Norwin girls lacrosse wants to continue progress under new coach

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, April 6, 2018 | 4:18 PM

Last spring, Norwin's girls lacrosse team reached the playoffs in its first year in the WPIAL.

The Knights wanted to continue their progression this season but didn't have a coach. So Drew Polczynski accepted the offer even though he hadn't coached the sport at the varsity level. A longtime basketball coach, Polczynski has adapted well to lacrosse.

“It's been a very positive experience and a lot of fun. It's really not a stretch to go to lacrosse from basketball, even if it's a little different shouting directions across a field instead of a basketball court,” he said. “What's awesome is the positivity of the girls. The experienced ones help out a ton and are involved in teaching the younger girls. The athletic director (Brandon Rapp) been really supportive, too. He has helped me with all the behind-the-scenes stuff. We've had great support from the community and everyone involved. It's been a lot of fun.”

While Norwin graduated 10 players from last year's team that finished 10-6 after a 12-9 loss to Bethel Park in the WPIAL Class 3A tournament, Polczynski believes the squad has reloaded.

“The secret to any team's success is in the youth programs. You can be a phenomenal coach, but if you have to spend your time teaching basic fundamentals, you don't get to work on the advanced stuff,” he said. “Norwin has a good youth program for the boys and girls, and you're starting to see it pay off now. The players have much more advanced fundamentals than a few years ago.

“Also, Norwin has always been blessed with some great athletes. You can see that in all four classes we have. There are some excellent athletes.”

Leadership is a key for the Knights. Seniors Maura Gabauer and Magen Polczynski and junior Maura Columbus are the team's captains.

“The captains are awesome. They help the younger girls get to where they need to be,” Drew Polczynski said. “They are very good at motivating everyone to work as a team. We're more team-oriented this year, rather than relying on stars to carry us. All the girls buy into the idea that you win as a team and lose as a team.”

Norwin opened the season with a 16-5 win over Hempfield. Maddie Roth scored seven goals and Columbus had four, but all the players were involved in the offense. Kendra Scheideman had five saves for the win in goal.

“The girls communicated well, and I am awfully proud of what they did out there,” Drew Polczynski said. “It all comes down to the team. We work a lot on passing and receiving, and I told them how impressed I was with how well they passed and moved around. The best scorers understand they are going to get their chances, but it's a really good flow they have. They bought into it and executed really, really well. Overall, the chemistry is really good on the team.”

The Knights know they face a challenge in a tough Section 2 race with Fox Chapel, Latrobe, Freeport, Hempfield, Penn-Trafford and Shady Side Academy.

“I expect the girls to continue their progress. I am not concerned about wins and losses. I just want us to continue to make strides in fundamentals,” Drew Polczynski said. “There are some really good opponents we have to play this year, but I don't worry about what those teams do as much as I worry about what my team does. If we continue to have a positive attitude and continue to progress, I'll call this season a success no matter what our record is at the end. I can't wait to see how the rest of the season goes.”

Joe Sager is a freelance writer.

Tags: Norwin