Social studies teacher and varsity girls varsity lacrosse coach Caitlin Ulmer has taken on coaching the JV girls lacrosse team this year.

Coaching two teams at one time is difficult, but Ulmer has strategies that help her stay organized. She already coaches field hockey in the fall, so she knows a few tricks to help her. She also treats each team differently based on their experience level. “I’m gentler with the JV kids’ the varsity girls know what the expectations are; for JV it’s more about instilling that love for the game,” Ulmer said.

Ulmer’s new responsibility has resulted in a busy schedule. Both the JV and varsity teams typically do the same drills at practice and everything runs smoothly. Having back-to-back games and practices also makes things easier on Ulmer. The JV team’s practices start half an hour earlier than varsity, allowing some private time with each team.

“The varsity girls have been a great help,” Ulmer said. “They’re comfortable with me, they know my expectations and my system and that has allowed us to have a lot of structurea�� I can turn my back on them for a minute to teach JV and I know they’re going to do what they’re supposed to do.”

Ulmer has been coaching the varsity team for four years now. In addition to coaching, Ulmer also teaches NSL and AP Human Geography.

“I like how she pushes everyone to work their hardest at games and practices. Her persistence helps us all play better,” sophomore JV player Taylor Dea��Ath said.

The varsity team is currently 6-4 and the JV team is currently 6-3.

“I really like her intensity while coaching because it drives me to be the best player I can be. She pushes us to our limits because that’s the only way we’re going to get better. Her coaching method has obviously been successful because as a team we’re close to having a winning season this year,” varsity player junior Lauren Colliton said.