Fast paced. Competitive. Physical. Those are the attributes that make up a top level lacrosse game in high school, varsity team member Ashley Culin ‘25 said. The quick passes and the back and forth running stand out the most in a game.

The varsity girls lacrosse team season has been in full swing since tryouts on Feb. 26. The team has also welcomed a new varsity head coach, Morgan Gallagher, who is a teacher at NC and teaches study skills/resources and math.

“The girls in the program are great kids who are willing to put in work to improve,” Gallagher said. “So I [can’t] wait to see what we are capable of doing within the program overall.”  

Gallagher’s lacrosse career started in high school, where she played varsity for four years. After graduating from college, she coached at Glenbrook North High School before transitioning to the LT lacrosse program, she said. Gallagher has been a coach at LT for the past several years, and has been the varsity assistant coach for four years and the JV head coach for one. 

“Coach Gallagher is an experienced and driven coach,” varsity team member and Attacker Caitlyn Curtin ‘24 said. “We’re very fortunate to have a head coach that’s been with the program the past few years. “[She is] determined to be successful and make the team the best it can be.”

This season, there are quite a few returning players and new additions to the varsity team. Several players are even planning or committed to play lacrosse at the next level in college, Gallagher said. 

Culin is committed to Eastern Michigan University for the class of 2029. She was also selected as a midfielder for girls lacrosse All-Sectional in 2023. 

“My first priority is to create a more cohesive, supportive and positive environment for our players,” she said. “Within the next few years, I would also like to get LT girls lacrosse back in the State rankings and competing with the top teams again.”

The varsity team has reached Sectional semi-finals every year, Curtin said. Obtaining this goal again along with playing well, will require the girls to compete as a unified team. 

“My personal goals for this season are to have more goals than I had last year (23), and to have a lot of assists,” Culin said. “My goals [for the team] is to have wins with several different goal scorers and everyone contributing, and to beat some of the top teams in the state and just improve and have fun together.” 

Lacrosse is the ultimate team sport, Curtin said. Although not everyone will earn all-conference or even all-state honors, each member of the team has the opportunity to play a significant role within the success of the team. 

“In order to be successful there has to be communication, commitment and teamwork,” Gallagher said. “The game of lacrosse helps mold our young athletes into well rounded people who end the season with stronger life skills as well as stronger lacrosse skills.”

Curtin is a senior who has been grateful to watch the program and sport continue to grow, she said. Curtin believes the program will be in good hands after seniors leave, as the junior class leaders on the team will continue to lead and aid in the overall success of the team, she said.

The next home game will be March 21 at 6:15 p.m. on Bennett Field against Benet Academy.