Rest When You Get There: this is the unforgettable trademark of our defending state champion girls lacrosse team. Headed by Coach George Dick, affectionately dubbed “Coach D” by his team and a man who inspires dedication and hard work in a friendly environment, Harriton’s lacrosse team has had its share of many great accomplishments over the past few years. They have worked up to playing in the state playoffs every year for the past three years, and last spring they even won the state championship.

All of the above is common knowledge throughout the school and local community. But what many do not know is that colleges around the country to have recruited four outstanding seniors who played on that championship team. Cornell University recruited Hillary Lemonick, Melina Avery was recruited by Syracuse University, Loyola recruited Sabrina Tabasso, and the University of Michigan recruited Katie Melvin.

How did they get so good? Who helped them on their path? Why do I not play lacrosse? We all have questions, and Hillary and Katie have answers. They talked about their trials and triumphs in getting recruited by such incredible schools, and the things they said were quite inspirational.

Both girls cited Coach D as their number one supporter in their efforts. “Coach D has always had my back and continues to motivate and challenge me to perform my best both on and off the field,” says Hillary. Katie adds, “Had it not been for him, I would not be where I am today, lacrosse-wise or as a person.”

The rest of the team is in agreement, citing their respect for their Coach, and crediting him with inspiring them to overcome all the challenges they faced. “The combined athletic and academic commitment was definitely a challenge for me and I am lucky I had the support that I did when I committed to Cornell,” Hillary says. Katie, who decided to try and get recruited late in the game, says, “I didn’t plan on trying to get recruited for lacrosse, but Coach D helped me realize that it was the right thing to do.”

Both of these girls have accomplished impressive things in their young lives, and are sure to continue with their dedication, skills with the stick, and hard work while at college. The Harriton Girls Lacrosse team has definitely gotten there, but are they planning on resting? Of course not. “I hope to always be involved in the sports world. But I also would like to become a part of the fashion industry and the business world combined,” Hilliary says of her post-college aspirations. “I hope that after college I can become a certified psychologist, and that I can start working right away,” Katie says of hers. All four of these girls will go on to do great things, on and off the lacrosse field, but they won’t forget the team that got them started on their path. Says Hillary, “I hope to come back and cheer for all the future Ramlaxers to come through Harriton.”