New Lax Coach Aiming for Tournament

While Katherine Creedon may be entering her first year as the coach of the girls lacrosse team, she is well aware of the expectations that await her.

“I’m definitely excited about the challenges that lie ahead for me,’’ said Creedon. “It’s only been a week into the season, and I already have high hopes for the girls. They’ve come into the pre-season in great shape and they all have excellent stick skills and fundamentals. Now we can really start focusing on strategies and philosophies once we get the final team in place.”

Originally from upstate New York, Creedon excelled in lacrosse throughout her high school years before venturing off to Middlebury College in the late 1990s. Before graduating in 2000, she managed to guide the team to do a pair of NCAA Division 3 National Championships in 1997 and in 1999. In her senior season, Creedon was named captain and was named to the National All-American team.

Following graduation, Creedon excelled as a coach in New Jersey where she led the Lawrenceville School to the state tournament finals and semifinals during a four year span.

While leading the Lawrenceville Big Red to four successful seasons, she also directed and coached numerous lacrosse camps throughout the East Coast, including Florida. In addition she also directed the Nike girls lacrosse summer camp.

After moving to Hingham several years ago, Creedon became involved in the town’s youth program before being anointed as the Harborwomen’s head varsity coach in the off-season.

“When the [job opened] up, I threw my hat in the ring,’’ said Creedon. “I was so excited when I found out I was offered the job.  I’m really looking forward to sharing my experiences and knowledge of the game with the girls.”

Accomplishing a successful 15-5-1 regular season mark, the Harborwomen defeated Plymouth South 16-3 in the first round of the Division 1 South tournament before falling to Needham in the quarterfinal round.

Even with the loss of 11 seniors to last year’s squad, Creedon is optimistic of another strong season for the Harborwomen when the season starts on April 7. Currently, Creedon will have six returning veterans at her disposal, but will have to break in a new goalkeeper.

"We are showing solid speed and stick skills in our returnees and in our additional players who have come up through the program,’’ said Creedon. “We have some younger players that are have a lot of potential, and have looked solid. We’re just in the process of getting our team together and finding out who is going to go where.”

Leading the way for the Harborwomen are co-captains Katie Walsh, a senior and Emma Marjolet, a junior. While Walsh should serve as a force on defense, Marjolet, a junior, could emerge as one of the team’s top scorers as an attacker.

Other key contributors for the Harborwomen include junior Meghan Doherty on attack while a pair of sophomores, Chrissy Coveny and Hannah Krueger is expected to lead the midfield. Along with Walsh on the defense will be senior Deidre Spatola. Minding the net will be sophomore goalkeeper Alison Argiro.

“[Argiro] is looking great so far, and she’s got the skills down,’’ said Creedon. “She’s going to be filling in some huge shoes, but she’s got the focus, effort and determination to do it. Our returning players have done a great job staying on top of their games, playing year round in leagues and they’re ready to go.”

As for newcomers and role players, Creedon is still finalizing her lineup, but has been impressed with what she’s seen so far during the first week.

“The new girls have shown a lot of promise and they’re determined to learn,’’ said Creedon. “We have a great youth program, and most of the girls have gone through the feeder system.”

As for pre-season scrimmages, the Harborwomen, faced off against Hanover, Norwell and Scituate.

“It’s a great way to start off our season against some strong competition to see where our strengths and building points are,’’ said Creedon.

For regular season matches, the Harborwomen will compete in the Patriot League and will face-off against such tough teams as Duxbury, Norwell as well as two non-league opponents in Lincoln-Sudbury and Hopkinton.

“The competition is getting tougher, and we’re hoping to fare well against the tougher teams in the state,’’ said Creedon. “We have our work cut out for us, and we’re certainly going to be tested right away.”

Other members of Creedon’s coaching staff will be AC Decker, who will serve as an assistant and junior varsity head coach while Jen Manning will run the freshmen program. Manning also directs the Hingham girls’ youth program while Decker previously served as an assistant coach on the boys’ team for 12 seasons.

“It’s great to have such an experienced coaching staff helping me out,’’ said Creedon. “They’ve been very helpful.  I’m very excited to be working with them this season.”

The Harborwomen will kick off the season on April 7 in a home contest against Silver Lake Regional High School.