OUR ATHLETE OF THE WEEK COMMUNITY PARTNER
Each week, Monitor staff selects and interviews a local Athlete of the Week. Learn more about their accomplishments, their goals and what makes them unique. We’d like to thank our sponsor Capital City Kia.
Our partners do not participate in the selection of these athletes. That is fully at the discretion of our journalists.
John Stark junior Zoe Lawson has set herself apart in the school’s history books.
Earlier this week, Lawson had 188 career goals and 22 career assists, totaling 210 points. That mark is the most career points in program history, with the rest of this season and her senior year still ahead.
This year, Lawson has improved on draw controls. She has 53 of her 142 career controls this season, and she leads the team in ground balls (18).
The first team all-state attacker has powered the Generals to a 6-2 start as she hunts for all-state placement honors again.
“She brings a level of effort and intensity to practices and games. This raises the standard of play for our whole team,” said John Stark head coach Samantha Saunders. “She is always positive and encouraging, leading by example for underclassmen.”
Each week, the Monitor allows the previous athlete of the week to ask the first question to the next athlete. Here’s that question:
Q: What keeps you motivated to keep improving?” – Ethan St. Clair, Kearsarge baseball
A: My dad and my friends motivate me to keep improving as they have always been the ones to challenge me and support me in practices and games.
Q: How have you improved over your last three seasons of varsity lacrosse?
A: I have improved through becoming a stronger player on all sides of the field instead of just offense. Prioritizing other parts of the games, like rides and clears, has helped our team have flow through transitions.
Q: What’s the most challenging aspect of playing your sport and position?
A: It’s hard to understand that mistakes are inevitable and getting back to redefend after a missed shot or pass is a really important yet challenging aspect of the game.
Q: How have you worked to become a better goalscorer?
A: I have worked in the off-season at home and with my dad to really nail placement as well as power.
Q: How did it feel to reach 200 career points?
A: I felt really proud of myself and accomplished because I have been working hard and it has shown.
Q: How have your coaches helped you improve?
A: They have helped me through supporting my individual struggles to help me improve on specific skills.
Q: Outside of sports, what do you feel passionate about and why?
A: I enjoy getting involved in my school and making a change in our community. For example, I am a part of my school’s student council as well as National and Spanish Honor Societies.
Q: You’ve been crucial on draw controls and ground balls. What clicked for you this season?
A: Understanding that 50/50 balls are key to dominating games. Without hustle, there is limited success.
Q: What do you love most about your team?
I love the connections with the girls on my team. Lots of us are friends outside of lacrosse, so it is really great that I am surrounded by so many people that care about me.