Sophomores enjoy playing lacrosse in their free time

Like many other student athletes, sophomores Matthew Tieman, Drew Hannam and Gunnar Knight spend their free time practicing their sport of choice, however, these boys play a less popular sport, lacrosse. Hannam described his position on the team.

“I play lacrosse because I think it is a very fun sport and is very hard. I am a midfielder and I also play face-off. Face-off is a player whose job is specific, they are supposed to win the face off, give the ball to a teammate and then get off the field. It can be a pretty tough job, but I enjoy getting to do it,” Hannam said. “Currently, I practice lacrosse at Garrett Park for the Mill Valley Jaguars Lacrosse club. Right now, I am practicing two times a week but when the season starts I will practice every weekday.”

Knight shared his thoughts about the best and worst attributes of the sport. 

“I enjoy playing lacrosse because of the family aspect of the game, our team always grows with us and we always support each other. I love the competitive spirit in the game,” Knight said. “The worst part of the game is the running or how much game IQ you have to know, it’s a physical game but it’s also an extreme mental game as well.” 

Additionally, Tieman enjoys getting to play lacrosse because of the friends he has made.

“Lacrosse has allowed me to make so many friends out of teammates. Our chemistry is great, so it makes the game more fun when we can communicate better on the field,” Tieman said “It’s also fun when I see my friend score a goal or lay someone out.” 

Along with playing with each other now, Tieman, Hannam and Knight have been playing lacrosse together on and off since they were kids. Hannam expressed that playing together as kids made it easier to work together now. 

“I have been playing with Gunnar and Matthew for two years, but I also played with them when I was younger for two years,” Hannam said. “Playing with them as kids allowed us to be more comfortable with each other, making it easier for us to trust each other during both practice and games.”

Knight appreciates lacrosse for it being a driving factor in his life. 

“Lacrosse is the biggest thing in my life, it’s the future I am shooting for,” Knight said. “The game is a lot more than a game to me.”

Overall, Tieman thanks the sport for everything it has given him.

“Lacrosse is a very big part of my life. It’s the only team sport I play, and it allowed me to meet some of my best friends,” Tieman said. “I don’t know if I will play in college, but the relationships I’ve built and the discipline I’ve through this game have impacted me more than anything.”