Sports

Girls Varsity Lacrosse Co-Captain Charleston Drouin ’25 Leads with Confidence and Competitive Fire

Girls Varsity Lacrosse Co-Captain Charleston Drouin ’25 initially picked up a lacrosse stick in first grade, inspired by watching her older cousins play with passion and intensity. Over the years, what began as a curiosity turned into a deep love for the game. Now a Senior attacker, Drouin leads Andover’s offense with poise, grit, and authority. 

Drouin leads with determination and relentless effort, setting a high standard for her teammates through her actions. She described her leadership style as rooted in reliability, hard work, and integrity.

“As a Co-Captain, I would say that I aim to be a leader who leads by example, through work ethic and integrity. I want to be someone who my teammates can rely on and look up to, whether that means using my voice during tough moments or putting in the extra work behind the scenes. I try to create an environment where everyone feels supported and motivated to show up every day and give it their all,” said Drouin.

Teammate Quiana Bell ’26 has experienced this firsthand, noting how Drouin’s competitive spirit and calm demeanor inspire those around her.

“For Charley, she’s a little bit quieter… but she leads a lot through example. She brings such a great level of competitiveness to every single practice and game that makes you want to compete with her. If we need the energy to be up, or when something goes wrong, Charlie will be the one to say, ‘Come on guys, let’s focus on the things that are going well.’ She’s the captain of the attackers in that way, she’ll get them going when we need that push,” said Bell.

Bell also noted that one way Drouin helps foster a positive and focused atmosphere is through lighthearted traditions with teammates before games. These moments help ease nerves while strengthening team unity.

“For Charley, we always make dances together before the game. We’ll always be doing our hair together in the bathroom. She knows how to have a great balance between having fun and joking around with us, but also likes setting the tone for when we all need to be focused before the game,” said Bell.

On the field, Drouin prides herself on staying calm and composed in high-pressure situations to make good decisions on the field and elevate her teammates.

“My biggest strength would be my composure. Whether we’re winning or losing, I try to stay calm and focused. Being steady helps me make better decisions on the field and helps my teammates stay confident. I also really try to be a great listener to my teammates on and off the field, “ said Drouin.

As a player constantly looking to grow, Drouin emphasized the importance of the details that often go unnoticed.

“I’m focused on improving my off-ball movement, such as finding smarter ways to create space and support the play even when I’m not directly involved,” said Drouin.

Bell shared how Drouin’s relentless mindset pushes everyone around her to elevate their game.

“I just love how she’s relentless. She’s not afraid to catch the departure. She’s not afraid to take the contact. She’s not afraid to cut and go through those defenders. I love how relentless she is. She’s very perseverant. That kind of competitiveness and the willingness to win, makes me want to work on my end of the field and make those defensive stops too,” said Bell.

Beyond stats and hustle, Drouin’s pride as a captain stems from her teammates’ commitment to one another.

“I am proud of all my teammates because they have shown effort, growth, and genuine commitment to each other and the team. Whether that be shooting after practice, supporting each other through close games, or stepping up in clutch moments, they show the kind of selflessness that makes a team more than a group of players. I have seen the girls overcome setbacks and embrace roles that weren’t always easy, and that resilience is something that any captain would be proud to stand by,” said Drouin.

Next year, Drouin will continue her athletic and academic career at Colgate University, where she plans to play Division 1 Lacrosse.