, and improvements throughout the season.  “My goals are to increase basic skills and knowledge of the game, develop team unity and cohesion, and have fun while working hard!” 

With the 2008 season about to start, Dr. Murphy’s team is getting closer and closer to reaching their new goals faster than ever.