There’s certainly a buzz around the new girls’ lacrosse team at Hammonton High School, but the experience goes way beyond the playing field: students are learning about the physical benefits of staying active, how being part of a team teaches life lessons, and how the opportunity to be part of something larger than themselves is vital.
So says Tracy Angelozzi, who has been the head girls’ varsity lacrosse coach since the team officially formed during the 2024-2025 school year, after running as a club for one year prior.
“The approval process was efficient,” Angelozzi said, noting it took less than a year because student interest was high. “During [the club year], we practiced three to four times a week, focusing purely on fundamentals and the rules of the game. Following that successful trial, we officially entered the NJSIAA [New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association] as a varsity program.”
This season, 30 girls are enrolled in the Blue Devils program. They compete in the Cape-Atlantic League (National Division), and their schedule consists of 18 games during the spring season, from March 9 to June 1. They played against very experienced teams from schools such as Oakcrest, Atlantic City, Millville, Middle Township, St. Joe’s, and Absegami. And they played in every type of weather: rain, snow, sleet, and heat.
“Being a part of a new athletic program is really fun because I feel like I’m building a new program for little girls to then grow up and play for,” said freshman Selena Lyons, “and it’s a great feeling.
“I’ve learned from playing in this new program how to be a better team player and take initiative.”
“Girls’ sports hold a very special place in my heart,” said Tracy Angelozzi, who has been the head girls’ varsity lacrosse coach at Hammon- ton High School since the team officially formed last year. “There is a direct correlation between a young woman’s success in life and the adversity she overcomes on the field. The physical and mental challenges of the game prepare these athletes for everything they will face beyond high school.” Following a trial year, the new girls’ lacrosse team is now a NJSIAA varsity program.
Though last year’s record was 2-16, as of press time, the team was 8-9, a “massive leap” according to Angelozzi, who has been teaching at Hammonton High for 21 years, and currently teaches Honors English 3. For the first time ever, they’ve made the playoffs, and will play Ocean City High School in the first round.
“The improvement has been incredible to witness!” she said proudly.
One of their biggest highlights this season was a double-sudden-death overtime victory against Millville.
There was 100% commitment with no one quitting, Angelozzi noted.
“It feels meaningful to watch a new athletic program take off but also to see how far it has come in just two years,” said freshman Kelsey Ruhf, who has been playing lacrosse for 3 years, in addition to soccer, softball and basketball.
Angelozzi’s own journey with lacrosse began as a freshman at Cherokee High School, where she played not only LAX but also field hockey and basketball. After graduating in 1999, she attended Rowan University, where she was a four-year starter, a two-year co-captain, and a two-time All-American. She has been an official/referee for West Chapter 5 since 2015.
“Girls’ sports hold a very special place in my heart,” said Angelozzi, who is the mother of a 9th and 12th grader. “There is a direct correlation between a young woman’s success in life and the adversity she overcomes on the field. The physical and mental challenges of the game prepare these athletes for everything they will face beyond high school.”
With such a love for the game, she is happy that Hammonton has also launched a youth lacrosse program, for girls in grades 1 through 8, which will serve as the foundation for the high school team for years to come.
“Beyond the scoreboard, I love seeing the girls’ lacrosse IQ grow; they’ve become very reflective and are able to make smart tactical adjustments during timeouts and between quarters. The game of girls’ lacrosse is incredibly complex and intricate with the rules,” she said.
The credit is in part to the coaching staff, rounded out by assistants Jacqueline O’Rourke and Katie Stella.
“They possess a unique talent for connecting with the players, ensuring every athlete feels supported and understood,” Angelozzi explained. “Beyond the interpersonal side, they maintain immaculate stats, which has been a primary goal for us as a staff; having that ‘on-paper’ data allows us to show the girls exactly what is happening during a game, making our adjustments objective and clear. While the three of us bring very different personalities to the sidelines, those differences allow us more opportunities to connect with various players on a personal level. We truly mesh well, and their unwavering commitment is the backbone of this program.”
Another key component of the program is the team’s community service. There were two dedicated games this season: one for Morgan’s Message Game, a nonprofit organization that brings awareness to mental health in student athletes, and the second for the Hammonton Cancer Foundation.
“Our primary goal this season was to establish a strong team culture,” Angelozzi explained. “We wanted to create a ‘buzz’ around the program and a sense of belonging that girls are excited to be part of. Between team-bonding activities and our daily work, it has been extremely successful.”
And off the field, the team has helped build camaraderie throughout the hallways. Six seniors will be graduating this June.
Senior Juliana Davidson felt that buzz, encouraging other girls to join the team.
“All the girls have formed such a deep bond and a genuine admiration for one another,” Davidson said. “Whenever someone succeeds, everyone is right there to cheer them on and celebrate. Even after a tough loss, we’re always there to support each other. Whether we’re on the field or the sideline, everyone is constantly cheering for everyone else.”
“[Y]ou can build many friendships with everyone and have the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends,” said sophomore Zoey Kienzle, who added being a part of the team also helps students get more involved in the school and is fun in general.
“Throughout these past two years I have learned so much,” added sophomore Hannah Waddell, “not only the rules of lacrosse, but also how to be a better teammate and a dedicated player who my teammates and coaches can depend on.
“I have made many friends through lacrosse and if I could go back to freshman year with the same opportunity, I would do it all again.”
