Seahawks girls’ lax set to build foundation for bright future

After reaching the semifinals of the DIAA girls’ lacrosse state tournament every year since 2022, Sussex Academy enters the 2026 season in new territory.

“This is definitely a rebuilding year, and I think most of us are excited to see what the season holds with all the younger girls,” senior Ellie Merrick said. “We have a lot of talent in these underclassmen, so it's very exciting.”

“We're trying to learn how we all play together and figuring out how each of us play individually and using that to put it together as a team,” senior Shea Danahy said.

“We're trying a lot and trying to see where the chemistry is,” senior Lily Bisaha said. “There's a lot of potential for our midfield lines and defense.”

Merrick and Bisaha will not only be leaned on for defense, but will also be tasked with producing offense, along with Danahy, for the Seahawks.

Tending the cage for the Seahawks will be senior Kacie Rawlings who is starting on the varsity lacrosse team for the first time after a record-setting career in field hockey.

“We're all trying to figure out, like how we're connecting,” Rawlings said. “We picked it up at [Stephen] Decatur.”

Rawlings was without her classmate Ava Yenovkian for field hockey in fall, but the Yenovkian has since returned to Sussex Academy and feels right at home.

“I'm just really happy to be with these girls,” Yenovkian said. “The dynamic is amazing here, and I think that everyone really supports one another.”

While the player bonds are tried and true, one change for Sussex Academy is at the top of the leadership structure with Kevin Greene taking over as coach. Thus far he has liked what he has seen.

“I love working with these girls,” Greene said. “They are hard workers, and they are very coachable.”

Greene acknowledged his handful, literally, of seniors have been incredible leaders, but he has also noticed some of the younger players stepping up to set an example.

“This is really going to help set this team up for success for at least the next couple of years,” Greene said.

The girls noted that their concepts will be similar to what they have run in the past, but they are integrating some new elements to their offense.

“I want them to play fast; it's a beautiful game when it's done fast. I don't like the whole slowdown thing,” Greene said. “We'll go fast when we can, and when it makes sense to pull it back out, we will. That's the one thing that I'm trying to work with these girls on, really having patience and understanding that you can go backwards to go forward.”

Sussex Academy will be tested right out of the gate when they welcome Sts. Peter & Paul School at 4 p.m., Monday, March 23.