How is Haslett High School’s lacrosse program achieving unprecedented success. What impact is freshman Abby Russell having on the team’s performance. Why are the Vikings considered a top-ranked team in Michigan.
The Meteoric Rise of Abby Russell: Freshman Phenom
Haslett High School’s lacrosse program has been making waves in Michigan, thanks in large part to the incredible performance of freshman sensation Abby Russell. Despite her young age, Russell has quickly become a key contributor to the team’s success, showcasing skills that rival those of her more experienced teammates.
Russell’s journey to varsity stardom hasn’t been without its challenges. She admits, “I definitely had to get used to playing with this new team and competing at a higher level.” However, her background in travel lacrosse, where she often played against older opponents, prepared her well for the transition.
Russell’s Impressive Statistics
- 69 goals scored
- 39 assists
- 108 total points
- 70% shot accuracy rate
These numbers are particularly impressive considering Russell has only played 17 games at the varsity level. Her coach, Chad Pastor, isn’t surprised by her success, stating, “I had a pretty good idea that she’d be pretty good, but you just never know how good they’re gonna be until you actually put a stick in their hands.”
Haslett-Williamston Girls Lacrosse: A Record-Breaking Season
The Haslett-Williamston girls lacrosse team is experiencing an exceptional season, with a current record of 15-2 and a 15-game winning streak. This success can be attributed to a combination of experienced seniors and emerging talents like Abby Russell.
Team Achievements
- Regular season conference champions
- CAAC Cup Champions
- Ranked in the top five in Michigan
The team’s success is a testament to their cohesive play and the leadership of their senior players. Four seniors on the team are set to continue their lacrosse careers at the Division I level next year, providing a strong foundation for the younger players to learn from and emulate.
The Impact of Team Chemistry on Performance
One of the key factors contributing to the Haslett-Williamston lacrosse team’s success is their strong team chemistry. Abby Russell credits her seamless integration into the team to the welcoming atmosphere created by her teammates.
“This is definitely where I thrive and where I play best,” Russell explains. “It wasn’t too hard to adjust because my teammates and I all clicked super fast, and they all took me under their wing.”
This supportive environment has allowed Russell and other young players to flourish, contributing to the team’s overall success. The combination of experienced seniors and talented underclassmen has created a dynamic that fosters growth and excellence on the field.
Unselfish Play: The Key to Haslett’s Offensive Success
While Abby Russell’s individual statistics are impressive, her approach to the game emphasizes team success over personal accolades. Her unselfish style of play has been a significant factor in the team’s offensive prowess.
Russell explains her philosophy: “I always want the best look, never want to force goals, always work around on my teammates, and I trust all of them with the ball. Whatever the best look is, that’s what I want for my team.”
This team-first mentality has helped create an offense that is difficult for opponents to defend against. By prioritizing the best scoring opportunities rather than individual glory, the Haslett-Williamston team has been able to maintain their impressive winning streak and high ranking in the state.
The Future of Haslett Lacrosse: Building on Success
With the current success of the Haslett-Williamston lacrosse program, there is a great deal of optimism surrounding its future. While the team will lose several key senior players to graduation, the emergence of young talents like Abby Russell suggests that the program is well-positioned for continued success.
Russell herself is confident about the future, stating, “This program’s gonna be great going into my other years. The other girls, we’ve already grown so much this season. So I think we’re just gonna keep getting better.”
Coach Chad Pastor shares this optimism, noting that Russell’s growth as a player is likely to continue throughout her high school career. This combination of current success and future potential bodes well for the Haslett lacrosse program in the coming years.
Haslett Boys Lacrosse: Building a Competitive Program
While much of the recent attention has been focused on the girls’ team’s success, the Haslett boys lacrosse program is also working to establish itself as a competitive force in Michigan high school lacrosse.
Program Details
- Co-op program between Haslett and Williamston High Schools
- Competes as Haslett/Williamston High School – Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse
- Active social media presence on Twitter (@HDubLax) and Facebook (Haslett Lacrosse Club)
The boys’ program benefits from the same community support and enthusiasm for lacrosse that has helped drive the girls’ team’s success. As the sport continues to grow in popularity in the Haslett-Williamston area, both programs are likely to see increased interest and talent development.
College Recruitment: Haslett Lacrosse Players Moving to the Next Level
The success of the Haslett lacrosse program is not limited to high school competition. Several players from recent graduating classes have gone on to play lacrosse at the collegiate level, demonstrating the quality of talent being developed in the program.
Notable College Commitments
- Kylie Pastor (2024) – Committed to Coastal Carolina University (Women’s D1)
- Emma Kincaid (2024) – Committed to Kent State University (Women’s D1)
- Breyer Fenech (2023) – Committed to University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) (D1)
- Jayden “Mac” Thomas (2023) – Committed to Missouri Baptist University (NAIA)
These college commitments highlight the strength of the Haslett lacrosse program in preparing players for competition at the next level. As the program continues to produce talented players like Abby Russell, it’s likely that even more Haslett lacrosse athletes will have opportunities to play at the collegiate level in the future.
Community Support: The Backbone of Haslett Lacrosse
The success of the Haslett lacrosse program is not solely due to the efforts of players and coaches. The strong community support for the sport has played a crucial role in its development and ongoing success.
Community Involvement
- Active Haslett Lacrosse Club supporting both boys and girls programs
- Engaged parent and fan base attending games and supporting the teams
- Youth lacrosse programs feeding talent into the high school teams
This community involvement creates a supportive environment for players to develop their skills and passion for the sport. It also helps to ensure a steady stream of talented players moving up through the ranks, contributing to the long-term success of the program.
As the Haslett lacrosse program continues to achieve success and gain recognition, it’s likely that community support will only grow stronger. This symbiotic relationship between the team and the community is a key factor in the program’s ability to compete at a high level and produce college-caliber athletes.
Freshman lacrosse player making waves in Haslett
HASLETT, Mich. (WILX) – The Haslett-Williamston girls lacrosse team is in the midst of a record-breaking season, much in part to the efforts of one ninth grader.
With four seniors set to continue their lacrosse careers at the Division I level next year, Abby Russell has been a freshman sensation, which had a bit of an adjustment to make in playing at the varsity level.
“I mean definitely just like playing with this new team and like playing at the higher competition, I definitely had to get used to it,” Russell said.
But Russell’s played travel lacrosse her whole life, at times with players at least two years older than her.
Now 17 games in, Russell has adapted seamlessly and is now thriving at the varsity level, currently in the midst of an unprecedented 100-plus point season.
Freshman lacrosse player making waves in Haslett(WILX)
“This is definitely where I thrive in where I play best. It wasn’t too hard to adjust because my teammates we all clicked super fast and they all took me under their wing,” Russell said.
Head coach Chad Pastor has had Russell on his radar for years.
But now seeing who she is a player, what she’s doing comes as no surprise.
“Abby Russell I’ve been watching for a number of years. There’s always been that ability there for her to play,” Pastor said of his freshman. “I had a pretty good idea that she’d be pretty good, but you just never know how good they’re gonna be until you actually put a stick in their hands. Looking at her overall, the growth will just continue to come as she gets further along in her career.”
So just how good has Russell been?
Through 17 games she’s tallied 69 goals and 39 assists for 108 total points.
Just a freshman, she’s posted a staggering 70-percent shot rate.
Eye-popping numbers that even leaves her a bit surprised.
“I definitely did not expect that,” Russell admitted. “I expected to come out and be a key contributor but I did not think that I was gonna have this good of season.”
Though stats are of little importance to Russell.
At the end of the day, her team is winning, much in part to the unselfish nature she plays with.
“I always want the best look, never want to force goals, always work around on my teammates and I trust all of them with the ball and whatever the best look is, that’s what I want for my team,” Russell said.
Now at 15-2 overall and winners of their last 15, the Vikings’ most successful season ever comes on the backs of a very talented senior core.
But with Russell stirring the drink just as a freshman, it’s fair to say the program is in good hands for years to come.
“This program’s gonna be great going to my other years. The other girls, we’ve already grown so much this season. So I think we’re just gonna keep getting better,” Russell said.
The Vikings welcome, ranked inside the top five in the state, welcome Midland to town Tuesday evening at 5 p.m.
Regular season conference champions, as well as CAAC Cup Champions, the Vikings have two regular season games remaining before the postseason.
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Haslett | mitten state lax
Submitted by admin on
Location:
Haslett, MI
Official Web Site:
Haslett Lacrosse Club
Twitter:
@HDubLax
@Lacrosse_HW
Facebook:
Haslett Lacrosse Club
Instagram:
@hdublax
@haslettlacrosseclub
@hw_girls_lacrosse
Schedule/Results:
Boys (LaxBytes 2019-)
Boys (MHSAA 2009-)
Boys (LaxPower 2006-2017)
Girls (LaxBytes 2019-)
Girls (MHSAA 2009-)
Girls (LaxPower 2006-2017)
hudl:
Haslett/Williamston High School – Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse
Co-op program between Haslett and Williamston
(M:NCLL W:D1)
