Coach Analeise Poulin started coaching Varsity women’s lacrosse this season after Coach Mike SanGiacomo served for over 10 years. She has gotten along very well with the team and has incorporated new things like team dinners, indoor practices and more preseason conditioning. This has proven to pay off early on in the season, with the team winning games against Cary, 20-0, and Rolesville, 20-1.
Claire Witt, lacrosse captain, and the rest of the team had a great first impression of Poulin, and got along very well with her. She describes Poulin as very devoted to the team and their success.
“My first impression of Poulin is that she is very down to Earth and truly wants to see everybody succeed. She cares about the team and is dedicated to our success and overall improvement,” said Witt.
Witt and the team have been focusing on new things this season to improve at their games. Poulin wants to keep their defense clean to avoid major and minor fouls. She takes time to work with the team on improving things like transitions, executing plays and ground balls.
“The first few games were challenging, but have gone well. Our defensive unit in particular has done phenomenally with communication and working cohesively,” said Witt.
Olivia Thompson, a junior on the lacrosse team, has expressed how dedicated Poulin is. She inspires the girls to push themselves a little more each practice. With Poulin having played lacrosse herself, she understands the dedication, work, and commitment that the sport requires to succeed.
“Poulin has emphasized the importance of practice outside of practice. This could mean wall ball at home, going to the fields, strength training and even cradling while watching TV. It’s important to her that we go the extra mile, especially since she has done that for us,” said Thompson.
The team has really enjoyed the new coaching styles that Poulin has brought them this year. While they are still learning their communication styles and getting to know each other, they have done very well, and it has been proven in the excellent start to the season that the team has had.
“The team has done well adjusting to Poulin’s coaching style. It has definitely been a change to lose Coach Mike after he had spent over ten years serving as an incredible coach, but she has stepped up and is doing a great job leading the team,” said Witt.
Many of the girls on varsity this season had trained with coach Poulin during their time on JV, making the transition smooth. The team was very close going into this season, and by incorporating team dinners and bonding off the field, it has only strengthened their bond even more.
“I knew coming into this season we would have a ton of talent. What impressed me the most was how well the girls work together,” said Poulin, “The natural chemistry on the field is what is going to help us be successful this season.”
