On November 17th, 2022 conditioning for lacrosse season started. An interest meeting was held on November 1st, 2022 and had a great turn out.

According to USA Lacrosse, lacrosse is the oldest team sport in North America with the sport documented back to the early 17th century. It originated in Native Communities and over the years became popular in the country. 

Last year both lacrosse teams had a difficult season. That however didn’t stop them from going to regionals. Both teams won their first playoff games  against Baldensburg High School on May 11th, 2022 and made their way to quarter finals the following day against North Western Highschool. They ended their season off on a great note and everyone had learned something new. 

This upcoming season, the players will be using the knowledge and what they learned from last season and apply it to their season this year. Conditioning for lacrosse runs from Tuesdays – Thursdays 2:45 – 4:30 pm. 

Along with new players coming out this year, girls lacrosse also has a new assistant coach. Coach Beller is one of the new recruited staff at Parkdale High School. He’s also the one running conditioning this season for both boys and girls.

“Coaching has been going well,¨ said Coach Beller. ¨Being the new addition takes some adjustment but the transition has here has been smooth. Coach Lail and I already know each other from coaching Viva Lax Vixebs together and the team is warming up to me”.

During conditioning they start off with 4 laps around the track and 2 while cradling around the field. They then go into strecthes and do basic skills like how to cradle a stick, passing and catching and working on running with the stick and ball in hand.

“Conditioning has been going well,¨ said Coach Beller. A lot of brand new players have been coming consistently. I’m proud of how much they’ve improved in such a short time.¨

Both teams have a lot of work cut out for them this upcoming season. They are getting a head start which will be very beneficial in the long run.

“We need to work a lot and put more into it but I know we’ll get better through the season”, said sophomore Melanie Ayala. “We’re getting ready but we’re not 100% there.¨

Lacrosse didn’t have a lot of people turn out for conditioning so both girls and boys lax had many first time players. 

“Last year was my first year and it wasn’t the best” said Ayala. ¨The team was amazing but we didn’t play as well as we should’ve since we were all new to the sport. This year that’s going to change and we’re thriled for an amazing season this year and maybe bengin regional champions!”

With conditioning happening this year, new players have a chance to learn the basics of the game and hone their skills before the season starts. 

“It’s been going amazing”, said Ayala. “The girls are learning and having fun and it makes me happy.

Aside from their amazing coaches, the new players seem to enjoy the sport and is looking forward to play this year.

“Conditioning has been very great as a first experience for me as it’s been a year since I started lacrosse,¨ said Sophmore Alejandra Pineda. “I absolutely love lacrosse, and I feel so confident about playing, I’m still learning more rules and still learning adjustments”.

However, lacrosse is relatively new in Prine Georges County. Parkdale High School is among the few schools that has this sport. Yet it’s still growing in the county so this gives Parkdale a head start in the sport.

The season offically started on March 1st.

“I’m excited to start my first season with Parkdlae Girls LAX”! Said Coach Beller. “Please come and show your support for our girls when it’s game time”.

Practices are on Mondays – Fridays 3:30 – 5:30 pm. Both teams are looking forward to an amazing season this year. Be sure to stay up to date once their season officially starts.