A new era of Linfield lacrosse has begun under Sarah Dalsey, the ninth head coach in the program's 26-year history.
 
The first-year head coach arrived on campus in the fall with a winning attitude and collegiate coaching experience at McDaniel College in Maryland and Adrian College in Michigan. While moving across the country is never an easy task, the Linfield community and the women of the lacrosse program welcomed Dalsey with open arms.
 
"My journey to McMinnville has been great," Dalsey said. "I'm grateful to have support from the community here, making the move seamless. Coaching changes can be hard on a team, but the players welcomed me immediately and were excited to get to work."
 
Linfield finished third in the Northwest Conference standings in 2022, going 12-5 overall with an 8-4 record in league play. The Wildcats will need to replace four All-NWC players from a year ago, including midfielder Bethany Shade, a Second Team All-West Region honoree and the 2022 NWC Defensive Player of the Year.
 
The good thing is, one of those players is still leaving her mark on the program as Maia Rezoski returns as an assistant coach this spring. The four-year letterwinner and three-time all-conference selection ranks fourth on Linfield's all-time list in points and assists.
 
THE NEW-LOOK WILDCATS
Building team culture is a journey, and the 'Cats are quickly discovering the team's identity in the early spring.
 
While Dalsey brought her own coaching style to McMinnville, she understood that the program and its returning student-athletes already had a sense of community. Her job was to create a new culture that adopted the values already in place.
 
"When I accepted this position, it was important for me to make sure I reached out to the players to ask the important questions," Dalsey said. "Trust and respect mean a lot. I wanted them to know I was here to improve the program but not change or remove any traditions."
 
Linfield lacrosse, otherwise known as "Cat Lax," has brought a family-oriented environment to the pitch. The players push each other at practice and have been so competitive at times that emotions get high. But they've learned to come together and channel those emotions positively.
 
"They show every day that they want to get better, and they know they have support if they make mistakes."
 
VETERAN LEADERSHIP
The 'Cats have 17 players on the roster. Only two are seniors. The rest are underclassmen, including 10 freshmen.
 
"It's crazy to think we only have two upperclassmen. Honestly, I forget because we don't lack leadership."
 
Elena Kroll and Maranda Tucker are in the midst of their senior campaigns. A two-sport athlete, Kroll had a successful winter season on the wrestling mat in Linfield's inaugural NCAA season. As the tail end of wrestling season overlapped with the beginning of lacrosse season, she managed to balance both sports and worked hard to make it to all her practices and workouts.
 
"Elena is one of our captains this year. She does a great job of holding our team accountable and making sure the standard is set. She's someone to look up to."
 
The lone returning All-NWC member, Tucker earned a Second Team nod at defender in 2022. She started in all 17 games, finishing with 13 ground balls and 10 caused turnovers.
 
"Murray [Maranda] has taken on roles that have pushed her outside her comfort zone, but she's done it with a smile on her face. She steps up in a big way for someone who works in silence. She leads by example."
 
THE UP-AND-COMERS
Having a young team comes with its own hurdles, but it also allows the underclassmen to gain collegiate playing experience and find opportunities to step up. Everyone has a role, and not one is more important than the other.
 
"I tell them every day that they have a voice and to use it. I also credit our team culture for allowing a space for everyone to step into a role."
 
Two sophomores, Maya Wright and Mackenzie Kulick, join Kroll as team captains this season. Wright started in all 17 games on attack in 2022, scoring 29 goals and dishing out 15 assists in her debut season. She fired off 90 shots, 60 landing on goal. Kulick was sidelined last year due to injury.
 
"They do a great job of leading by example. They come to practice ready to work. I can't recall a time when they didn't bring the energy. They have the whole student-athlete thing down."
 
The 'Cats have multiple newcomers who can make an impact early in their careers. Key freshmen to look out for are Gabby Crist and Grayce Miller. Crist was recruited out of Lake Oswego High School as a low defender but has shown promise in the midfield. A San Diego, California, native, Miller will help to anchor the defensive end.
 
"Gabby will be a force on the field. She's the definition of competitive, and her love for the game shows. Grayce has a high IQ and great leadership skills out on the field."
 
PROTECTING THE HOUSE
Sophomore Caity Babcock and freshman Tenley Hodge will share time in goal for the 'Cats. Babcock played in three games last year, starting in two, before missing the remainder of the season due to injury. She recorded 12 saves and finished with a .400 save percentage. Hodge joined the program from Beaverton's Westview High School.
 
It's not easy to play a position where only one player can be on the field at a time, but the two goalkeepers have created a bond and want each other to succeed. Their encouragement and always-improving communication skills have been noticed by the coaching staff.
 
"My goalies are the best. The growth I've seen in both are impressive. They put in the extra work and it shows."
 
GOALS FOR THE SEASON
The 'Cats opened the season with a road trip to Spokane, Washington, to take on Whitman and Whitworth at the Pine Bowl. They will host two non-conference games this year against Alma College (Mich.) on Feb. 28 and Carroll University (Wis.) on March 13.
 
Every week presents a new challenge. The 2023 season will be focused on growth to put the future of Linfield lacrosse in good hands. The team will celebrate all the small victories that contribute to the bigger picture.