USA Lacrosse Magazine released their latest high school rankings yesterday, and after being ranked for the first time ever last week, Anderson moved up in the rankings yet again this week. The Trojans came in at #8 in the South, a 2-spot improvement from before, while fellow Texas foe Hockaday held steady at #4.
After the win at Denver East, Anderson returns to the field tonight to face Vandegrift. It’ll be a special game for the Trojans tonight as they will honor an unbelievable senior class. This class was the first to play all four years for the Anderson Lacrosse Program because it came about in the fall of 2019, their freshman year. The graduating class of 2023 has seven seniors and is headed by commits Annie Small and Emma Bethke. Below is a bit about each of the players being honored tonight.
Emma Bethke has been the starting goalie for all four years of the Anderson Lacrosse Program, and she’ll be continuing her career at Southwestern University next fall. Coach Ross called her “reliable and dedicated” which makes sense given that she’s made every start at goalie over these past four years. That’s right, she hasn’t missed one game. She credited former goalie Coach Lawrence for teaching her “everything that [she] needed to know about being a goalie”.
Grace Henson is a fierce defender and a big part of the Trojan’s success. Coach Ross said that her “personality has been a joy to be around over the past 4 years” and that “she’s always looking out for others… [and] able to find the fun in everything we do”. Grace will be headed to either Oklahoma or Auburn for college next year.
The best word to describe Alex Kelly is dedication. “She’s dedicated to everything she is [a] part of,” Coach Ross said. Despite playing many different sports and participating in lots of activities, it was never too much. She always gave 100% effort throughout her high school career, which is something that will carry over very well after she’s done playing lacrosse.
Clare Manuel was pretty new to lacrosse as a freshman, but that didn’t stop her from dedicating herself to lacrosse over all four years of high school, and the progress she’s made is unbelievable. Coach Ross said that “Over the past four years, Clare’s skill and understanding of lacrosse has grown tremendously…It’s been so amazing to see her confidence and personality grow through lacrosse.” Clare will be attending the University of Arkansas next fall.
Veena Patel “has been one of the most selfless players [Coach Ross has] coached.” She’s been the Teammate of the Year for Girls’ Lacrosse and is one of 4 captains for the team. She’s a big contributor to the offense and has 30 points in 10 games this season. She’s a balanced scorer, who not only puts the ball in the net herself but also constantly sets up her teammates for goals as well.
The Trojans are honoring another captain in Eme Perkins tonight. Eme is a member of an Anderson defensive core that is among the best in the state and possibly even the country. She’s a leader and works hard to succeed on and off the lacrosse field. She’s a great teammate and Coach Ross said that Eme “demonstrates that hard work, perseverance, and kindness can achieve anything.” Eme will be attending Auburn in the fall.
Last but not least, Anderson will be honoring Dartmouth commit Annie Small. Small is a 3-year varsity captain and has amassed over 250 points in her career. The midfielder has 37 goals and a team-leading 57 points so far this season. Coach Ross said that “Annie was a force on the field the moment she came out for the team her freshman year and she’s been unstoppable ever since.” Small is dominant on the field and will do whatever it takes to help the team find success. One can only assume that her talent and hard work will help her to even more success at the collegiate level.
Anderson should be expected to win their game tonight as the Vipers are just 3-7-0. While their record doesn’t look intimidating, they do hold quality wins over Lovejoy and Westwood. Vandegrift’s goalie Emily Evans is committed to the University of St. Mary and could be a challenge for the Trojans tonight. Show up to Calhoon Field to see JV at 6:30 followed by Varsity at 8:00. The senior night ceremony will take place in between the games.
