As the Inter-Ac season comes to a close, Fords Lacrosse reflects on its performance. Despite an unfortunate 8-6 loss in the PAISAA state championship finals, the Laxmen defied the odds in their matches, achieving an 8-2 record in the Inter-Ac and an overall 14-7 record.
“It was still a great year, and a lot of lessons were learned,” Fifth Former Jackson Gillis said.
The team faced many challenges this year, but they pushed through them.
“We faced a lot of adversity with a lot of injuries. But ultimately, as a group, we became a lot closer than any team before—the upperclassmen, and even the sophomores and freshmen on the team,” Gillis said.
“A lot of people were thinking we were going to have a bad year because we started off one and three, so it was good to see that we fought back and ended up having a good year,” Fifth Former Finn French said.
Haverford Lacrosse defeated Episcopal Academy in an amazing 12-10 win on May 19th, extending their winning streak against Episcopal.
The team’s brotherhood was another highlight of the season.
“A lot of the guys on the team got injured, including myself, and then we had the guys behind them step up and fill some impactful roles. They did a great job of handling that,” Gillis said.
The team spirit-focused attitude was especially pronounced following losses against Malvern.
“Even though sometimes it didn’t look like it, we still found ways to pull games out. It was a communal suffering, doing something hard as a group. It’s the brotherhood of lacrosse.”
Anthony COSTA ’26
“I think when we lost that first and second Malvern game, we came together [a lot closer] as a team. Even though the outcome of the final game wasn’t what we wanted, we shared a bond that I don’t think will ever be matched,” Gillis said.
Sixth Former Anthony Costa, who is headed to Brown University for college, praised the culture and work ethic of the team.
“Getting together in the off-season, talking about our goals—it just keeps the tradition going. The morning workouts were important to get everyone up before the competition wakes up, and to do something hard together,” Costa said.
Costa also emphasized the importance of pre-game talks.
“It’s something cool that a lot of teams don’t do. Before practice every day, Coach Dawson would tell us the plan for practice. He would give us a quote; someone else on the team would talk. It’s a good way to get everyone involved,” Costa said.
The team reflected on how their struggles paid off this season.
“It showed a lot of character that we made it to the last possible day we could’ve played. We were doubted the whole season, and we still beat Episcopal three times to make it to the PAISAA finals,” French said.
“I’m proud of how we battled,” Costa said. “We had a young group, and just getting out there every practice made us better. We made it farther than other people thought we were going to. The guys put the team on their shoulders and battled to the end. Even though sometimes it didn’t look like it, we still found ways to pull games out. It was a communal suffering, doing something hard as a group. It’s the brotherhood of lacrosse.”
The team also praised some of the individuals and people behind their success this year.
“I think the seniors did an amazing job this year, leading and showing what Haverford Lacrosse is supposed to be,” Gillis said.
“Next year, we can compete nationally for that number one spot and win the Inter-Ac and PAISAAs.”
Jackson GILLIS ’27
French highlighted College Counselor Mr. Jeremy Branch and his appearances.
“Mr. Branch comes to all of our practices and games, and he’s always there for the players on the team,” French said.
The Laxmen retain high hopes for next year with their upcoming senior class.
“We kind of had a slow start this year,” Gillis said. “Next year, we can compete nationally for that number one spot and win the Inter-Ac and PAISAAs.”
Costa concluded with his biggest takeaway from years of lacrosse.
“What I want the younger guys to take away is to not take anything for granted,” Costa said. “We had a great season this year, and it went by really quickly. It goes by so quickly, you don’t realize until it’s already over. Don’t take anything for granted and always keep grinding and living in the moment, because once that moment passes, you can’t get it back.”
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