Starting Over New – Coach Van den Berg
January 20, 2010 by Michelle Avila
An academic All-American in high school and four-year lacrosse player at Columbia University, the Titans new girls’ lacrosse coach hopes to instill the same drive for excellence on the field and in the classroom. Caroline Van den Berg was recently hired as the head varsity girls’ lacrosse coach at TC.
A defender and midfielder at Saint Stephen’s and Saint Agnes School and later at Columbia University Van den Berg is looking forward to the upcoming season. “I have been told by many different people what a great and athletic group of girls I am getting to work with, and I’m really excited,” she said. “I am looking forward to developing this young, talented group into a winning team, and having lots of fun while doing it.”
Last year’s lacrosse season ended on a low note for the TC girls. After starting 7-2 but dealing with off-field distractions involving the coaching staff, the TC girls’ lacrosse team won three straight games with an interim coach before losing three in a row, the final two knocking them out of the playoffs. The fallout from a tumultuous season led to the firing of the head coach and an assistant from the team.
“After what occurred last year during the lacrosse season we initially had very few applicants for the head position,” said Athletic Director Robert McKeag. “That being said, we were very impressed with Coach Van den Berg when she interviewed for the position.”
Van den Berg’s strong background and philosophy is what made her so attractive to the TC Athletic Department. “She obviously believes it is possible to combine a high level of athletic ability along with outstanding academic achievement – and that is a philosophy the TC Athletic Department believes can become part of every sports program,” said McKeag.
Sophomore Jordan Cirenza, a player on the varsity team last season, is looking forward to the upcoming season. “From what I’ve seen, everyone is excited to finally have a coach so we can move on. We’re all looking forward to the season. We’re also excited that TC did such a great job finding Coach Van den Berg for us. She has a great resume and good spirits about the season,” said Cirenza.
Coach Van den Berg and her players seem to have the same goals for the approaching season. Players are hoping to improve upon last season’s record and disappointing playoff showing through a new found dedication to hard work on the practice field and team work. Van den Berg said that her goals for the season can be achieved through the things Cirenza listed.
“My goals for this season are to win most of our games and go far in postseason play. We can do that with a lot of hard work, focus, teamwork, and by having a ton of fun playing lacrosse,” Van den Berg said.
Through everything that occurred last season and during the offseason, everyone seems to think Van den Berg is a good fit for the TC girls’ lacrosse program. “I do think Coach Van den Berg is a good fit for TC because she seems to have a lot of good playing experience. She’s also excited for the season, which is a good sign that she’ll feel right at home quickly,” Cirenza said.
McKeag agrees. “We are confident that Coach Van den Berg is the right person – at the right time – to lead our girls’ lacrosse program.”
Coach Van den Berg thinks she fits in well at T.C. “I grew up in Alexandria so I am very familiar with the area and the school. T.C. also has a great tradition of winning and excellence that will fit very well with my competitive personality.”
Though Van den Berg has limited coaching experience at the high school level, she has been a volunteer coach at camps and clubs. She has been a volunteer coach with the Alexandria Youth Lacrosse Club and has coached at several elite college recruiting camps at the University of Virginia, Davidson, Columbia, and Triple Threat.
With the season approaching many wonder if the girls’ lacrosse program will enjoy the same success they did last year. “Obviously, there are no guarantees, and time will help answer that question,” said McKeag. One thing is for sure, the girls’ lacrosse players are excited to have Coach Van den Berg on their side and are ready to take on all challengers in 2010.