The girls’ lacrosse team welcomed Lauren Baran to the head varsity coach position this season. Baran has coached the girls DAYO team as well as the high school JV team. She has high expectations toward making the program successful.

The team was previously led by Jamie Williams for five years until he accepted a coaching position at Pleasantville High School. The positive environment and experiences from Baran’s lacrosse career is what drove her to start coaching.  

Baran, who started playing lacrosse in 3rd grade, was fulfilled through the positive impacts of working in a team  “I loved being part of a team; I made new friends, was challenged mentally and physically, and it was so much fun,” Baran said.

In addition to making new friends and the challenges she faced, Baran also learned many life lessons that she would like to bring to the team. Some of the lessons she’d like to teach the team are being on time for practice, working as a team, as well as always pushing yourself to do your best.

“I’m excited about everything! We have a great group of very talented girls that love the game and are excited to be part of this family,” said Baran.

Baran is a native of Danbury and is excited to be able to impart a greater contribution toward the Hatters’ athletic traditions. She is delighted to continue her journey here. “I think the most significant reason is that I am from Danbury and grew up here. Although I didn’t attend Danbury High — yes, I went to Immaculate — there is something special about the pride of this town,” Baran explained. “I wanted the opportunity to carry on the legacy of the DHS girls lacrosse program and continue to build upon it.”

Baran has also coached most of the girls before, which makes her more approachable to the athletes. In addition, the team only lost three seniors last year which leads to a similar team atmosphere as last year.

Senior captain Holly Rivers mentions that she “feels comfortable” around Baran and hopes to have a “successful season” with her this year. Though, Rivers is not used to having a female coach, she is looking forward to see what Baran will bring to the team. “I’m excited for a new change and I think the girls will like it.” Rivers said. “It’s interesting to have a female coach when we normally [have had] a male coach.”

Junior Jaymee Joy Alfonso has expressed her excitement to have Baran as the new head coach. “She teaches us a lot of concepts and pushes us hard but keeps us smiling along the way which is what makes her a memorable coach,” said Alfonso.

Rivers wants to help her teammates improve by “encouraging them” to perform to the best of their abilities as well as maintain accountability. “Making them accountable for their actions is a big thing,” Rivers commented, while referring to the coaches rules of “holding] players accountable.”

Baran has also expressed that a mixture of tough love and positive reinforcement helps motivate and encourage the players to do their best.

Senior captain Faith Watson has been coached by Baran since middle school and can relate to Baran’s coach ethics. “I’ve known Coach Baran since the 7th grade,” Watson said. “She seems to be very comfortable around the girls and knows enough about the sport.”

Despite having a new female coach, Watson explains how the teammates should give Baran an opportunity to make a difference on this team. “Even though we miss our old coach, we should give [her] more of a chance to be a part of the team,” Watson said. “No matter what coach we have, we have to stick to it and make it better. We have to continue the stuff we used to do when our old coach was here.”

Rivers has important methods that she discusses – which is that the team should be able to get along with one another and be respectful. She wants to “keep them in a healthy environment” and “doesn’t want any drama” on the team.

Both captains also have goals for the team that they plan on accomplishing this year. One of their goals is to “make state playoffs” again. However, that goal may be challenging and concerning for the teammates since their former lead scorer, Naia Isabelle graduated and always took on points for the team.

“Last year we went to states and passed the first round,” Rivers explained. “But this is a new season so we can do just as good as we did last year.” Furthermore, Rivers mentioned that the team “working in groups” is important since they collaborate more effectively.

The Danbury girls’ lacrosse program has shown their excitement for the spring season with Baran. “I have a good feeling about this year,” Alfonso said. “The team as a whole already has so much chemistry and talent. With Coach Baran, we will definitely become stronger.”