Senior Evan Szpara made the switch from a hockey stick to a lacrosse stick when he was in sixth grade.

When a hockey teammate asked Szpara to come to lacrosse tryouts, he enjoyed it so much that he decided to quit hockey and begin playing lacrosse.

“I didn’t really like hockey that much,” Szpara said. “I liked everyone on the lacrosse team and the coach.”

Szpara is the captain of Baldwin’s team, and he has held the position since his sophomore year. He is responsible for managing the team and making sure everyone is in line and showing up to practices and games.

“I enjoy being captain because it really connects me to the team,” Szpara said. “I feel like I get to become closer with everyone on an individual level.”

Szpara brings important leadership qualities to the team, his peers said.

“He’s always making sure everyone is ready to go and prepared for practice or a game,” junior Kaden Kicinski said.

Szpara is highly dedicated to his captain position as well as his team.

“He’s someone you can count on and someone that’s always showing up everyday and making sure things are done right and efficiently,” Kicinski said.

Junior Dominic Emiliani agreed.

“Evan leads by example,” Emiliani said. “He stays positive, encourages teammates, and helps keep everyone focused.”

Szpara brings a sense of relief for the team’s defense because of his efficient guarding, Kicinski said.

Szpara has played lacrosse for Baldwin as a defenseman every year beginning in sixth grade. He also played for a club team, the Drifters, during his sophomore year.

Szpara’s positive qualities do not end on the field.

“Off the field, I think of Evan as a good friend to have on the team,” Kicinski said. “He’s always helping people out and trying to have a good relationship with everyone on the team.”

Szpara particularly enjoys the social aspect of lacrosse. He looks forward to coming to practices and games to see his friends.

While Szpara is not continuing lacrosse after high school, he has made great memories during his time playing.

“There was a bus ride back from Greensburg Central Catholic, and it was our second win,” Szpara said. “We beat them pretty bad, so it was a nice game to win, and everyone was celebrating with music.”

Szpara will miss playing lacrosse after graduation.

“I’ll miss playing with all of my friends,” Szpara said. “Since I’m not playing in college, I’ll probably never play again.”