March 19 to March 24, Convent of the Sacred Heart’s 2016 varsity lacrosse team left Greenwich’s cold weather behind, laced up their cleats, and packed their bags for the annual spring training trip.

Thirteen returning players and seven new players travelled to International Management Group (IMG) Academy in Bradenton, Florida for six days, in hopes of bonding with each other and developing their stick skills. Head Coach Mrs. Tara Clough, Assistant Coach and third grade teacher Ms. Emily Kuchta, and Assistant Coach Ms. Mary Wegner accompanied the team. 
Varsity lacrosse captain and senior Claire Squire’s goals for the team included taking advantage of the opportunities and resources at IMG, as well as connecting as a team.
“I think that knowing each other well off the field will really help our game improve on the field,” Claire said.
After their arrival in Bradenton, the team traveled to the IMG campus via bus. There, the team toured the facilities, ate lunch, and then headed to the fields for their first practice.
The second day, the team played a scrimmage in the afternoon against Hathaway Brown School and won. Later that night, they participated in a scavenger hunt. They split up into groups and were given a list of items to find or activities to accomplish. Although there was no actual prize or winner, this activity helped the team members connect and strengthen their relationships.
March 22, the entire team went to the beach on Anna Maria Island to relax and enjoy the warm Florida weather after a scheduled game of Round Robin against Greenwich Academy, St. Stephens and St. Agnes School, and Potomac School.
Varsity lacrosse player and sophomore Christina DeConcini travelled with the team for the first time as a new player. 

“Traveling with the team was intimidating at first and I felt nervous. But, every night spent as a team doing fun activities, improved and benefited our connection as a team, which later became an advantage on the field,” Christina said.

The team spent their final night eating sundaes and preparing for their last day at IMG Academy. They scrimmaged Potomac School, a team they had previously played and lost to by 12 points. This year the two teams tied.
Coach Kuchta believed the trip was beneficial in developing stick work, building team unity, and getting the players in shape.
“The trip was an overall successful experience for the girls down at IMG. It was a great opportunity for the team to prepare for the season and spend time together as a group. We were able to get a lot of beneficial practices and scrimmages before the season officially started,” Coach Kuchta said.
– Pau Barbosa, Staff Writer