With the return of spring comes another arrival, Harriton Girls Lacrosse. Everyone can locate the telltale signs of its reappearance from the trademark pinnie and ankle sock tans that grace the athletes’ bodies to the lacrosse sticks which jut out across the floor of classrooms. We have an incredible team this year composed of veteran players, some of whom have already committed to play lacrosse during their college tenure, and underclassmen that are already showing promising skills. But no team is complete without a coach to act as a guiding force. For the Girls Lacrosse team this guiding force is George Dick. Under his helm the Girls Lacrosse team has been taking names this season, currently standing 9-3 in the league and most recently beating our rival Lower Merion High School handsomely. It was under Coach Dick that Girls Lacrosse won the 2013 state championship, the first state championship for Harriton as well as the Central League Title, which Harriton had not held since 1976. Coach Dick is self-described as being a “passionate” coach which is clear from his love and interest in the game. On the field, he is totally invested in the goings of the game, following the plays intently whilst calling out plays or pointing out the open girl. But what is even more important is what he does off the field. As a campus aid, Coach Dick will take the time to catch up with his athletes in school to monitor how they are doing. His attention to the team both on and off the field is what makes him a one of a kind coach and an invaluable member of the Harriton community.

Harriton Banner: Where did you first pick up the game of lacrosse?

George Dick: I picked up the game at Haverford College.

HB: Where did you first being coaching?

GD: I first started coaching in Illinois at New Trier High School.

HB: What is your favorite thing about the game?

GD: I like watching the teamwork and the strategy behind the teamwork that we do everyday.

HB: How long have you been a part of the Harriton Community?

GD: I have worked as the Girl’s Lacrosse coach for eight years and as a campus aid for five. I was also the cross-country coach for five years.

HB: What are your goals for the team this year?

GD: We are hoping obviously to win a lot of games and have some fun while we are doing it.

HB: Any particular player that has stood out this year?

GD: We have lots of really good players! Jane Henderson just got her two hundredth goal. Alex Ladda is almost up to her one-hundredth goal of her career. Laura Lasprogata has been playing really well. Maura Henderson has been playing really well. Our freshman goalie has been awesome, Devon McClain.

HB: Any pre-game rituals?

GD: I sometimes dance with the kids.

HB: What kind of coach would you describe yourself as?

GD: Passionate.

The next chance to see the Girls Lacrosse team play will be this April twenty fifth for the annual Katie Sampson event, a lacrosse game which raises money to support research programs specializing in spinal cord injuries in athletes. Everyone should try to make it out and support this incredible cause.