Stellar and supportive, senior trio has spurred Reading girls' lacrosse to unparalleled success
Together, they've helped the Rockets reach new heights and find sustained success the past four years. Reading made the Division 2 Round of 16 in 2022, state semifinals in 2023, and quarterfinals in 2024.
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This spring, with the Vermont-bound Quinn, Shanahan (Marist), and Trahan (Assumption) as standout seniors, the 10th-ranked Rockets (11-2) are eyeing the program's first state title.
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'We know we're coming to the end, but we're really focused on the goals we have set,' Trahan said.
After a promising freshman season, the trio took on an even more prominent role as sophomores. Coach
Rachel Monroe
watched her husband,
Ray
, steer the Billerica/Chelmsford girls' hockey program to the state semifinals that winter and began to visualize her team doing the same.
She challenged the Rockets to reach their potential, and they met that challenge with a fearless and unflappable mentality.
'I think that was always sort of in the back of their head,' Monroe said. 'I always knew they certainly had the potential to get there.'
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The 2023 run was a turning point for the program, and the current seniors. They gave eventual Division 1 state champion Lincoln-Sudbury a battle in their first Final Four to finish 22-2, which carried over to last spring in a 21-2 campaign that yielded a deep Division 2 run.
This year's team may be the most potent yet and have the highest ceiling.
Trahan, Shanahan, and Quinn were still the only players in their class on varsity as sophomores and juniors. Now, they have a six-person senior class, plus plenty of underclassmen providing steady contributions.
It all starts with the three standouts. Quinn, a gritty and versatile midfielder, has 184 career goals, 74 assists, and 52 caused turnovers. Shanahan, a midfielder who Monroe said understands the game better than anyone, has 165 goals, 72 assists, and 53 caused turnovers. Trahan, a mentally sharp attack, has 122 goals, 50 assists, and 34 caused turnovers.
They've spent an 'insane amount of time' together, often drawing up plays after practice and brainstorming strategies.
Quinn said they know each other so well that when someone provides constructive criticism, the other two don't take it personally. When one turns the ball over or picks up a yellow card, Monroe said, the other two quickly compensate.
'There are certain plays that we don't even need to communicate,' Quinn said. 'We've been playing together for so long that it feels like second nature. You know what they're going to do next before they even do it.'
Monroe said their connection feels almost like it would between twins or siblings. They have organic chemistry that pays dividends in pivotal moments. There's no jealousy or bitterness; just genuine love and support.
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While it's certainly emotional to see their nine-year run enter its final chapter, they're proud of how far they've come and the legacy they've left. Monroe said the Rockets are trying to cherish every day and not take any of the journey for granted.
Trios like this one don't come around too often.
'They don't want it to end; we don't want it to end,' Monroe said. 'You just try to embrace every moment together. We know that this team can't be recreated.'
Quick sticks
▪ The up-and-comers at Boston Latin Academy are making steady strides thanks to first-year coach
Arianna Woodley
.
'Coaching the team for the first time has been nothing short of inspiring,' Woodley said. 'Each day I see this team grow — not just in skill, but in confidence, leadership, and heart.'
The program, introduced as a club in 2022, is in the middle of its third varsity season. Woodley says her program is more than just wins and losses: 'It's about building a culture of hard work, respect, and resilience.'
The players are growing every day in practice, and their willingness to learn and push themselves is a glimpse into the potential this team has.
'I'm proud of how far we've come, and even more excited for where we're going,' said Woodley, her club sitting at 2-6 on the season.
▪ With a five-goal, two-assist day in a dominant 21-4 victory over Haverhill, Methuen senior captain
Kiera Fitzpatrick
broke the school's career scoring record (215 goals). Her performance, plus an 18-5 win over Lowell on Friday, extended the win streak for the Rangers (10-3, 6-1 MVC) to four.
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▪ Hanover senior captain
Sophie Schiller
scored her 100th career goal in a 17-8 victory over Pembroke. Schiller had 6 points and nine draw controls.
Games to watch
Wednesday, No. 7 Lincoln-Sudbury at No. 6 Concord-Carlisle, 4:30 p.m.
— Two top 20 teams, undefeated in the Dual County League, battle for league positioning.
Wednesday, No. 3 Westwood at No. 2 Cohasset, 4:30 p.m
. — Both contenders in their respective divisions will meet in a nonleague showdown.
Thursday, St. John Paul II at Monomoy, 5:30 p.m.
— League rivals swap turfs in the rematch, with the host Sharks hoping to split the season series.
Friday, No. 4 Notre Dame (Hingham) at No. 1 Walpole, 4 p.m.
— The top-ranked Timberwolves aim to defend their home field against NDA.
Saturday, No. 8 Norwell at No. 15 Newburyport, 10:30 a.m.
— Two Clipper ships passing in the morning? Norwell shoots for its first win over N'port in years in the nonleague clash.
Correspondent Aiden Barker contributed to this story.
Trevor Hass can be reached at
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