Noa Batlle Dominguez has been playing lacrosse for the past three years and has always found joy in the sport. She takes on the role of a midfielder and plays lacrosse since she wanted to try a more team-oriented sport, which is different from her other sport, swimming. 

Noa’s favorite memory from this season is when she finally got her first yellow card during a game, and her usual Taco Bell runs with the team post-game. Noa’s pregame rituals include playing extremely loud music in her car, and panicking before each game. Without explanation, her inspiration for this sport is Emma Nash.

Noa’s advice for underclassmen interested in playing the sport is to not stick check illegally, this will save you from some trouble for sure. She would like to give thanks to her parents for supporting her at her games, her coach Kyle Ginther, and the friends she has made from the team for making every game and practice enjoyable. 

Noa’s current future plans after high school is to attend University of South Florida in Tampa and pursue her studies in pre-law and criminology.

Lucy McFarland is a key member of the MIA Varsity Girls Lacrosse team. Lucy is a defender, and often starts for our Manta Rays. Lucy decided to join the team in its first year, as she wanted to try something new, and show off her amazing athletic ability. 

Lucy’s favorite memory from lacrosse was their first win in MIA history against Immokalee last year. She described the day as “rewarding” and a great team bonding experience. Lucy’s biggest inspiration is her teammates who remind her to “stay positive and have fun” on good and bad days. 

Lucy would like to thank Coach Ginther for coaching the team with no experience, and the girls for making the team as amazing as it was. Lucy’s post-graduation plans are to attend a Florida University, but she is not committed to anywhere just yet.

Brianna McGowan, also known as Bri to her teammates, has been playing lacrosse for seven whole years. She absolutely loves the sport and enjoys playing on the MIA team alongside her friends and fellow teammates. Her position is a midfielder, and she began playing this sport since it was so popular where she used to live. 

Brianna’s favorite memory from this season is when she got to play her first ever game on the MIA team. Her inspiration for playing is her unconditional support she receives from her parents throughout the season. 

Brianna would love to say thank you to her coach, Kyle Ginther, and her parents of course for being there for her at all times.

Her current future plans after high school is to attend Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton but she is undecided of her major as of right now.

Cassie Letendre has been playing lacrosse for the past two years and takes on the position of a defensive player. She chose this sport since she wanted to be a part of a team and have a closer bond with some of her friends and teammates that share the same passion for lacrosse. 

Cassie’s favorite memory from lacrosse is playing the song “Country Road” at practices which hypes up the energy and singing it at games with her teammates. Her pregame rituals include drinking a Celsius and talking with her fellow teammate, Jenna Snover. 

Cassie’s advice for underclassmen interested in playing the sport is to “Just do it”. Her inspiration for the playing is her coach, Kyle Ginther, who is very supportive of each and every team member. Therefore, she’d also like to give thanks to Ginther and her family for pushing her to always go towards her dreams and to never give up.

Her current future plans after high school includes attending Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge to study sports administration for the fall semester. 

Michelle Acosta, also known as “Mich”, is a starting defender for MIA’s Varsity Girls Lacrosse team. Michelle joined the team to grow close connections with her friends, and to support teammate Lily Tessarzik when she created the team last year. Although Michelle has only played for two years, her impact on the field does not go unnoticed. 

Michelle does not have a pre-game ritual, but post-game, Michelle and Lily take their W and L picture, and smile big even if they had an awful loss. Michelle’s favorite memory from the past two years includes “every moment with the team, especially practices with Ginther.” Michelle’s biggest lacrosse inspiration is “Brianna McGowan’s insane shots on goal”.

Michelle’s advice to underclassmen that are interested in the sport is, “Try it out even if you have no experience. The girls and Ginther create the most encouraging environment that’s so special to even be a part of.” Michelle would like to thank, “Lily for getting me into sport in the first place, I am so happy to have been a part of teams here at MIA. I also want to thank Coach Ginther for dedicating so much time and treating the team with so much love and care, we appreciate you so much. Also my momma for everything.” After graduation, Michelle is attending the University of Florida to study nursing. 

Mary Montgomery has been playing lacrosse for two years now and plays the position of defensive midfield. She chose this sport since she wanted to be a part of the beginning of the program and try a new fun sport she has not played before. 

Mary’s favorite memory is learning what is considered “legal” and what is considered “illegal” in context to different moves in lacrosse. Her pregame rituals include going to away games with Janie Cartwright and having the biggest yap sessions ever. Also driving with her brother to home games and blasting Kesha’s music. 

Mary’s advice for underclassmen interested in playing the sport is to learn how to cradle since it’ll help you play better but also keep a good energy within the team and you’ll have tons of fun. Her inspiration for the sport is her coach, Kyle Ginther, who is patient and takes the time to help the team get better. Mary would like to thank her coach, parents, teammates, and of course Jenny Cartwright for supporting her and making every game worth it.

Mary’s post-graduation plans are to attend Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton to study exercise science.

Emma Nash has been playing lacrosse for two solid years and takes on the role of a defensive player. She chose this sport since her friends wanted to be a part of a brand new team and try out the sport for the first time. 

Emma’s favorite memory from playing lacrosse is winning their first game in MIA history last year, it was a key highlight from that season. Her pregame rituals are simply just listening to Drake’s music since it is fire. 

Emma’s advice for underclassmen interested in playing the sport is to not be so hard on yourself since you will eventually get better the more you practice and play, as long as you put in the work you will do great. Her inspiration for the sport is Noa Batlle, without explanation.

Emma would like to give thanks to her parents and grandparents for coming to each of her games and her teammates for supporting her throughout the way. And she’d like to thank her cousin, Kyle Ginther, who also happens to be the coach for helping her play. 

Her post-graduation plans include attending University of Central Florida in Orlando to pursue her studies in sports management.

Lily Tessarzik has been playing lacrosse for two years and takes the position of being a goalie for MIA’s Varsity Girls Lacrosse team. She decided to play this sport since she thought it looked pretty fun when she saw the boys playing only later to find out that it is a lot more different than how they tend to play. 

Lily recalls her favorite memory from playing and says, “After every game, no matter how many goals I let in, everyone rushes the field and jumps on me. This team is the best and never fails to make me smile at the end of the game, even if I’m in tears during the game.” Her pregame rituals on the other hand, include drinking an energy drink to get hype before each game.

Lily’s advice for underclassmen interested in playing the sport is to honestly not play goalie unless you want to have bruises on your body from the balls hitting you. She’s just kidding though, Lily encourages everyone to have fun and make a ton of memories that will last forever.

Her inspiration for playing is her coach, Ginther, who unconditionally supports and encourages her to keep going no matter the score of each game. She’d like to give thanks to her team for always being so positive and supportive of her and each other while also making the sport such a fun environment. Thanks to Miss Scott and Mrs Koch who came to all of the first games, even when they had to drive to Estero last year, and additional thanks to Miss Scott for doing anything to cheer me up, even if it meant climbing on top of me and shaking me until my tears became tears of laughter. And lastly, she’d like to thank Coach Ginther for always pushing her to do her best and being the biggest supporter ever. 

Lily’s post-graduation plans include studying abroad in Florence, Italy on the Florida State University campus for the first year and then staying on the Tallahassee campus for the following three years.

Miles Massie has been a part of MIA’s Boys Lacrosse team for the past two years, and plays the position of attack. Miles decided to join the sport as he had wanted to learn from Coach Doug, and most of his classmates were playing. 

Miles’ pre-game ritual is to put on his Airpods and listen to some music to “lock in” for the game. Miles’ favorite memory of lacrosse was when MIA beat Riverdale in overtime in his junior year, and when he scored his first goal in his senior year against Cypress Lake. Although he has only been playing for two years, Miles loves lacrosse and feels like he has improved tremendously since he first stepped on the field. 

Miles’ biggest inspiration are his parents. They have sacrificed so much for him, and he is thankful for their support. Along with this, Miles would like to thank his coaches and Coach Doug for helping him improve. 

Miles’ advice to underclassmen who want to tryout or try a new sport is, “You are never too young or inexperienced to start.” After graduation, Miles will be attending the University of Florida for the summer term to study computer science. 

Jessica Vorderstrasse, also known as “Jess”, is a veteran starter for MIA’s Girls Lacrosse team. Jessica has played the game for five years, and fell in love with it the second she got her hands on a stick. Jessica plays Midfield, and has scored numerous goals for our Manta Rays in each game, and her leadership is reflected on and off the field. 

Jessica’s pre-game ritual is to either chug a Celsius, or enjoy an oatmeal shaken espresso from Starbucks, and pray. Jessica’s favorite memory from the past two years was “going to Taco Bell after our first victory of my senior season, and we all were taking funny pictures of Ginther”. 

Jessica would like to thank her family and teammates for keeping her head up, and working hard to compete each week. Jessica’s inspiration is also her family, as they are also why she is able to compete so hard every game. 

Jessica has some advice for underclassmen who are in or want to join the sport, “Listen to the older people on the team because they have more experience and they are just trying to help you. Humble yourself and realize there is always room for improvement. Also just try hard and have fun. The more you show up the more fun it is.” After graduation, Jessica plans to attend a Florida university and play intramural lacrosse for the school.