Lacrosse season is upon us so let’s take a look at how some of the CPL coaches think their teams will fare this season.

Note: All coaches were contacted multiple times for this exercise. Those responses are listed below. Don’t see your school? Contact Michael Wojtychiw (mmwojtychiw@cps.edu) for more information.

Girls lacrosse

School: Kenwood Academy High School

Last year’s record: 5-8

Social media handles: Instagram– kwgirlslax

Starters returning (name, position, year in school):

Kara Morgan, defense, senior

Natalia Als, defense, junior

Kayla Purches, defense, senior

Jehovanah Blahoua, defense, sophomore 

Brenna Campbell, midfield, junior, captain, 2023 All-Sectional 

Miriam Niestat, midfield, senior, captain

Kat Kampa, attack, senior

Heaven Brisco, attack, senior

Hailey Hamilton, attack, senior 

Leah Smith, goalie, senior, captain

Key non-starters returning (name, position, year in school):

Danielle Thomas, attack, senior

Kiera Hines, attack, junior

Key newcomers: 

Lenny Cannon (midfield, freshman)

Cailer Saulsberry (attack, junior)

Sanii Tyler (attack, senior)

Brooklyn Nash (attack, senior)

Big games/matchups: We’re really excited for all of our conference games against fellow CPS schools. It has been so fun for Kenwood to play a part in growing this sport in CPS and we love to play teams across the city! 

Coach’s season outlook: We have a small but mighty team this season. We know that we are in for some challenges given the size of our roster, but we are excited to compete and to continue to build skills and community along the way. Our returning players, many of whom have been playing at Kenwood since 7th grade, bring a variety of strengths and skills to the team to share with those who are playing for the first time this year (and some of whom had never picked up a lacrosse stick before two weeks ago!). 

School: Whitney Young

2023 Record: 4-10

Starters Returning:

Sr. Margaux Bailey, 12g 

Soph. Maura Schumacher 9g & 1ast

Sr. Jia Elwroth 5g & 2ast

Sr. Carolina Cerda 5g

Key Newcomers:

Soph. Siena Hoke: Very athletic and strong middy that will help us massively in terms of team speed and stick skills. 

Big Games:

Payton 3/21

Lane Tech 4/5

Outlook: A very talented and committed group of kids, I can’t wait to watch them play. The goal is to win a city championship and play in the regional championship game. 

Boys lacrosse

School name: Taft

Last year’s record: 4-12

Social media handle: @taftlacrosse on Instagram

Starters returning:

John De Leon (captain, goalie, senior, 4-year varsity player, top-25 in IL last season for goals against average & save %)

Piotr Mocek (defense, senior)

Petr Malina (captain, midfield, junior, led team in ground balls & assists last year, top-15 in IL last season for ground balls)

Saul Zacarias (captain, attack, junior)

Ramon Sanchez (defense, senior)

Jaden Lim (midfield, senior, led team in goals, points, & shots on goal, top-25 in IL last season for ground balls)

AJ Piccirilli (attack, senior, led team in shot % last year)

Rocco Esposito (midfield, junior, led team takeaways last year)

Key non-starters returning:

Jake Anto (sophomore, midfield)

Ryan Suing (junior, midfield)

Nolan Dutkiewicz (sophomore, midfield)

Lucas Hurtado (junior, attack)

Isaac Gainey (junior, midfield)

Lucas Bernson (goalie, junior)

Key newcomers:

Jaiden Padilla (junior, midfield)

Mike Niesel (sophomore, midfield)

Zach Sullivan (freshman, midfield)

Big games/matchups: conference games vs. Northside, Lincoln Park, & Kenwood