Mirador 4/23/10 Sports 15

Athlete of the Issue:Erin Walsh

by Caroline Cook

A force to be reckoned with in the midfield, the worst nightmare of all her defenders, Erin Walsh ‘10 has led the women’s lacrosse team to victory for four consecutive years. As a starting midfielder and co-captain for the Lady Mats, Walsh has one main goal in mind for this season.

“I would love to have the Miramonte girls win the DFAL Championship. We won it in 2006, 2007, and 2008, and we can do it again if we put our minds to it and work as a team,” said Walsh.

Walsh’s lacrosse career began with the Lamorinda Lightning in 2003, the first year of the girls’ program. Walsh’s oldest brother, Edward, started playing lacrosse in 2002, Miramonte’s inaugural year when it became a CIF sport and inspired her as well as her other two brothers to take up the sport.

“My three brothers are my best friends. We have our differences but that’s what makes our relationship very special. They have definitely toughened me up,” said Walsh. Given that lacrosse is known as the fastest sport on two feet, with the help of her brothers, Walsh developed a love of the game early on.

In addition to playing four years on varsity at Miramonte, Walsh has played for Triple Threat Lacrosse, Blue Dog Lax, and BearLax in the offseason. Walsh’s plethora of lacrosse accolades began in 2008 when she was awarded DFAL All-League First Team honors as midfielder. Her exemplary skills in the midfield helped to name her Miramonte’s Most Valuable Player as a sophomore. At the end of her 2008 season, Walsh took her game to a national level, earning herself a spot in the US Lacrosse Pacific Region Women’s Division National Tournament (WDNT).

In her 2009 season, Walsh was named Miramonte’s

MVP again and became a US Lacrosse High School All-American for defense. In addition, she received DFAL All-League First Team honors for midfield, and recognition by the All-East Bay League 2nd team for her outstanding play at defense and midfield. At the end of the season, Walsh and Miramonte teammate, Alex Seclow ‘11, played in the US Lacrosse Pacific Region WDNT, and ended up as the Cayuga Division Champions. According to Walsh, this was the first team from California to sweep a division in a national tournament.

Apart from her achievements on the field, Walsh is a powerful leader for her teammates and stays true to herself as a way to approach challenges.

“When the going gets tough, I’ve found that taking the time to re-evaluate and make an honest self-assessment of who I am helps me re-focus and get grounded again,” says Walsh. “Junior year was tough academically and we had a tough lax season last year. Senior year is challenging in different ways, but at least the pressure is off for colleges. Life’s an adventure and I intend to embrace every

moment.”Walsh will take the field with her fellow Midshipmen

on the Division I level at the US Naval Academy next year. “Cindy Timchall is the head coach, a superb athlete, and a wonderful person. She has the best win-loss record in collegiate lacrosse, both men’s and women’s. I can’t wait,” says Walsh. In terms of recruitment, Walsh advises aspiring collegiate athletes to start early, and give due diligence, persistence, and determination.

Besides playing lacrosse, Walsh spends her spare time playing the clarinet and watching English Premiere Soccer League games with her family. “I’m a die-hard Manchester United Football Club fan. Go Man U!” Walsh exclaims. In addition, Walsh hopes to play in the Drum and Bugle Corps. at The Naval Academy.

Fun Facts About Erin WalshHeight- 5’5” Shoe- Cleats: Adidas Turf: NikeTheme Song- “Bat out of Hell,” Meat LoafGuilty Pleasure- Häagen-Dazs Dulce de Leche Favorite Food- Marinated Deep Fried Bangus (fish)Athlete- Ryan Giggs, Manchester United FCFavorite Color- Blue, Go Navy!Stick of Choice- STX ATKFavorite Movie- “Grease,” I know all the songs and I love to sing along!Fun Fact- I lost my first tooth in Dublin, Ireland

Left: Erin Walsh ‘10, is the leader of the Lady Mats lacrosse team. Center: Walsh runs to take on an on-coming opponent. Right: Walsh gets ready to pass the ball to a teammate during a recent practice.

Photo: V. Walsh

Track Team Sprints Toward Season’s Finish

by Brian Friel

The Miramonte track team is off to a fast start, as the boys are currently 4-0 and the girls are 3-1 after a loss to Acalanes. The team will look to continue its early success throughout the remainder of league play as well as into the post-season.

“I really believe that we’re the top contender in DFAL, and I think if we just continue what we’ve been doing then we’ll do really well in NCS,” said Ashraf Mathkour ‘11.

Much of the team’s success this season has come from dominating a couple of key events, one of which has been the men’s 4x400 relay. The relay, which consists of Nick Vedovi ‘10, Zach Mayeri ‘10, Ross Anderson ‘12, and Mathkour has yet to lose this season.

“We’ve got a really good 4x400 relay, and we want to go to the state championship meet,” said Anderson. “We won league last

year with the same team, so we have really high expectations for ourselves.”

Other standouts for the team include distance runners Kirby Schulz ‘11 and Lauren Henderson ‘11, hurdler Noelle Neason ‘10, discus thrower Aaron Whitelock ‘10, and sprinter James King ‘10.

“James King is a beast. He dominates the 100 and the long jump. He’s a freak of nature,” said Anderson.

With the DFAL championship trials beginning May 14, the team is confident that they can continue their dominance as well as improve on individual times before heading into NCS.

“We’ve got a couple of big meets coming up, and I think that a couple of our guys could peak at those meets and become big contributors for us in NCS,” said Mathkour.

The Mats will compete in the Phillips-McCain Invitational Saturday, April 24.

Men’s Tennis Has High Hopes After Crushing Foes

by Kelsey Williams

With a strong start to their season, the Miramonte men’s tennis team has become one of the leading teams in DFAL. Captains Andrew Pises ‘11, Troy Akin ‘10, Chad Boersma ‘11, and Brian Tan ‘11 provide great leadership, and with top singles player Pises and top doubles team Boersma and Michael Krakaris ‘12, it is hard to defeat the Mats.

The team had significant victories in the James Logan Tournament against Head Royce 9-0 and Amador Valley 7-2. On Tuesday April 13, the Mats defeated Campolindo at Campolindo 5-4 and on Wednesday, April 14 they beat De La Salle at De La Salle 5-4. Due to injuries and the absence of key players, the Mats were not victorious against Campolindo at home on Thursday, March 11, losing by a heartbreaking single point, 4-5.

One of these absences included Akin,

who is one of the top senior players, because he had to complete his lengthy basketball season. His return to the team strengthened the line up and contributed greatly to the wins.

“Troy’s presence gave the team a newfound confidence, which really helped us beat our competition,” said Boersma.

With new coach Michael McCollom and eight new varsity players, the chemistry among the team has turned out nicely.

“Everyone gets along great with the shared desire in winning league this year,” said Boersma. “Coach McCollom has brought a different style to the team that has increased the strength of our team.”

Campolindo is first in DFAL by one set, closely followed by Miramonte. Pises is expected to win the DFAL championships as an individual and Boersma and Krakaris are the number one seed for doubles. The team is looking toward NCS with high expectations.

After close wins, team looks ready to destroy their competition in DFAL this year

Photo: C. Cook

Photo: C. Cook

Mats look to continue their dominance into the post-season and capture the league title