As spring sports have officially begun at Edison High, the girls lacrosse team enters the season under the leadership of Coach Sara Yocum, who has been guiding the program since the spring of 2019. Through hard work, slow but steady development, and a focus on growth, Yocum has helped shape the team into one built on resilience, effort, and strong bonds on and off the field.

Yocum’s path to coaching girls lacrosse at EHS began unexpectedly. When she first interviewed as a teacher, she was asked whether she could coach anything besides cheerleading. Her answer was simple: “I guess lacrosse!” Although she had played in high school, she had not had much exposure to the sport beyond that point. Still, the opportunity led her to a role that has become deeply meaningful to her. Looking back on her time with the program, Yocum said it has been “rewarding and invaluable.”What Yocum enjoys most about coaching is the opportunity to work directly with student-athletes and witness their progress over time. Unlike other sports at Edison High, girls lacrosse does not have a youth feeder program in Edison, meaning that many players begin with little to no experience. For many athletes, freshman year is the first time they have ever picked up a lacrosse stick. That challenge, however, is what makes the team’s progress so powerful.

“Seeing the growth and love for the sport develop within these athletes is so rewarding,” said Yocum.

That emphasis on growth is reflected in the team’s demanding schedule. During the season, the girls lacrosse team practices around six days a week from Monday through Saturday. Once the season begins, the team averages two to three games each week. Practices are intense and require commitment, but Yocum believes that work pays off when game time arrives.

Even with the steep learning curve that often comes with a newer program, Yocum said that one of this year’s greatest strengths is the team’s willingness to keep improving.

“Despite our learning curve,” she said, “our athletes continuously show up and work on getting better each and every day.”

That mindset has become especially important when the team faces tough opponents. Rather than becoming discouraged, Yocum encourages her players to approach those matchups as learning opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of staying open-minded and understanding that improvement can come from every moment on the field.

“There is something to learn from each and every play,” said Yocum.

Over the years, Yocum has already experienced memorable success with the program, including back-to-back division titles, a moment she said stands out in her coaching career. Beyond wins and titles, however, Yocum believes the team’s identity stems from connection. Her message to students interested in joining girls lacrosse is simple and enthusiastic.

“Join the team! We have strong bonds on and off the field,” she said. “Above all, we have fun.”

As Edison High’s girls lacrosse team continues to grow, Coach Yocum remains focused on development and resilience, creating a positive atmosphere for all her athletes. In a sport where many players start from scratch, her leadership has helped turn a sense of uncertainty and fear into embracing a growth mindset.