With her team scoring 243 goals in only sixteen games, Girls Lacrosse Co-Captain Neicia Smith ’25 leads Girls Lacrosse’s offense with composure and strength. Smith herself has tallied over 200 goals and assists in her career at Andover, displaying her consistency in each game. She stresses the importance of chemistry amongst the team, crediting it for the team’s successes this year.
Before discovering lacrosse, Smith spent nearly seven years as a gymnast. But after picking up a lacrosse stick in sixth grade, her growing interest in team sports, combined with the changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, shifted her passion toward the field.
“I didn’t start playing until sixth grade. I was a gymnast before, but I wanted to play a team sport, so I decided to try out and fell in love with it. Then there was COVID, so I decided that this is where I wanted to go in high school and college, and I worked day in and day out,” said Smith
Gracynn Hartley ’27 noted that Smith is a vocal leader who leads by voice and example. Despite playing different positions, Hartley admires Smith’s attitude and mentality towards practice and games, a trait she hopes to embody herself.
“I have only known her for two years, but she is a funny and vocal person. She is there for everyone. She practices how she plays, and I admire that and want to take that away. I want to have the mentality that she has. She has contributed a lot to the team, and many people look up to her, and I know she is going to great places.” said Hartley.
Smith added that she hopes to be a role model, guiding younger players to grow in the sport. She also stressed the importance of unity on the team, with all members being treated equally, regardless of their grade.
“One thing I want to be is a role model, especially for the younger girls on the team. I try to help the younger girls with what we are doing in practice and help them get ready for games. In the past, we have had good communities, but this year we made sure that everyone feels comfortable and that there isn’t a grade hierarchy, so we all see ourselves as one.” said Smith.
Smith emphasized the importance of chemistry and community amongst the team. She credits the team’s unwavering support for each other as the leading driver of its 15-1 record.
Smith said, “Having a strong community and family is vital to success. I want the younger girls and captains to continue that team culture. If we want to continue being successful, chemistry has helped us only have one loss this year, and we want to have that connection on and off the field.”
Smith has tallied over 200 goals and assists for Girls Lacrosse since she joined the team as a Lower. Despite the remarkable individual achievement, Smith credits her teammates, who have given her the opportunities to succeed.
“Most of my points wouldn’t have been possible without my teammates, who gave me the opportunities to score. My teammates have allowed me to score, and I wouldn’t be able to do that if they weren’t there. They open up the field so I can go head-to-head against a defender or open passing lanes to find open players near the net. I couldn’t have done so much without my teammates and coaches,” said Smith.
Smith will continue to play lacrosse in college at Loyola University in Maryland.
