As the 2024 lacrosse season kicks off, the Tahoma Bears have started strong and are working hard everyday to become the best lacrosse players they possibly can be. As a team, the bears have taken high school students of every grade level to produce a strong 2024 team. Join them as they battle it out this season against the surrounding schools.
Two of our graduation seniors, and the Tahoma Bear captains, describe the impact that Tahoma lacrosse has had on them personally. After almost four years of knowing and participating in Tahoma lacrosse, these two have both had a significant impact on the team itself and have come to know and love the team as a whole. Both senior Taylee Aldrege and senior Ivah Rude only have positive things to say about Tahoma lacrosse.
“Tahoma lacrosse is an amazing program that fosters a great supportive environment and provides amazing opportunities to learn lacrosse and grow as players” (Rude).
Rude has been playing lacrosse for six years, four of which were on the high school team. She explains that after playing soccer, she was ready for something new and “tried lacrosse and loved it!” After that introduction in the seventh grade, Rude has stuck with lacrosse. Over six years she has grown in her own skills and excelled as an athlete through commitment to the sport, eventually leading to coaching positions.
“My favorite lacrosse memory was being a cubs coach and getting to coach a kindergarten through third grade lacrosse team!”
In addition to coaching the little bears, Rude expresses that her love for the sport comes from the “fast-paced nature” and the high scoring games.
“You should totally give it a try! I never thought I would like it as much as I do but when I started it I knew I wanted to keep going! It is such a fun, fast sport and the Tahoma team makes it such a fun and welcoming environment to be in!”
Along with Rude, Aldrege has grown to love the welcoming yet competitive community that is fostered by the Tahoma team. Aldrege has been on the Tahoma high school team for all four years and has been playing lacrosse for seven years. The sport has been passed down in her family and Aldrege took up the challenge and continued in her family’s footsteps. Aldrege is now a senior in high school, looking forward to the opportunity to play lacrosse as a collegiate athlete. She explains the impact that the sport has had on her over the years.
“Lacrosse has helped me become a more confident person. It has helped me work better with people in stressful situations and has helped me find something I enjoy spending my time doing.”
Both girls are accomplished high school lacrosse players that have been dedicated to the sport for many years. During their last season as a Tahoma Bear, make sure to congratulate the both of them for their hard work and dedication.
As the 2024 season will come to a close, boys vs girls game is a great way to get involved with Tahoma lacrosse this season. Both Aldrege and Rude have expressed their enjoyment for this yearly event. The two teams will switch gear and play a game at the end of the season. Come out and support this end of the year event to celebrate the hard work that has gone into this 2024 season. The season is in full swing, as of right now, with tournaments and games every week.
“ [N]ext week’s games are the 15th against Bethel, and 19th against Holy Names, at home at 7pm.” Show up to support these girls as they battle it out.
