Credit to Mady Brewer

Senior Ella VarVera walks out with her parents during Girls Lacrosse’s Senior Night. Senior Night was on May 2 against Oakville High School.

For senior Ella VarVera, this season is the first of many lasts. From trying out her freshman year to now walking the field on senior night, VarVera has developed not only as a player but also as a person. 

“One thing I always notice about Ella is how she always has a smile on her face,” varsity coach and math teacher Emilee Fischer said. “She is always willing to try something new and is ready to encourage others to do the same.”

Searching for something new to try or wanting to meet new people is why many athletes pick up lacrosse for the first time in high school; for VarVera, that was the case. 

“Many of my friends encouraged me to try out lacrosse that first year,” VarVera said. “But ultimately, I think my mom is my biggest supporter. She clears her schedule to come to my games and has even learned the game, so she knows what is happening and so that we can talk about it.”

For the North program, the girls take it deeper than the game. Because of their pre-season training and team bonding, the team is a tight-knit group, which improves their game.

“Freshman year, we had our first team bonding at Creve Coeur Lake,” VarVera said. “We paddle boarded and we all got to hang out for the full day. I believe that is what started our chemistry as a team and really prepared us for the season.”

As VarVera laces up cleats for the last time in her high school career, she leaves an everlasting impact on the future of the lacrosse program. 

“I would say just keep being yourself and working hard because you are going [to be] super successful,” Fischer said. “I just know that everyone is going to love you.”