With spring sports in full swing, one program that tends to be overlooked is the KHS boys lacrosse team. This season, though,  they are looking to turn that around as they are now a school-funded sport. With many successful returning players, combined with several promising newcomers, the lacrosse team has plenty of reasons to be optimistic.

One returning player is senior Garrett Wills, who is committed to Illinois Wesleyan University to play lacrosse. Last season, Wills was an All-Sectional honorable mention selection, and he aims to build upon that accomplishment this season.

“Our team goal is to get 10 wins,” Wills said. “We had nine wins last year, a program record, so this year our goal is to top it by one. Personally, I want to be able to get All-Sectional, and if I have a good enough season, my goal is to be All-State.” 

Social studies teacher Daniel Ferrel, the second-year assistant coach, looks to continue to build momentum from the team’s growth last season. 

“I hope with the school now funding us we will take a more central role in spring sports,” Ferrel said. “I feel as though lacrosse always had a somewhat low reputation in previous years, so I would like to see that turned around. We have shown that we can be successful. More than anything, we just need more players and more support from administration. If we get those extra pieces, I think we can maintain a winning program for a long time.” 

One of the team’s new players this season is freshman Caden Kaiser. Kaiser has plenty of experience through a club lacrosse team and looks to bring that into the school season. 

“I’m looking forward to gaining bigger relationships with my teammates and also trying to win a lot of games,” Kaiser said. “I want this season to be able to set our team up for next year.”

With the continued growth of the program, there are many reasons to be excited for the future of lacrosse.