These interviews were done remotely due to COVID-19 precautions.

Because of the cancellation of the 2020 spring sports season, senior athletes reflected on the best moments from their time playing their sport at Algonquin.

Olivia Chiota:

What are you most proud of from your time playing lacrosse at Algonquin?

“I’m most proud of the leadership skills I’ve gained over the past four years.”

What will you miss most from playing lacrosse at Algonquin?

“I’m going to miss the team and all the memories we’ve made during practices, bus rides and pasta parties.”

What is your favorite memory of lacrosse at Algonquin?

“My favorite memory was winning in overtime against Shrewsbury in my sophomore year because it was a very competitive game.”

Chloe Chiota:

What are you most proud of from your time playing lacrosse at Algonquin?

“I got most draw controls in the league last year which I’m super proud of because it’s something I had just picked up and started practicing and I was glad I could add that to another part of my game.”

What will you miss most from playing lacrosse at Algonquin?

“I will absolutely miss the team the most. The girls I have met through lacrosse are some of the best people I know, so I’m sad I won’t get one last season with them.”

What is your favorite memory of lacrosse at Algonquin?

“Beating Agawam by one point in the quarterfinals of the tournament my freshman year, super exciting game.”

Sydney Guidi:

What are you most proud of from your time playing lacrosse at Algonquin?

“I think I’m most proud of getting pulled up to varsity as a freshman!”

What will you miss most from playing lacrosse at Algonquin?

 “I will miss most about playing for Algonquin is the team and the people that I have met; I’ve met some of the closest people in my life.”

What is your favorite memory of lacrosse at Algonquin?

“My favorite memory is winning in the quarter finals against Agawam my freshman year.”

Ella Kea:

What are you most proud of from your time playing lacrosse at Algonquin?

“I am most proud of the team we had and the family we built every year. I really think that the reason we succeeded as much as we did was because of the connection we had on and off the field.”

What will you miss most from playing lacrosse at Algonquin?

“I’m going to miss everything but the bus rides and pasta parties were always so much fun and some of my best memories with everyone.”

What is your favorite memory of lacrosse at Algonquin?

“It’s definitely hard to think of a specific memory from lacrosse, but every playoff game was so special; the intensity of it all made the game that much better.”

Abby McCue:

What are you most proud of from your time playing lacrosse at Algonquin?

“I am most proud of the friendships that I have made with my teammates. With this, I have been able to meet new people from different grades, and learn new things from them.”

What will you miss most from playing lacrosse at Algonquin?

“I will miss the team most from playing lacrosse. They are filled with laughter and fun, and are always cheering you on.”

What is your favorite memory of lacrosse at Algonquin?

“My favorite memory of lacrosse at Algonquin would be the New England 5k Walk/Run for Autism that we did last season (2019). It was a great way to bound as a team, but also show our support for a great cause. It was a beautiful day and I had so much fun.”

Hailey Thompson:

What are you most proud of from your time playing lacrosse at Algonquin?

“From my time playing lacrosse I am most proud of the improvements I’ve seen in myself as a player as well as the friendships I’ve made!!”

What will you miss most from playing lacrosse at Algonquin?

“What I will miss the most is our daily practices or games, being able to see everyone every day, spirit days, and of course our pasta parties!”

What is your favorite memory of lacrosse at Algonquin?

“My favorite memory of lacrosse at Algonquin would be getting my first varsity goal last season against Northampton or any of our games in the rain as they were always just so much fun!”

Rudy Utzschneider:

What are you most proud of from your time playing lacrosse at Algonquin?

“From my time playing with Algonquin lacrosse I am proud of how I have developed as a defender. As a freshman I always hesitated before approaching the girl with the ball, but now I have no problem getting close to an offensive player. To some degree I find enjoyment in being able to nudge someone away or steer them in a different direction. Likewise, as a team we play a “help defense” which involves communication with the other defenders. Although I have never had a problem talking, I always struggled when it came to listening and then acting upon what the other defenders said. Whilst I’m nowhere near perfect at communicating, I like to think that I’ve improved since starting out with the team.”

What will you miss most from playing lacrosse at Algonquin?

“Easily it will be the people that I miss the most. Even though we are all in different grades, take different class levels, or have different hobbies, playing lacrosse brought us all together. Once you’re on the team you instantly have 20 new friends who help you with homework, talk about your day, and have your back.  When I think back to lacrosse, I know I’m always going to miss the amazing people I played with everyday.”

What is your favorite memory of lacrosse at Algonquin?

“My favorite memory of lacrosse at Algonquin was of last years game versus Minnechaug. They have always been a tough competitor and we knew, going into the game, that it was going to be a fight. At the end, they had received seven yellow cards, we had received five and we had lost by two points. I remember that it was freezing cold, just starting to drizzle, when we all went to board the bus. Some of us were crying, and it was extremely quiet. Then, one of the moms opened up the trunk of her car and started passing out sandwiches and instantly the atmosphere changed. Someone reminded us that the year before “they had beaten us by more” and to “therefore consider today a victory”. The bus ride home we spoke about the game, laughed about the yellow cards, and got excited for the rest of the season.”