Darien graduates finding success in women's lacrosse

When Sam Stevenson arrived at the University of Richmond this year, she was admittedly uncertain about what the learning curve would be from making the transition to being a star on the Darien High School girls lacrosse team to the college game.

Now, eight games into her career, Stevenson has started in seven of the Spiders' first eight games at attack and is fifth in the team in scoring with six goals, including one in Tuesday's 14-12 win over Longwood.

"It's been a much different experience," Stevenson said. "I'm really happy with how I've been playing and how it has been working out. I'm trying to improve my game and make more of an impact. I really like it."

Stevenson's story is not unusual for graduates of the Blue Wave's venerable program. Anne Ryan, a junior midfielder at Richmond, had a goal and an assist Tuesday and has started all but three games at the school.

Dartmouth has three former Darien players, including Kat Collins, a junior attack who has been named to the Tewaaraton Award Watch List. The prize is presented to the top female and male collegiate lacrosse players in the country. Collins has eight goals and two assists in the team's first three games.

According to Lisa Lindley, the Blue Wave's coach, 20 of her former players have moved on to the college game, including eight of last year's 10 seniors.

"I think this puts into perspective our program at Darien," said Lindley, who has won 10 FCIAC and 10 state titles during her 15 seasons at the school. "We compete at a high level and it gives the girls the opportunity to go to the next level if they want to."

Blue Wave players not only get the chance to play at college, but many flourish. Collins had six goals in one game against Vermont. Courtney Bennett, a freshman for the Big Green, has been getting plenty of playing time.

Ryan and Stevenson are the two Darien alums at the highest level. Richmond has already played four nationally ranked teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference: Maryland, Duke, North Carolina and Virginia.

"Darien lacrosse is just such a great program to be a part of," Ryan said. "I think Lisa Lindley is an amazing coach. She should be coaching at the college level. She's an inspirational coach and she has a passion. It was such a positive experience for me. I still look back with positive memories."

While most people think volleyball when the subject of female sports at Darien comes up, the lacrosse team is almost on a par in terms of long-term consistency. Lindley said she inherits superior athletes and gears her practices accordingly.

"I design them to be fast moving and at a high level," she said. "And there's no down time. I'm a huge advocate in fundamentals. Most of my players who don't start could start for any other program in the state."

Because of that, intrasquad scrimmages are often more contested than some regular-season games.

"There was always less of a drop off between the starters to the subs at Darien," Ryan said. "It definitely gets you prepared for college."

Stevenson provides a perfect case study. A three-year starter and two-time All-FCIAC and All-State selection, Stevenson has been able to come in and make an immediate impression on a Richmond team that hopes to compete for the Atlantic 10 title.

"Playing at Darien definitely helped me," Stevenson said. "I still have a lot of things to work on, like being more confident in my play. Sometimes I doubt my ability when I shouldn't. I have to be more selfish. Not in a bad way, but to help the team by driving to goal more."

Lindley said she is not surprised by Stevenson's strong start.

"I go on websites and check up on her and everyone," Lindley said. "Sam has all the ability in the world, and she is going to keep getting better and better as she gains more confidence."

Lindley said Ryan's play to date parallels that of the best players she has worked with.

"Anne was a rock star her senior year," Lindley said. "I knew from day one she's be an incredible player, and finally her senior year she totally dominated the whole state. What she's accomplished is no surprise. She has it all: speed, acceleration, hands and game sense."

Richmond, which has a new coach, Stephy Samaras, is 3-5 with one more non-league game, on Saturday again Towson, before beginning its conference schedule.

"I think we're building something here and have a great freshmen class that is really going to help," said Ryan, who had high praise for her former and now current teammate.

"I've been so impressed with Sam," she said. "She came in from the first day and was fearless. She's starting for us and making a great impact."

Lindley has helped foster a love for the sport, and Stevenson said, like many of the team's graduates, she hopes to build on the foundation.

"I love the college game because of how aggressive and fast-paced it is, and the level of competition," Stevenson said. "This is a whole different level. It makes you really have to work for what you want to be successful."