WOODBURY – As the Lakeview lacrosse season comes to its midpoint, punctuated by a pre-season that was by a chaotic blend of adrenaline and uncertainty that tested the team’s ability before the first whistle even blew, the team now finds itself in search of a strong finish.
With a roster infused with eager new members, a last-minute coach stepped into the hunt and an unfamiliar slate of tough opponents.
The team is facing an immediate rebuild of their strategy with just weeks left of their 2026 slate.
New Coach
Following the unexpected coach departure last year, this spring NHS began the hunt for a replacement, an experience that was a trial and error process.
At last, NHS’ found the person they’d been looking for.
Steven Boyce.
Known for being NHS’ girls lacrosse coach, Boyce is now midway through his first season balancing the weight of the boys and girls team.
“As for Coach Boyce, he’s doing all he can to prepare us for our upcoming opponents,” said NHS Sam Kern, a veteran midfielder on this year’s team. “His commitment has already had a positive impact on the team’s chemistry and on-field abilities.”
New Opponents
Without the luxury of knowing their top scorer’s tendencies or the goalie’s weak spots, The NHS team’s pre-game warm-up is more focused and intense, emphasizing the need to adapt quickly to a different style of play.
“We are doing everything to the best of our ability right now to play like we know who they are while going in blind,” said NHS senior Connor Segers. “We may lose to them but we pick up on all of their moves, weaknesses, plays, so that we learn for future games.”
The team is quick thinking and efficient with their ability to master reading these new players and strategies to better perform against these new opponents.
New Members
High school boys lacrosse continues to be one of the fastest-growing sports, with 34 states increasing participation in 2023 and over 214,000 high school players nationwide. Youth growth remains high, fueling a consistent, steady rise in high school popularity in 2025.
“We are taking on many new players this season as well, and they bring great enthusiasm,” said Kern. “There will naturally be an adjustment period as everyone develops familiarity and builds stronger on-field connections.”
After a couple months now of rigorous training, its being applied to the field as the team takes on Tolland this afternoon.
They have the foundation, the experience, and a drive to compete at whatever stands in the way, no matter the odds.
This season won’t be about repeating the past; it’s about elevating the standard. By focusing on teamwork, discipline, and seizing every ground ball.
“With relentless focus on our shared goals and a passion for the game, we are ready to embrace the grind, support one another,” said fellow senior Nic Sniffin. “[We want to] make this season one to remember.”
Following this afternoon’s game against Tolland, the Lakeview lacrosse team will see four of their final games on the road, finishing with a challenging matchup at Brookfield on May 20th.
