According to sophomore Anna Nicholls, Katie Gliske will be the head coach for the girls’ lacrosse varsity team this season.

“Our head coach, Kyle Sweeney, had her baby, so she is on maternity leave this season,” Nicholls said.

Having thirteen years of coaching experience, head coach Katie Gliske said she is looking forward to creating relationships with the new players on the team.

“I’m really excited to get to know the girls that are on the team this year and to watch them to progress and grow, not only in the sport but also as people,” Gliske said.

Nicholls said Gliske has helped her improve as an individual and a team player.

“There’s been more drills with learning basic skills and building those basics — working together as a team, so emphasising that,” Nicholls said.

According to sophomore Sharda Doorbijai, Gliske takes time to improve the skills of new players on the team.

“This year, I have noticed that she is really thoughtful and takes time to help each player out if she sees you struggling,” Doorbijai said. “She helps all the players that are new to lacrosse. She will take time and help out.”

Gliske said she played lacrosse at St. Louis Park for four years and the sport teaches players new abilities.

“I played here at St. Louis Park. I really love the sport, and I think sports are a great way to teach skills to teenagers that they might not otherwise learn about responsibility and commitment and respect,” Gliske said. “I really love being another positive role model to teenage girls.”

Doorbijai said in preparation for girls’ lacrosse’s approaching games, Gliske is working hard with the team.

“(Gliske) is preparing us for our upcoming game and making sure that we are in shape and ready for our first game,” Doorbijai said.

The team’s first game is at 5:30 p.m. April 13 at Hopkins High School. For more information about the girls lacrosse game schedule go to gopark.org.