After miscommunications following the 2024-2025 season, Liberty’s girls’ lacrosse team was disbanded, forcing the athletes to decide where they would continue playing.
The decision was made final after realizing there would not be enough players for the following season. However, the decision came as a shock to the team, “Our team had no idea it was happening, we intended to play another season together, so when we found out we didn’t have a team it was pretty hard,” said junior Abby Mullagh.
The decision of where to play for the current season (2025-2026) was not one player came to easily, as they had to choose between Rampart, Air Academy, and Pine Creek. Lots of factors went into the decision of where to play, but the main factor seemingly was the coaches.
Senior Avery Pendleton said, “I decided to play for Rampart high school because the coaching staff seemed so supportive and empowering from the very first interaction I had with them. I could tell that they really cared about each and every one of us.”
This sentiment was shared by Sophomore Oakley Burns, “I decided to play for Rampart this year after Liberty cut their team because their coaches and girls were so approachable and eager to invite girls from other schools to join their team.”
Since Rampart’s girls’ lacrosse team has almost 50 players, they were able to welcome Liberty lacrosse players with open arms, “It’s a great community and I’ve made a bunch of new friends” stated Pendleton.
However, the decision to play for Rampart was not a unanimous one. Mullagh stated, “I decided to play for air academy because that’s where our Liberty coach went.”
Even in the face of hardships, former Liberty lacrosse players are able to have a positive outlook on the situation.
Burns stated, “Playing against other girls from our own school on other teams can be challenging, but in the end, I think everyone is just happy to see all of the girls continue playing even after Liberty lost its team.”
On top of the mixed emotions playing former teammates and friends, there is also a unique pressure surrounding old coaches. Pendleton said, “I definitely felt more of a responsibility to perform well playing against my former coaches, to prove to them that I had gotten better as an athlete.”
There are some downsides to Liberty’s team being cut, most notably the lack of contact with former teammates, “I feel sad knowing that the only time I’ll ever play with them is against them. I miss them,” Mullagh said.
Furthermore, the decision to cut Liberty’s team was especially hard on current seniors. The cut meant that they would not be able to finish their high school career with their own team, and they would miss out on school-exclusive team moments.
For example, Pendleton stated, “We also aren’t able to participate in school wide events, for example our team is going to run out during the spring assembly at rampart, and all of the girls who go to Liberty aren’t able to participate.”
This disappointment is felt by other teammates, even ones who aren’t seniors. “It’s really sad and frustrating to see the seniors from Liberty having to leave their own school to play the sport they are so passionate about in their last year, even though we are getting new experience playing with different girls from another school’s team,” said Burns.
The girls remain united in their desire for a revival of Liberty’s team.
Pendleton expressed, “I would love for all of the liberty players to be able to play on their own team again someday.”
Mullagh also added, “I think liberty should have its own team. I think there’s lots of talent and skill at liberty, and we could develop into a more skillful and competitive team!”
As the season continues, Liberty’s former lacrosse players are finding their place on rival teams while carrying the lessons and connections built over past seasons. Though spread across different programs, their shared experience has strengthened their lacrosse experience and many still hold out hope that Liberty’s own team will return to the field in the future.
