The boy behind the mask watches as chaos erupts on the field, though he cannot venture too far from the goal.  He feels the sweat beading on his forehead, sliding past his brow. His heart races, mind filled with excitement and determination. He knows that every move he makes determines his team’s fate. Suddenly he spots his opponent making a break for the goal. The ball barreling towards him. In the blink of an eye, he raises his scoop and stops the ball. He has sealed the game.

Senior Jacob Hughes has been playing lacrosse since 7th grade. Lacrosse is a contact sport played by two teams using a small rubber ball and a long-handled stick with a small net called a crosse or lacrosse stick.

“Lacrosse is a fun sport that I enjoy playing,” Hughes said. “It also holds a uniqueness to my name, seeing as how not many play it at this school.”

According to Hughes, while lacrosse consumes a lot of time and pre-season training can be exhausting work, lacrosse impacts his life positively.

“Lacrosse has impacted my life by teaching me to manage my time,” Hughes said. “I do plan to do lacrosse in the future. The college I hope to attend has a lacrosse club so that is definitely a perk.”

Hughes’ has been a starting varsity goalie for his team for three seasons. Hughes’ lacrosse coach, Tyson Tyler, said that Hughes’ attitude and skills on and off the field are admirable.

“Jacob is athletic and has very good hand eye coordination and that’s what makes him such a good goalie,” Tyler said. “He’s also a great leader who comes to practice and team events with a lot of energy. He enjoys his teammates and brings out a lot of the younger player’s personalities. Jacob really just has fun with the game and that’s all we want as coaches.”

Teammate senior Tyler Watson said Hughes’ performance on the field is commendable

“Jacob is beneficial to the team because not only is he our goalie, he is our leader on the field,” Watson said. “The outcome of the games often revolve around some of his split second decisions.”

Watson said that Hughes plays well during games and may be one of the best goalies in the state. According to Watson, Hughes pours all of his emotion into the game, which makes him a good captain and an even better player.

“He is significant because he, along with myself, is one of only four senior leadership on the team,” Watson said. “The team often has trouble with staying positive and keeping up the energy, and he helps keep us in games we often feel will be a struggle.”

Teamwork is important according to Hughes, and his teammates play a role in Hughes’ determination.

“Most of our team have been playing together for many years, so we have grown close and become like brothers to each other,” Hughes said. “I am inspired by my teammates, and wonderful sport that I am blessed to play.”