Senior captain and defender Payton Finnegan will be attending the University of Rhode Island next year, and will be majoring in health sciences with the goal of becoming a physical therapist. However before that, Payton is enjoying her remaining weeks with LHS girls’ lacrosse team, a team that is 4-2 and getting better as the season progresses.
Payton said the team is a close-knit group.
“My favorite part about being on the team at LHS is being able to have played with my best friends for the past four years,” Payton said. “Everyone shares a love and passion for this sport which brings everyone closer together. The friendships and bonds I have made being a part of the LHS lacrosse team for four years will last a lifetime.”
Payton also said she and her teammates have learned a lot from first-year coach Ken Aubuchon and the entire coaching staff. Aubuchon was part of the LHS boys’ lacrosse team prior to taking over the girls’ program here at LHS.
“This season I have learned to always work my hardest in games and practices because it does pay off,” Payton said. “My coaches have always pushed me to be the best I can be and to put my all into every game and every drill. My coaches teach positivity and hard work and help to bring self-confidence into each player and I believe that’s the most important part about playing this sport.”
Aubuchon said Payton has done an outstanding job adjusting to the new defensive system implemented by assistant coach Hailey.
She is one of the defensive generals and has to account for the opposing team’s best player and help adjust the defense to cover cutters,” Aubuchon said. “It is her controlled aggressiveness and never give up attitude that is leading the defense this season.”
Aubuchon said Payton also has had some key takeaways and has been constantly improving in transitioning the ball from the defensive to offensive end.
“Her hard work, effort and leadership as captain this year has strengthened the team, as well as provided them with the blueprint on how to be a role model and future captain,” Aubuchon added.
Payton said her favorite part of the sport is the aggressive nature of it.
“My favorite part about lacrosse is how aggressive I am able to be,” Payton said. “I also really love the team aspect and how every position is important and key to winning the game.”
Payton also played varsity soccer and said her favorite class at LHS was her English class with her favorite teachers, Mrs. Spylios and Mr. Grutchfield.
Outside of school, Payton enjoys going to the gym, hanging with her friends and family, and shopping.
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