Lacrosse is a confusing game. Each girl with a stick in hand tries  to get the ball in the other teams goals, but there are extensive rules making it more difficult than it sounds. This sport, most popular on the east coast, has become increasingly popular in Missouri as well.

After spending so much time developing the high school lacrosse program, the athletic department is finally giving middle school a program of its own.

Lindsey Carlile, varsity lacrosse coach has put in a lot of time and effort into improving the upper school lacrosse program into what it is now. Those efforts have brought interest into many of the middle school girls.

“Girls kept bugging me about it so I asked JD Perona, middle school athletic director, if he could make it happen and he said yes,” said Ashley Woodall, middle school geography teacher.

This year there are 40 to 45 girls in the seventh and eighth grade that are playing. The head coach is Nancy Schmer, mother of Haley Schmer, seventh grade.

“I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with some amazing people. Coaches Woodall, Pautler, and Carlile have all been great to work with. They are all knowledgeable, caring and just fun to be around. In addition, I have had an opportunity to reconnect with Mrs. Pottebaum who is volunteering her time to help coach. As an avid runner, she has been a huge help with our conditioning,” said Schmer.

Woodall is the assistant coach and the main teacher involved in the program. Michelle Pottebaum, mother to John Pottebaum, freshman and Josh Pottebaum, eighth grade, also helps out. Allison Pautler, middle school math teacher, also helps out on days that both eighth and seventh grade practice together.

“People like Nancy Schmer and Michelle Pottebaum have stepped forward to help make the program possible,” said Woodall.

In the past the middle school has integrated lacrosse as a P.E. unit, but this year it has turned into a full fledged sport with games, and has begun to catch up with other schools in the area.

“The girls have been so willing to work hard and seem to be really excited about learning this new game. We have had the privilege of having the Varsity coach, Lindsey Carlile, work with us on some of the skills and strategies that she uses with her high school players. It has been a leaning process for all of us,” said Schmer.

The girls practice during their designated P.E. time. The eighth graders practice on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The seventh grade only practices on Tuesdays and Fridays because they can play two sports.

“Every practice consists of conditioning, skill work and game situations. There are a lot of rules in Lacrosse. Womens’ Lacrosse is very different than men’s. There is very little contact and the only protective gear we wear are eye guards and mouthpieces. In order to keep the game safe, good skills are necessary and must be practiced daily,” said Schmer.

The girls are excited for approaching games. A schedule is posted on www.wcastl.org, and the girls will be playing Whitfield, John Burroughs, and MICDS.

As the program continues to build, it will also aid in the development of the varsity program. Having girls who have already touched a stick before tryouts will help our upper school teams become more competitive.

Since so many middle school girls have shown interest in the sport, the Upperschool program hopes to add a freshman team next year.

“My favorite part of coaching is obviously the girls. They are the best. The fact that 40 of them came out for lacrosse is impressive and promising for future of the WCA varsity Lacrosse,” said Schmer.