Junior Olivia Kozak started playing lacrosse with her dad in her backyard and has now moved on to captain the high school varsity team.
Kozak went to youth practices to gain basic skills for the sport, and the coaches invited her to go to high school practices and join the team.
“I went to a youth practice to try it out, and they encouraged me to continue,” Kozak said. “They gave me all the equipment I needed and helped me with everything I needed to know.”
Kozak was one of the few freshmen her first season, which was scary at first, she said. But after her first practice, she knew that she belonged on the team due to the welcoming nature.
“Olivia O’Malley came around the corner and welcomed me, and helped me. She was so excited and welcoming,” Kozak said.
She played defense her first season, but she did not get much playing time.
In her sophomore year, she was able to get more time on the field and show off her skills. After the team lost key seniors in the midfield last year, Kozak became a more versatile player, playing almost any position on the field.
Kozak is now a captain, and she enjoys the new responsibilities.
“I love encouraging my teammates when they do something good,” Kozak said. “I love giving them advice as well.”
She shares this responsibility with seniors Olivia O’Malley, Ava Frantz, and Lexie Iwaniuk, but they all have the same job: encouraging and leading the team.
The team’s record is 3-12. But Kozak maintains a positive attitude due to the team’s close nature.
“The team is so much fun. Everyone is always hype and supportive,” Kozak said. “Our chemistry this year is amazing. We’re like a big, happy family.”
Kozak brings compassion, support, and understanding to the team, sophomore Namrata Rai said.
“Olivia is a very cheerful person. She tries to bring as much energy as possible, while also keeping her composure,” Rai said. “She does not really goof off as much, but it shows that she is serious about the sport and how we play.”
Frantz said Kozak is a strong leader.
“She helps to support and encourage all of her teammates, especially during a tough game,” Frantz said. “She is very hardworking and inspiring to the younger girls.”
Off the field, Kozak maintains her supportive, encouraging personality.
“She is an amazing teammate. Olivia is so much fun to be around, and I also love hanging out with her outside of practice,” Rai said. “Overall, she’s just a really good friend and captain.”
Kozak also plays club soccer and is involved in many clubs, which can be challenging to balance.
“I have a lot of leadership positions. I have club soccer and lacrosse as well,” Kozak said. “I always get everything done and show up where I am needed.”
Kozak has high hopes that this season will inspire the younger girls to stick with the sport, as the team usually struggles to keep players. They will also be losing four seniors this year.
Kozak’s goal for her senior year is to score her first goal and to continue building the team. The team’s last game is at 6 p.m. today against Seton-LaSalle.
Kozak is unsure of her lacrosse journey after high school. Kozak is considering choosing between soccer and lacrosse or being a dual-sport athlete in college.
