The girls’ varsity lacrosse team, or GLAX, as they like to call it, has progressed significantly this year. Not only have they moved on to the state tournament for the first time in Mason’s history and placed second in the district, but their head coach, Courtney Gibbons, also received an award for Dulles District Coach of the Year and for Region Coach of the Year. What’s led to this success? Hard work, good team chemistry, and what seems to be pretend biological relations.

“We call her mom sometimes, even though she doesn’t like it,” said Maeve Donnelly, sophomore and varsity lacrosse attack. We just have a really good bond.”

“She works hard and she cares about us,” said Sarah Lubnow, sophomore and varsity lacrosse midfielder.

Gibbons attributes her individual and team success to the same things her players do. Except pretending to be their mother, of course.

“I thank the hard work of the team this year,” said Gibbons when asked about what contributed to the great season. “We’ve been doing preseason [training] since September the team has been focused since day one. And now it’s easier now because I work here [in school], so everyone spends more time here [in my office] throughout the day and bonding as a team.”

In regards to team bonding, the team is closer than it has been in the past. “In general, the team is closer, and they’re from all grades. Before, it was hard to have freshmen and seniors feel close to each other,” said Gibbons.

As the team moves on in the postseason, Gibbons’ recognitions in coaching will remind herself and the team of the their accomplishments along the way.