Q&A with Philip Simmons girls lacrosse coach Elizabeth Smiley
CHARLESTON, S.C. —
Philip Simmons High School Girls Lacrosse
- Head Coach: Elizabeth Smiley
- JV Head Coach: Erika Recanzone
- Assistant Coaches: Hannah Justice and Maddie Smiley
- Volunteer Coach: Abbie Smith
Please share some history or backstory on the team/club/program.
Elizabeth Smiley: We started the program in 2020 with a JV team. We were undefeated when Covid shut us down on March 7th, 2020. 2021 was the 1st year we fielded a Varsity and JV team. Varsity went 2-10 and lost to Hilton Head in the 1st round of playoffs. In 2022, the team went 7-10 and went to the 2nd round of playoffs – last year the team finished 14-4 and fell to Christ Church Episcopal by 1 in the 2nd round of playoffs. This season we are currently 6-0. Our Varsity is comprised of many of the girls that helped start this program! We have a freshman goalie, Savannah Gasperson, who played JV defense last year and took on the challenge of goalie after our seasoned goalie, Mallory Holleman, graduated last May. Our team consists of 7th through 12th graders from Philip Simmons and DIS.
What are the team’s goals for the current/upcoming season?
Smiley: The girls are focused on coming together as a team and going further in the playoffs. Our school must meet 4A teams in the playoffs and they are looking forward to the challenge.
Who are the team’s captains or leaders? What makes them a vital part of the team’s success?
Smiley: This year we have 4 senior captains – attacker Megan McQuade, middies Emmy Wood and Maddy Preston, and Defender Gianna Phillips. They have all been a positive asset to the program, bringing with them determination, dedication, teamwork, and talent. Each of their personalities captures a different group of girls on the team. We feel like every player has a person to go to. We are a lax family and want everyone to know we have their back!
Does the team have any pre-game rituals or traditions?
Smiley: We have a tradition of Big Sister/Little Sister where each older player is paired up with a younger player, and before certain games, they bring each other a small gift – a favorite snack or drink or a note of encouragement for the upcoming game. This helps strengthen the bond between the girls and is a fun motivation before the game! They also like to eat Dried Pineapple.
How does the team welcome new members?
Smiley: We always welcome new players with open arms! Lacrosse is a newer sport to the Charleston area and has only been at Philip Simmons since 2020 – everyone is welcome to learn this awesome sport. I share my own experience that I picked up the game in college – never seeing it before – and played for 4 years and was Team Captain my senior year! The girls at Philip Simmons have always been so welcoming to those looking to join the team or learn the sport.
How does the team celebrate?
Smiley: The girls love team pictures and posting on Insta. We always start and end with our cheer – ALL IN!
Has the team (or any individuals) broken any records this year?
Smiley: The season is still in its beginning stages, but junior Hannah Patterson just celebrated her 100th career caused turnover and junior Olivia Terry is at 95 caused turnovers and looking to hit 100 this week. Sophomore Jolie Mello is at 78 career goals, and senior Maddy Preston has 116 ground balls, 98 caused turnovers, 122 draw controls, and is the Philip Simmons all-time leader in assists with 54. Last season both seniors were selected to play in the North/South game, and we had a handful of Academic All Americans and All Lower State players.
What has motivated the team to reach their goals this season?
Smiley: The girls are motivated by each other to raise their game to the next level. They are a competitive group, and they work hard to make a difference!
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Smiley: There are five senior girls who started with this program and have played Varsity all 4 years – Megan McQuade, Maddy Preston, Gianna Phillips, Schoene Stechmesser, and Emmy Wood – their comradery and determination have helped this program grow!
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