The KO girls’ varsity lacrosse team started off the 2025 season with a 1-6 record but remain hopeful and determined, focusing on controlling what they can—effort, attitude, and work ethic.
Head Coach John Hissick believes in celebrating the small, daily wins, whether it’s showing tenacity in practice drills or executing clean, crisp passes to start the day.
A common motto found across the locker rooms of top Division I programs—“Get 1% better every day”—rings true for this group of athletes who wear red and black with pride. “Competing in an elite league such as the Founders League provides us with a test every week,” Coach Hissick said. “Game days are just a display of the work we’ve put in at practice. It’s still early in the season, and we have time to find success. I’m confident that we will.”
The girls opened the season on March 26 against a strong Hotchkiss team featuring multiple Division I commits. The result was a 19-0 loss, but the effort, teamwork, and resilience displayed went far beyond the scoreboard. Just five days later, the team faced off against Westminster, a storied program, and managed to score eight goals in the 18-8 loss, a marked improvement from game one.
These early-season matchups allowed the team to assess its strengths and identify areas for growth. Senior attack Captain Camryn Weinstein, now in her fourth year with the team, is no stranger to adversity. “If we can play every game like it’s our last and know that we gave our best effort, then that’s a success,” Weinstein said.
The Wyverns are led on offense by sophomore Scarlett Bourgoin and senior Ella Wilson, who both found the back of the net against Westminster.
As the calendar turned to April, the girls faced Pomfret and Loomis Chaffee, falling 16-5 and 21-4, respectively. One of the team’s greatest challenges is fielding a roster with many players who are new to the varsity level, especially when going up against schools that field postgraduate athletes and can recruit nationwide.
Despite these hurdles, the midfield shows depth and determination. Sophomore Marin Backer and juniors Addisen Nicholson and Olivia Schaller have all stepped up to ensure fluidity between offense and defense.
Sophomore goalie Sarah Balog continues to grow into her role. Often facing high shot volumes, she works hard to be a vocal leader, communicating with the defense and providing a unique perspective from between the pipes.
On April 11, the girls took on a solid Cheshire Academy team in cold and windy conditions, putting up a strong fight losing 15-7.
Their first win came on Thursday, April 20, with a 13-8 victory over the Bancroft School—an important milestone that showcased the team’s hard work and resilience.
Looking ahead, the Wyverns faced continued fierce competition. On April 28, they’ll challenge former prep school national champions Taft, followed by a matchup against Hamden Hall on April 30.
Most notably, KO will take on a strong Choate team on May 5. Later in the month, they’ll also face non-league opponents St. Luke’s School on May 9 and Miss Hall’s School on May 12.
There’s a lot to be excited about as the KO girls’ lacrosse team continues their journey, embracing every challenge and striving for growth each time they step onto the field.
