In its first season, the girls lacrosse team started from the bottom in learning the game and improving their skills. Hard work and dedication for the game have paid off for freshman Mara Nickel, one of the starting varsity defenders on the team.
Although this is her first year playing the game, Nickel was familiar with lacrosse because of her siblings’ involvement in the sport.
“My two younger brothers play lacrosse, and I’ve always enjoyed watching their games,” she said.
Through supporting her brothers, Nickel became interested in the sport and was excited to find last year that a girls program was in the works.
“I didn’t think that was going to happen at Hoover but I was definitely interested in it after I found out,” she said.
Nickel also plays soccer for Hoover and has noticed similarities between the two sports.
“We’re really intense and aggressive during the games, just like in soccer,” she said.
Fellow defender, senior Katie Hamilton said Nickel always gives her best effort on the field.
“She’s really aggressive,” Hamilton said. “Her goal is to get the ball back on our side and she’s not afraid of getting hurt.”
Despite her drive on the field, Nickel’s favorite aspect of the sport does not relate to the physicality of the game.
“I like that you have to think the whole time; it’s a really mental sport,” she said.
Hamilton is thankful to have Nickel helping her defend the goal this season.
“If there’s a girl somewhere down the field, you know Mara will be there to defend her,” Hamilton said. “You can always count on her to get the job done.”