See all posts in the Kirk’s Captain Corner series

(Kirk’s Captain Corner is a regular feature that will allow Carver County residents to get to know the student-leaders of the various teams in our high schools. Today, we feature senior Cassandra Clay, co-captain of the Chaska Hawks Girls Lacrosse team.)

How long have you been playing lacrosse?

I have been playing lacrosse for just over 10 years. I started playing lacrosse in second grade for the C3 youth association and quickly developed my skills to play at the club level with two different competitive programs in the state of Minnesota. I started my high school lacrosse journey as swing player in 8th grade and currently it’s my fourth season with varsity. The past five years with Chaska have been absolutely unforgettable! Lacrosse is a sport that is still relatively new in the state of Minnesota. When I am not on the field with my own teams, I spend my summers giving back and coaching for the C3 youth association where my career started! Growing and developing the next generation of amazing female athletes.

What has been your favorite memory playing for the Hawks lacrosse team?

My favorite memory as a Hawk has to be the section game against Orono my sophomore season as the game was a hard-fought battle on both sides of the field. We ended up losing 24-22. This was one of the highest scoring games in Minnesota history for a section match! Our team showed true grit and determination, showing what we had been working on all season. That season our team hit some major milestones and played some really tough competition. This game really proved what Chaska lacrosse can be and how we can compete at a high level – seeing success even with the score not exactly going our way. There is truly so much more to learn from losing than there is from winning. The lessons I learned that day have truly stuck with me and have shaped my view on the game greatly.

Your dad and I actually played football together growing up in Chaska. Back then, lacrosse was NOT an option. Since it’s a relatively “new” sport to this area, how did you get introduced to lacrosse?

I was introduced to lacrosse through a few of my hockey teammates. We all decided to try a new sport as we wanted a new summer activity on top of playing club hockey, some would say a new challenge. I ended up falling in love with the game and developing a passion for the sport in a way I never thought was possible! I had never picked up a lacrosse stick before my very first practice with C3! Now I can’t imagine my life without this amazing sport and everything it has taught me.

For those who don’t know, what are the different positions in lacrosse and what position do you play? How did you land there?

Girls lacrosse has four positions. The field, according to many spectators, looks very wild and chaotic. There are four offensive players, also known as attackers, four defenders, three midfielders and one goalie all on the field at the same time. I personally play a combination of all of these positions, except for goalie. Between high school season and club season I would say that I play a good mix of everything! At Chaska High School, I mostly play defense and midfield while also taking some of the draws. I landed as defender and midfielder for many reasons. According to my teammates, my stick is a ball magnet and I can intercept or knock down passes. I also think that I landed as a midfielder because I can play all around the field and see the field very well, according to many of my coaches. I enjoy being able to play both sides of the ball allowing myself to make big defensive stops but also play a role in scoring.

You also played hockey. How closely do the two sports align?

Hockey and lacrosse are sports that have a significant amount of overlap with their fast pace and hand-eye coordination. I have found that playing both sports has allowed me to find success on the field but also on the ice, because I can take what I learned in hockey to lacrosse and what I learned in lacrosse to the rink! Lacrosse and hockey are both very physically demanding sports in their own ways. These sports have lots of overlap but are still both very different.

Next year, you will play lacrosse for Cornell College in Iowa. How did you decide on Cornell as a school and their lacrosse program?

I chose Cornell College for many reasons. I started my recruiting process by talking to about 40 different coaches, also making sure athletically and academically the school would be the best fit for me. The minute I walked onto the Cornell campus I knew that it could be my home away from home. My future teammates and Coach Meier and Coach Lizzie were also extremely helpful in the decision. When I talked to Coach Meier over the phone, there was an instant connection and I could see her leading me to success at the next level. The lacrosse team truly feels like a family every time I have visited and they have made me feel so welcome and excited to start my next four years with them! Cornell also offers so many things for their students that will be very beneficial for me as I move through my academic path to becoming a doctor. I plan to study biology and on a pre-med track. Academics were extremely important to me in the search for the perfect school! Cornell checked all the boxes with their 18-day block plan and the ability to partake in research. The school offers a unique opportunity for education. Overall, Cornell College was the very best fit for me and my future goals. Go Rams!

What has it meant to you to be a team captain?

Being a captain to me is many things. It’s not just about leading the team on the field but off the field as well. The qualities of a good captain are kindness, respect, encouragement, good sportsmanship, and a person willing to take feedback but also a person who wants to make the team better! As much as words can say, being a captain is more about your actions as actions speak louder than words. I am a strong believer in leading by example. Being a captain is a position that comes with lots of responsibility as everyone is looking for guidance and leadership. Leading the team comes from a place of passion and love for the game but also my wanting to grow the game. As a captain, I want to leave my mark on the Chaska program but also leave the program stronger and ready to succeed in the future. Overall, being a captain has shaped me to be a better leader and has shown me just how important leadership skills will be in my future.