Lady Patriots persevere to playoffs

In the thick of a 4-14 regular season, varsity lacrosse player Nancy Medrano stepped into the unofficial role as the team’s inspirational speaker, using motivational sentiments to add more relatability to their coach’s encouragement.

“Hearing it from other teammates helps our mentality,” midfielder Medrano said. “It makes it seem more sincere.”

Medrano’s rallying mindset pushed the Birmingham Community Charter High School (BCCHS) varsity girls lacrosse team to earn a 19-4 quarter finals victory, a playoff win that granted a welcome surprise. Hoping to pick up some victories for the departing seniors on the team, Medrano and midfielder Giselle Khalil contributed to the quarter final win against University High School on April 21.

“The energy was just way more different. It was like a sudden shift,” Khalil said. “Everyone just woke up.”

Fueled by their newfound confidence, the Lady Patriots competed in the semifinals, where their playoff run came to an end. Although Pacific Palisades Charter High School eliminated BCCHS from the 2022 CIF LA City Section Girls Lacrosse Championships on April 25, the team viewed their playoff appearance as a reward for their perseverance through the disheartening moments of the season.

“I was really unmotivated (during the regular season),” Khalil said. “I didn’t even really want to play for a good while. It’s just kind of frustrating.”

Coming off their redeeming playoff run, both Medrano and Khalil plan to remain on the lacrosse team for their senior year. Khalil is resolved to fulfill the promise she made to her freshman self to stay on the lacrosse team throughout all four years of high school. For Medrano, the desire to stay involves the friendships she has developed with her teammates. 

“I feel like it’s just one more year and we’ve gotten closer to the girls this year,” Medrano said. “I want to continue having those bonds with them.”