By KATHLEEN DUFFY
The Cherry Hill Sun
This lacrosse player means business on the field.
Lauren Anderson, a Cherry Hill High School West senior, is looking to break the school’s record for career goals this season, months before she heads off to Wagner University.
Anderson, standing tall and reaching far at 5’11”, was recruited by the university to continue the sport that she began playing as a third-grader.
“I have 175 career goals and the school record is 208,” Anderson said. “I’m trying for that this year.”
Head coach Robin Schwartz sees Anderson’s record aim as a strong possibility.
“She uses her height to her ability, and it helps her in many ways,” Schwartz said of the midfielder. “She also puts a lot of time in.
“It’s just the way she maneuvers her stick,” she said.
Anderson credits the South Jersey Select Lacrosse summer travel league as a reason for her success and recruitment.
“Colleges come and scout you there,” she said. “It’s a new sport. It’s really recruited.”
Aside from Wagner University, schools in Connecticut and Florida sent recruit requests, but the school is a “perfect fit,” she said.
“Lauren came to us as a freshman, even then she was just a fantastic player,” Schwartz said.
Anderson shot right into the varsity team with her natural, smooth moves and control. In her first year, she came close to 50 goals. In her freshman game against cross-town rival Cherry Hill High School East, she scored six goals.
“She’s definitely a well-rounded player,” and continues to improve, Schwartz said.
Anderson proudly displays her number, 23, in honor of her brother Jack, who passed away as she prepared to enter high school. Lacrosse provided an outlet, with her motivation to succeed soaring.
“I’ve always been an athlete,” she said. “I just found that lacrosse really fit me. I just liked it a lot better than soccer.”
The team captain acts as a mentor to her team, rallying along with her coach on the field behind West in a recent game against Moorestown Friends School.
“I like to help my team to become better,” she said. “I become a little coach on the field.”
In this season’s April 2 opener, East defeated West, but the team has another shot at a win later this month, Schwartz said.
“The game got away from us,” she said. “Needless to say, (Anderson) did help us out in the midfield. We get to play them again. Maybe the second time around, we’ll have a better game.”
Schwartz exuded her thrill for Anderson’s collegiate achievement.
“I’m just happy for her,” she said. “I think she’ll have a great college career.”
As for Anderson, she offered up some final advice for any readers who may be budding lacrosse players.
“Stay with it and keep practicing,” she said. “It’s a really fun sport.”
Learn more about South Jersey Select Lacrosse by visiting http://www.sjselectlax.com.
Cross-town rivalry
If you missed the East vs. West varsity girls lacrosse season opener, make sure to head out on Friday, April 19 at 3:45 p.m. for a rematch at Cherry Hill High School East.
