Junior Jackie Healy Laxes and Relaxes

Sydney Mannion, Staff Writer|March 21, 2014

With two seasons of varsity lacrosse already under her belt, it’s no wonder junior Jackie Healy has been rewarded with the Telegram and Gazette’s All Star award, showcasing all of her achievements and dedication to the sport she love.
Healy, a year-round lacrosse player, shares the love of the game with her dad, Algonquin girls varsity lacrosse coach, John Healy.
 “I feel like being coached by my dad is a nice thing to share with him and I definitely feel as though he has higher expectations for me, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Healy said.
 “A lot more players in recent years have stepped up since Carly O’Connell [the team’s previous leading scorer] has graduated and it’s really cool getting to see these girls I’ve played with for years step up and improve as players,” Healy said.
“I’d say some of my favorite times on this team would be making it to state finals as the CMASS underdog my freshman year and beating Westborough for the first time,” Healy said.
Aside from team achievements, Healy has earned herself the titles of second highest scorer and first in number of assists last spring.
“I think as a team, we’re able to play so well together because we’re all friends and enjoy the sport equally,” Healy said.
On the field, the plays carry over through the years as well as through some team traditions.
Healy said, “During playoff games we’ll dedicate the last ten minutes of the bus ride to visualize and prepare ourselves for what’s ahead.” Other traditions include pasta parties and team sleepovers.
“This coming season we’re looking to go far in the tournament and a lot more people will have to step up since we lost some great players last year,” Healy said.