The SPHS girls varsity lacrosse team is having a successful season so far, with an impressive record including their electrifying win against St. Mary’s on March 25. A few of the key players that contribute to the team’s success are juniors Camryn Chew, Sophie Grazioli and Julia Putzi. Despite the girls’ varying skills and positions, they all have one thing in common: they will be continuing their athletic careers in college, playing lacrosse at the Division I level.

Camryn Chew is a two-sport varsity athlete who participates in basketball in the winter and lacrosse in the spring. Chew has been playing lacrosse for most of her life, starting at five years old. As a midfielder, Chew enjoys running down the field playing both offense and defense. “I like playing midfield because there’s always something happening and I can contribute to all aspects of the game,” she said. When she is not playing for SPHS, Chew plays club lacrosse for Maryland United Lacrosse Club (East). In early December 2018, she committed to Loyola University Maryland. “This season I’m hoping to win the state championship,” Chew said.

Sophie Grazioli is also a two-sport varsity athlete, playing field hockey in the fall and lacrosse in the spring. Grazioli began playing lacrosse when she was in third grade because it was a popular sport in the area. “I wanted to try something new and lacrosse was all the rage,” she said. Grazioli is a defender and has fun shutting other players down and pressuring the ball to cause turnovers. “The pace of the game keeps you on your toes because you never know what’s coming,” Grazioli said.  Similar to Chew, she plays club lacrosse for Maryland United Lacrosse Club (East), outside of SPHS. She has always planned on playing in college, committing to Fairfield University last December.

Julia Putzi began playing lacrosse when she was just seven years old, and has loved the game ever since. “I started because I was the only girl not playing and I wanted an excuse to quit softball,” Putzi said. She plays attack and focuses on assisting her teammates and scoring goals. “I have the opportunity to be the quarterback of the offense and take control by calling the plays,” Putzi said. Putzi’s favorite part of playing lacrosse is bonding with her teammates; “I love that you have to rely on all your teammates for the best result and that it is such a fast-paced game” she said. Putzi also plays club lacrosse for Maryland United Lacrosse Club (East). “Since I started playing club in fourth grade, I knew I wanted to play in college,” she said. Putzi committed to Butler University on her official visit this past January. Her goals for this lacrosse season are to beat South River and win the state championship.