As the spring season gets into full swing, its important to highlight the work that gets put into the programs. This week, we’re highlighting the Girls Varsity Lacrosse coach, Ms. McNamee. After their first game, the team is on fire with infectious enthusiasm. They have a packed schedule, filled with many games, conditioning practices, and team bonding activities!
We asked Ms. McNamee a series of questions, and her responses stand for themselves. After joining her best friend in lacrosse around the age of 12, she fell in love. She quickly joined a travel team, staying with them until she finished high school. As a sophomore in high school, she verbally committed to Duquesne University to play Division 1 lacrosse and officially signed during her senior year. Ms. McNamee highlights ‘that playing college lacrosse was one of the hardest yet most rewarding experiences of her life’.
She reflects on how college lacrosse impacts her coaching approach today, and ultimately what brought her to Winch, “Playing at a high level showed me that the basics and fundamentals of the sport remain a priority—no matter how far you go. I also learned that attitude and team culture can make or break a season, even with the most talented players on the roster. That experience taught me how important it is to set expectations early and build a strong team bond before focusing on individual skills. Creating a positive, focused team environment is something I am really passionate about as a coach. I was drawn to Winch because it is one of the few places where I can bring all of my passions together—lacrosse, science, and musical theater! I love that our school encourages students to be well-rounded and explore different interests, and that same energy is reflected in the faculty. Plus, the mountain views are breathtaking. I had never been to New England before moving here, and I am really enjoying the change of pace and scenery from the city atmosphere I grew up around.”
She is most looking forward to this season as her first year being head coach and getting to watch the team grow over the season, but she also does show excitement for the rivalry game against Cushing Academy. Ultimately, she has a strong passion for the sport and this team that is reflected in her favorite memory as a Winch coach, “One of my favorite memories with the team so far was experiencing my first senior day as a coach. It was incredibly meaningful to be part of honoring the seniors and seeing how much they had grown on and off the field. Watching them take it all in reminded me how much I missed playing and how special it is to be part of a team like this. It made me really grateful to be on the sidelines again, even in a different role. These experiences are finite—you don’t always realize how quickly they pass until you’re looking back on them. That day grounded me in how lucky I am to be part of these girls’ journey.”
Thank you Ms. McNamee for all your hard work and dedication. We are looking forward to seeing a fantastic season for Girls’ Lacrosse!
Written by Reagan Kelley ’25
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