On April 1st, junior Hailey Deptula started her first lacrosse game of the 2024 season against Hall with a record of 93 goals. By half time, the Siena Commit had already scored 4 goals, scoring the last 3 to reach her big 100 by the game’s end.
“Hitting 100 goals is a big milestone, and the journey it took to reach this milestone took a lot of hard work,” said Deptula, who discussed her achievement with The Prowl.
In addition to being a midfielder for SWHS, Deptula is a team captain, referee and coach to the town’s recreational lacrosse team, being an active member of the lacrosse community around South Windsor. She also plays for her club team, the Nor’easter, and is committed to play division 1 collegiate despite only being a junior.
Deptula’s strength, speed, and resilience is what makes her an unstoppable force on the field, and has ultimately led to her success as a lacrosse player, as well as a captain.
“I like to say ‘it’s all about the mindset,’ and I wholeheartedly believe in that.”
During her game on April 1st, and with only minutes left on the clock in the 4th quarter, Deptula dodged multiple Hall High School defenders to set herself up for a shot. The ball cut through the air on its journey, landing right into the back of the net, bringing Deptula to the 100th goal of her career.
That last point helped South Windsor end the game up 11 to 7, beating Hall and winning their first game of the season. Deptula ended the game with a total of 7 goals and multiple assists to her teammates, helping to put the Bobcats in the position to gain a winning record to start the season.
Despite her numerous successes, Deptula’s goal to consistently improve is one her most integral attributes.
“My goal is to get more assists this season! My teammates have a lot of skill, especially when cutting to the goal. Therefore I think it is super important that I get them that ball,” explained Deptula.
Supporting her at the game, members of the recreational lacrosse team came to watch their coach and mentor surpass this milestone, cheering her on through the early April weather.
Deptula serves as a role model for those middle school girls, as she inspires them to continue pursuing their lacrosse dreams.
“Although I am intrinsically motivated and love the sport of lacrosse and dedicating my time to getting better, the young girls that I coach definitely motivate me! I want to be the best example I can for them and to be someone they can look up to,” expanded Deptula, lighting up when talking about the girls she works with.
Hailey Deptula elevates the performance of the South Windsor girls lacrosse program, and the team is excited to build on the momentum they have so far as they start a new season.
