Bro, do you even LAX?  This girls’ lacrosse team has had a great season, and senior low-attacker Madeleine Porter helped its success.  Porter takes lacrosse very seriously and has a special connection to the game.

She began playing lacrosse when she was in the seventh grade and fell in love with the sport. “My dad and I figured out that my hand and foot coordination was not the best, so soccer was out of the question. And I was bad at any other sport,” she said. “Then, there was a lacrosse introduction in PE, and I loved it!”  Porter’s father played a huge part in helping her become good at lacrosse and pushed her hard to achieve her goals.

From this continued dedication, Porter has made many fond memories. “My most memorable moment was when I made the Women’s Divisional National Team and the OC/LA team playing for California.” This moment meant a lot to Porter, because she did not think she would make it out of the 200 players who tried out.  Fortunately, she was one of the 25 that were selected.  Reminiscing on that moment, she said, “Having the coaches call my name was the greatest feeling.”

She not only takes pride in her lacrosse, but she also takes great pride in her stellar school work.  And conveniently, Porter’s tutor for school is also her lacrosse coach.  “She helps me a lot by keeping me on track for success.  I put all my daylight hours in lacrosse and my night hours into studying.”  Porter thanks her lacrosse coach for her success on and off the field.

Porter practices up to four hours a day, six days a week, and has at least one full day of conditioning every week.  “I play a lot of lacrosse and practice a lot year-round, so it is tough to handle and takes a toll on my body.” Porter further added that she usually comes home from school exhausted and tired.

Because of this, Porter said, “I am not playing in college.  I had the opportunity to play, but I decided not to. I may play after my freshman year, but I need my body to heal first.”  Although Porter has decided not to play college lacrosse, she will still practice it and is now taking advantage of what remains of her high school lacrosse career.

Musing over the year, she said, “Our team was different this year. Everyone came to practice ready to work hard and only got better with attitude.”  This season, the team was very close to winning Bay League and has improved tremendously compared to last season.  Porter hopes that the team goes far in CIF and said, “I am excited to see what my team has up their sleeves to win.”

Thinking back, Porter concludes, “Lacrosse is such a big part of my life and has become part of who I am.”