Although coach Kathryn DaSilva has been a part of the girls lacrosse program since 2017, it was not until former head coach Abigail Cohn stepped down from her position that DaSilva became the new head coach.
DaSilva’s coaching journey began in 2008 as an assistant coach for Pingry. Following this position, she assumed the role of head coach for Cranford for the following three seasons. However, DaSilva described this position as “not a positive experience,” prompting her resignation from coaching. Despite her discontent with this experience, DaSilva’s passion was reignited when she spotted an opportunity as the assistant coach for Westfield in 2017. Since her hiring, she has continued to serve in this position up until the 2024 season.
“It’s unpredictable how a team will look once a new coach is hired, but I think so far from our preseason, the team has looked really strong,” said senior captain Lucy Mineo. The switch of head coaches doesn’t seem to be an issue for the girls as DaSilva has been part of this program for years. “I think they know what to expect with me, so I don’t really think of this as a big transition phase,” said DaSilva.
Going into her first season as head coach, DaSilva looks to bring a positive atmosphere for the team. “What this program desperately needs and lacks is a positive culture. The girls need a place they want to come to everyday and actually have fun,” she said. “In sports, working hard and having fun are synonymous to me. They can co-exist.” Senior Adrian Fleming said this is a continuation of how DaSilva was as an assistant coach as well; “Throughout the past few years, DaSilva has always given great pep talks during halftime and she’s always motivated our team. I can’t wait to see more of that this season.” In addition, she strives to make the girls lacrosse program more cohesive. With current divisions between different levels of teams, DaSilva wants the program to be more unified as a whole.
Dasilva’s wishes already seem to be in effect this preseason. “We have a really good bond with each other so far,” said Mineo. “I think the most important thing that DaSilva brings to the table is that it’s really clear she wants the team to be close because she’s big on how close you are off the field is a reflection on how you are when you’re on the field, and that is definitely something we have lacked for the past couple years.”
Preparing for the season to start, DaSilva’s goal, as many others, is to win. “I want to win our division. I want to advance further in counties than we ever have. I want to win the section,” she said. With her wishes for a more positive atmosphere, DaSilva said, “If at our banquet in May, the girls say they enjoyed coming to practice and felt important to the program, then I will be happy. I’ll be twice as happy if it’s with a trophy of some sort at the banquet too.”
The girls will play their first game of the season April 2 against Morristown at 10:00 a.m. at home.
