Heading into the 2024-25 season, Dallastown girls lacrosse was expected to become the champions of the YAIAA again. On Tuesday, May 13, those expectations became reality.
Here’s how they got here:
They came into this season with 11 seniors, five of whom have signed their letters of intent to play in college. The seniors who signed are Emma Alex- Millersville University, Emma Beach- Millersville University, Madison Brooks- Messiah University, Jordan Markey- Shippensburg University, and Brynn Terry – Kutztown University.
With such a talented group, that came off a YAIAA championship, they had teams out for them.
“We had a few starting roles to fill at the very beginning of the season, but everyone has stepped up to earn their spots,” senior Mid-Field/ Attack Emma Alex said
The regular season goes by quickly many times with two- three games a week, but the team showed no fatigue.
They cruised to a 16-0 record heading into the postseason, being seeded number one in counties and districts.
“Last season, we lost to both York Catholic and Susquehannock; this year, we beat everyone in the county,” Alex said.
Capturing counties two years in a row isn’t an easy task, but how you prepare yourself can make it easier.
“I would say the biggest thing for me is preparing myself throughout the day for any games that we know are going to be intense through hydration, fueling meals, or trying not to overthink,” senior Goalie Maddie Brooks said.
They breezed through New Oxford and Susquehannock to capture the county championship for the second year in a row.
“I think our team’s goal for this season was to win the division and counties again,” Alex said.
Of course, winning is bittersweet by itself, but for some, it became more bittersweet doing it alongside family members.
“It’s very bittersweet knowing it’s my last official season with my dad as my coach, but I’m excited about next year, and I know he will always be there to support me,” Alex said.
This isn’t the only family connection on the team; Senior Jordan Markey, Junior Hailey Markey, and Freshman Addy Markey all got to play alongside one another, same with Senior Lexi Federline and Freshman Brenna Federline.
“Playing alongside my sisters felt extremely special and rewarding. Not many people get to play on a varsity team with both of their younger sisters,” Jordan Markey said.
Their season came to an end in the second round of districts, but plenty of history was made along the way.
