“Our first priority quickly became establishing what it means to be an ambassador of this program and that it is a privilege to be a Bear - who are we?” said Heneberry. “What are our values? Our tradition’s? What is expected of each player and coach? What is our team culture and how do we maintain it? What is our legacy? We’ve spent the majority of our non-traditional and pre-season building the foundation on which these players want the program to stand. The team has taken ownership of this process and we are grateful as coaches to be a part of the growth.”
“Sierra Webb and Cecelia Hosley have come into their own as captains,” added Heneberry “Their different strengths and styles of leadership help bridge the gaps between each of their teammates – they’re doing a good job catering the ways they motivate to each individual.”
The Bears return 12 players to the rosters from last year’s team that understands the rigors of the fast and competitive spring schedule.
Joining the 12 returners are 10 newcomers who have jumped into the spring excited for the upcoming season.
With 16 games in just over two months, Heneberry and her coaching staff are prepared to return to the fundamentals and build these into larger game concepts.
“Our players are systematic, linear thinkers, so we embraced that approach to break down the basic body mechanics of just catching and throwing. If you can’t catch and throw, you can’t play lacrosse. We used this approach moving forward with other skills, language we’ll use on the field and body positioning. Through this approach we’re making a lot of progress.”
Coast Guard starts the season with two out of conference home games against Eastern Connecticut and Salve Regina before taking a trip south for games against Stockton and Virginia Wesleyan during the teams spring break.
The Bears will once again play Merchant Marine on the road this year on March 18th before moving into conference play with notable games against MIT, Springfield, Wheaton and Babson.
The team opens the season this Saturday, February 25th at home against the Eastern Connecticut State University Warriors. Opening draw is 11:30.