by Sabrina Redlingshafer, photo by Kelly Fletcher
Five years ago, freshman Helen Krause took interest in lacrosse because her older brother and sister were playing at their respective high schools.
“It seemed like a fun sport that was different and that not a lot of people knew about,” Krause said.
Today, Krause suits up for STA’s Varsity lacrosse team as the high attack position. She is one amongst three freshmen on the team.
Krause originally started playing on the Prairie Village Outlaw team and played for the Blue Lions Elite over the summer, which she continues all year round. This proves manageable for Krause because the team’s tournaments are usually in the summer, which they travel to.
Krause describes STA as being a bigger time commitment during the school year compared to Blue Lions Elite.
“STA lacrosse has been a really big commitment but it’s also totally worth it,” Krause said. “We practice every day each week, sometimes on the weekend, for two hours.”
Entering high school means she now plays against her sister, junior Margaret Krause, who plays for the Shawnee Mission East team, coached by her very own father.
“At first I was kind of scared to play against my dad’s Shawnee Mission team,” Helen said. “The week of the game it was awkward around my house. We all joked about who was going to win. At the actual game I tried not to make eye contact with my sister on the field, but of course I had to guard her, since we play the same position.”
Some of Helen’s favorite lacrosse memories include playing with her sister and father.
“My favorite game memory was when I was in seventh grade on the Prairie Village team,” Helen said. “My dad put me on the 5-6th grade team because he didn’t want my sister and I on the same team. That year both teams made it to the championship game.”
Overall, the STA lacrosse team has been a positive experience.
“I have really enjoyed playing lacrosse at STA. It is really fun to play at a higher level against schools from different cities and states.”
Krause’s favorite part about STA’s lacrosse team is the support they offer one another.
“My favorite part about being on the team is how everyone cheers each other on and supports one another. I feel like part of the team even after a few weeks of playing.”
Krause plans to continue playing lacrosse, maybe even in college.
“I really want to continue to play lacrosse in college,” Helen said. “I have grown to love the game and can’t imagine my life without it.”
