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07/23/2024 10:09 AMGrace Lunz not only took on a new leadership office on the lacrosse turf this past spring, but she also stepped outside her comfort zone into a whole new tier of the turf. Both undertakings wrought some rousing results and progress for the Warriors.
Growing up in a sports-centric household, Grace tried her hand at every sport under the sun as a youngster. Yet in third grade, she was led into lacrosse, thanks to her friend, and she played all throughout her remaining school years at defense. This year, as the Valley Regional girls’ lacrosse team had a deficit at midfield, Grace took it upon herself to switch positions for the betterment of her squad while also being a standout junior for the Warriors.
“I loved how lacrosse was not like any other sport I had played before,” says Grace. “I think my success has come from watching other people and learning things from them. Many girls I have played with have influenced me over the years. I also watch and look up to a lot of the college lacrosse players. I try to break down what they do and then add my own things to my game. I have also been taught by so many great coaches over the years.”
Grace took on an assignment as a sort of double agent by moving to the midfield. She said there was some expected turbulence in getting adjusted to the new job, including learning a whole new facet of the game that was foreign to her. But now, she loves the grind of showcasing her stamina.
“Moving to midfield, I knew it was what the team needed and I wanted to step up,” says Grace. “It was hard at first, and the switch was extreme. But I love how you get the best of both worlds by helping the offense and the defense. I think the hardest part about midfield is playing the draw because I had never done it before. The running of it all can be hard, too, but it is good in the end because you build up endurance.”
An infectious energy is something that Grace likes to add to any team she is a part of. She wants to have that charisma that is contagious. More so, she has become a more mentally sound player by simply learning to leave any miscues in the past and pushing ahead.
“I am the type of player who tries to carry energy and optimism on the field,” says Grace. “The more energy I have, the more it can rub off on the team I feel. I also like to motivate myself by forgetting the prior play and moving on. As a freshman, I think I would hyper focus on my mistakes, but I know you have to try to be the best player you can be on the next play.”
Grace jumped at the leadership opportunity this year both on the field and outside of game action as an upperclassman. She additionally loved the task at hand to help so many newcomers get accustomed to lax while setting a terrific template of the consummate teammate.
“I was so excited to be that leader this year because my prior two years were so great due to those leaders motivating me,” Grace says. “It was so exciting because we had so many freshmen this year and new players to the sport. I loved building relationships with the girls that will last beyond the season. It is also great to motivate myself to be a role model and set good examples.”
Valley girls’ lacrosse Head Coach Alex Rose details that Grace brings all the desired intangibles on the field with her arm and her legs while being a steady presence away from the turf. All of those attributes have led to her earning a new mantel for the future in captain.
“Grace has been an integral part of our team, bringing not only her powerful shot to the field but also an exceptional attitude that has positively influenced both her teammates and coaches,” says Rose. “Her powerful shot and impressive endurance allow her to excel in both offensive and defensive roles. Grace’s ability to transition seamlessly between these positions has been crucial in maintaining our team's balance and competitiveness on the field. Her dedication, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm have been exemplary, and she consistently demonstrates what it means to be a team player. She is a key player on our squad also taking the draws, helping us control the ball and the game. We are thrilled to announce that Grace will be stepping into a leadership role as one of our captains for the upcoming season. We have full confidence in her ability to lead the squad, inspire her teammates, and continue to contribute to our success on and off the field.”
This summer and offseason, Grace will look to build upon her experiences in the face-off circle while adding to her experiences of playing with a wide variety of players. Looking ahead to 2025 and the Warriors, she wants to keep building upon that communal aspect of the squad. She details that the squad that sticks together is the one that rockets to the top while amassing multiple victories along the way.
“For myself, I want to work on my draw skills. I also want to try to find ways to work more cohesive with others and their playing styles, whether it be a more strategic or fast-paced player,” says Grace. “I want to be able to work through things in a game for myself to help the team. I also want us to work on having better team bonding. No matter the skill set, a team is not a team until they work cohesively. It is satisfying to see when everyone shows up to practice in a good mindset and wanting to play for each other.”