This is an open letter to the 2013 undefeated U-11 Henlopen Storm Girls Lacrosse Team:

Dear Riley Keen, Talbot Buck, Lindsey Rambo, Jackie Cannon, Emily Monigle, LeeLee Wilson, Haley Craig, Caroline Maull, Meredith Lockwood, Vivian Lynn and Lola Messick,

Hi monkeys! I wanted to find a way to let you all know how proud of you we are for your accomplishments at the lacrosse tournament in Ocean City  recently despite the unfair way it ended. Unfortunately in life there will be times when you will try your best and follow the rules and still not end up where you deserve to be due to the arbitrary decisions of others. It’s not fair, but it happens and learning to deal with that unfairness and rolling with the punches is an essential skill as you continue to grow into the fine young ladies you are becoming.

Your record of 5-0-1 is outstanding and I’m sure if you had been allowed to move on to the finals you would have continued to dominate. I am so sorry that you were denied the opportunity to see how far your hard work, talent and dedication could take you. I want you to know that poor decisions in no way diminishes the amazing job you did. You are a cohesive, intelligent team who played precision lacrosse and showed an incredible amount of grace and sportsmanship in the face of injustice. I am immensely proud of you all and you all should be immensely proud of yourselves and each other.  I have seen the future of Cape Lacrosse and the dynasty will continue as long as you ladies are on the field.

Rachel Long
(Lola’s Mom)
Lewes