The 2021 high school girls lacrosse season gets underway this week for teams across the state. After last year’s canceled season — in what was supposed to be lacrosse’s first as a sanctioned UHSAA sport — the anticipation for the 2021 season is sky high.
To prepare fans for the upcoming season, the Deseret News has put together capsules for every girls lacrosse team in 5A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.
The region rankings are based on coaches’ preseason projections.
Here are the 5A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.
Region 5
1. Farmington Phoenix
Head coach: Annabelle Roche
Top contributors:
- Paige Burwell, Sr.
- Emily Leavitt, Sr.
- Hailey Savage, Sr.
2. Box Elder Bees
Head coach: Amber Earnest
Top contributors:
- Katie Simpson, Attacker, Sr.
- Jessica Tyler, Midfielder/Draw, Sr.
- Macie Anderson, Midfielder, Sr.
Coach comment
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for these lacrosse players. Every day these girls show up and put in the work and it’s starting to pay off. We still have a long way to go as a team but we are excited to get the season started and to see where it takes us.”
3. Bonneville Lakers
Head coach: Erin Golden
Additional info not provided.
4. Woods Cross Wildcats
Head coach: Sierra Harris
Additional info not provided.
5. Bountiful Braves
Head coach: Olivia Cook Cope
Additional info not provided.
6. Viewmont Vikings
Head coach: Dana Fisher
Additional info not provided.
Region 6
1. Brighton Bengals
Head coach: Melissa Nash
Top contributors:
- Haley Taylor, Midfielder, Sr. — Committed to Oregon
- Addi England, Ddefender, Sr. — Committed to Southern Virginia
- Grace Rappl, Attacker, Sr.
Coach comment
“We are ready to play some lacrosse! COVID-19 really took away so much from lacrosse players last year in our first sanctioned season. This year our players, coaches and parents are more excited, dedicated and motivated than ever. It’s going to be a great spring full of lacrosse … and hopefully it will stay dry and warm.”
2. Olympus Titans
Head coach: Zana Spratling
Top contributors:
- Kate Richards, Attacker/Defender/Midfielder, Jr.
- Madeline Larkins, Attacker/Midfielder, Jr.
- Eva Thorn, Midfielder, So.
- Hazel Baker, Midfielder, Fr.
- Mary Jane Arrowood, Attack, Sr.
Coach comment
“’Level_Up’ is the term most used by our coaches. We were a little hesitant coming off of the bummer year 2020 was, we were only able to play one game. I can’t tell you how stressed we were that the girls were going to be out of shape, stick skills gone and resulting injuries imminent … but they proved us wrong. They showed up in shape and ready to play! We are so very excited with the team we have! Hard work beats talent every day and this team keeps proving they have both.
3. Skyline Eagles
Head coach: Kinsey Black
Additional info not provided.
4. East Leopards
Head coach: Megan McCleary
Top contributors:
- Britlyn Smith, Midfielder, Sr.
- Lindsey Knaphus, Attacker, Jr.
- Grace Szwedko, Midfielder, Fr.
5. Highland Rams
Head coach: Lucy Bagley
Top contributors:
- Amelia Santelli, Midfielder, So.
- Sofia Patnode, Attacker, Jr.
- Della Haus, Midfielder
- Lilly Schriever, Defender
Coach comment
“We are beyond excited for our first official season as a team representing Highland High School. We have lots of great talent coming into our program and I believe that we will have a successful first season. We are excited to see how the season plays out.”
Region 7
1. Alta Hawks
Head coach: Moriah Greenstein
Top contributors:
- Autumn Engstrom, Midfielder, Jr.
- Calli McDermott, Midfielder, Sr.
- Eliza Johnson, Attacker, Sr.
- Kate Johnson, Midfielder, Sr.
- Marley Webster, Midfielder, Sr.
Coach comment
“Very excited to get back on the field. With a two-year break since official high school play, Alta players are eager to get started. Huge thanks to the lacrosse administration and school districts for making lacrosse available for these players. Alta has a record number of participants this year and we are thrilled to be growing the sport and competition within Utah high school lacrosse.”
2. Timpanogos T-Wolves
Head coach: Meghan Casper
Additional info not provided.
3. Lehi Pioneers
Head coach: Taylor Siri
Top contributors:
- Mylee McCalister, Midfielder, So.
- Kathren Moreau, Midfielder, Jr.
- Jaidynn Hutchinson, Attacker, Fr.
- Nora Haws, Defender, Fr.
- Brooke Peterson, Midfielder, Jr.
Coach comment
“We have a great season ahead of us this year! We have a lot of talent on the team this year and many girls are working hard to improve their play. Since the players didn’t get a season last year, the girls have come back with so much drive and determination to really do their best this season. It’ll be an exciting season.”
4. Mountain Ridge Sentinels
Head coach: Angie Maughan
Top contributors:
- Kylie Mortensen, Midfielder, Sr.
- Tessa Mortensen, Attacker/Midfielder, So.
- Morgan Mackey, Defender/Midfielder, Jr.
5. Orem Tigers
Head coach: Lindsay Adams
Additional info not provided.
6. Timpview T-Birds
Head coach: Sarah Bowman
Additional info not provided.
7. Mountain View Bruins
Head coach: Kaika Cole
Additional info not provided.
Region 8
1. Park City Miners
Head coach: Mikki Clayton
Additional info not provided.
2. Wasatch Wasps
Head coach: Trish Miller
Additional info not provided.
3. Springville Red Devils
Head coach: Adrienne Ottley
Top contributors:
- Olivia Ottley, Attacker/Midfielder, Jr.
Coach comment
“We are so excited for our inaugural year of lacrosse at Springville High School! Our girls have been working hard all year to learn a new sport as we have only one experienced girls lacrosse player on our team, and they have been growing in the game so quickly. We can’t wait to get going on our season so we can learn and grow even more.”
4. Spanish Fork Dons
Head coach: Olivia Hewlett
Additional info not provided.
5. Provo Bulldogs
Head coach: Megan Jensen
Top contributors:
- Fielding Adams, Attacker, Sr.
- Hannah Jorgenson, Midfielder, Sr.
- Ellee Scott, Midfielder, So.
- Cianna Yepa, Defender, Sr.
- Jessica Edwards, Midfielder, Jr.
Coach comment
“This season has been highly anticipated by all of us. We can’t wait to get on the field and show everyone what Provo girls lacrosse can do. We only have one player with a full season of experience, but you would never know by watching us play. Our girls have worked hard all year to pick up where we left off last March. We are so ready.”
6. Payson Lions
Head coach: Andrew Wright
Top contributors:
- Kate Yost, Midfielder, Jr.
- Sydney Knight, Midfielder, Jr.
- Chezney Ortega, Attacker, Jr.
- Ellie Smith, Attacker, Sr.
- Sofia Kitchen, Defender, Jr.
Coach comment
“This is our very first year of girls lacrosse at Payson High School. We are very excited to compete.”
7. Maple Mountain Golden Eagles
Head coach: Shannon Viehweg
Additional info not provided.
8. Salem Hills Skyhawks
Head coach: Dawn Craner
Coach comment
“We are very excited to start our first season in girls lacrosse. We have a great team of student-athletes who put in 110% into each practice. Even though we are a new team I believe we will do well.”