Senior Hayden Stoltzfoos ended his high school lacrosse career on May 5 when they lost in the State Final 4. They played against St. Thomas Aquinas and lost 12-10. Boys’ lacrosse ranked 74 in the nation and their season wins were 18-3.

“The season was like no Plant season ever before,” Stoltzfoos said. “The bond between us was strong as ever and so was the competition. We had fun making each other better and playing great lacrosse along the way.”

Stoltzfoos has been on the varsity lacrosse team since freshman year playing as a midfielder. Outside of Plant he also plays for the Tampa Tarpons/STS and travel team 3DFlorida.

“I started playing lacrosse because of my brother,” Stoltzfoos said. “He had started to play and loved the camaraderie with his teammates, so I tried it out,” Stoltzfoos added. “Turned out I loved it and had some great friends that played and then I just found the creativity and uniqueness of the game encapsulating.”

In his senior year, Stoltzfoos earned the position of team captain alongside his teammates Conor Goss, Turner Ashby, and Ryker Demarest. Not only has this season been special because he is a captain but also, he committed to Vassar College. Vassar is a liberal arts college in New York known for their men’s lacrosse.

“Being team captain for me wasn’t about the title but was a chance and obligation to help lead a team full of talented and all around excellent young men. I was so excited to be given that position and to put my all into the team I love so much. I’m so glad I decided to continue my lacrosse career at Vassar because this game has given me so much. I couldn’t imagine being done with the sport I’ve spent so much time with. It truly is my therapy and meditation and I love every minute with a stick in my hand, so being able to continue that was great,” Stoltzfoos said.

Stoltzfoos and his senior teammates have worked hard to mold and inspire their younger teammates and give them advice for their next season. Although Stoltzfoos will be all the way in New York, he will be keeping a close eye on Plant lacrosse.

“For my juniors and sophomores, I tried to instill confidence in each one of them,” Stoltzfoos added. “Positive reinforcement and believing in oneself and those next to them was crucial to being as successful as we were. I wish all of them the best and I’m looking forward to watching their infinite successes in the future.”