By Mike Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
Always one of the favorites to come out of Division I South, Needham High School girls varsity lacrosse enters the 2021 season confident, but at the same time humbled. If the last year has taught us anything, postseason success is an added bonus to actually getting on the field together and building team camaraderie.
MIAA spring athletes in 2021 will be the first group to partake in a postseason since the pandemic began last March. While this adds an obvious level of excitement for spring athletes after a year away from sports such as lacrosse, baseball and softball, the Needham High girls laxers are simply thankful for the opportunity to play again. If and when the opportunity to win a sectional or state championship comes, the Rockets will be ready. But for now, Needham plans to just enjoy the moment and relish the opportunity to be together again.
"Our initial goal for this season is to enjoy and appreciate being with friends and teammates, being part of a team and enjoying the game of lacrosse again," said head coach Paula Kelley when asked about her team's general mindset heading into this new and condensed season. "After missing the entire lacrosse season due to COVID, priorities change. Wins, losses, league titles and postseason play becomes secondary. We realize the spring season is the first group of teams allowed to play in the postseason since the pandemic started, but right now, that is not what excites my players the most. For most of my team, especially the nine graduating seniors, it's finally being back with friends for one last chance to work and compete together before leaving Needham High. I am sure as the season progresses and that competitive spirit runs through the team, things such as wins, league titles and postseason play will once again take center stage."
Leading the Rockets in 2021 will be three senior co-captains: Brown-committed attacker Grace Kelley, Tufts committed midfielder Maddy Foster and midfielder Kenzie Kelly, who is committed to Wesleyan to play hockey. All three of Needham's captains in 2021 are three-sport stars. Grace Kelley, who has racked up a total of 226 career points during her two years on varsity (no junior season) is a two-time conference all star in field hockey, ice hockey and lacrosse. Kenzie Kelly has earned All-Scholastic honors in field hockey and is a two-time conference all star in ice hockey. Maddy Foster is a reigning conference all star in ice hockey and also plays soccer.
Another three-sport star for Needham High girls lacrosse is Cammy Foster, who will serve as Needham's starting goaltender in 2021. Foster was an All-Scholastic recipient in field hockey in 2019 and is also a member of the ice hockey team.
Also returning for Needham High girls lax are seniors Sydney Klayman, Maggie Conry, Charlotte Tolman, Katie Buffinger and Meghan Flack.
"We have a very committed and dedicated group of seniors," said Kelley. "I'm excited to watch them compete again."
Back from Needham's junior class are Kristina Pisano and Kenzie MacGillivray. More notable returns from the class of 2022 are Grace Yonchack, Caroline Berney and Jess Hoffmeiter.
"Kristina and Kenzie are aggressive, versatile and confident players," said Kelley. "Grace, Caroline and Jess are more than ready to contribute at the varsity level."
Kelley also believes Needham will see steady production from newcomers such as sophomore Grace Crisafulli and freshmen Lilly Schmalz and Alek Musiak.
For funny and incisive sports analysis as well as video highlights of games, follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter and Instagram handles @flano0.
