When you look at the talent on the Olympus girls lacrosse team’s roster, it shouldn’t be surprising the Titans are once again among the top squads in Class 5A. 

Olympus brought back several key pieces from last season’s state championship team that went 18-1 overall. The Titans lost the season opener to Park City, the same team that Olympus defeated to win the state crown a year ago. The Titans also fell to a pair of California powerhouses on back-to-back days March 14, 15. Otherwise, Olympus has been its dominant self, winning eight games—all of which saw the team score at least 17 goals. The Titans also had five games of at least 20 goals during this stretch. 

“The mindset of the team is a mix of excitement and determination,” head coach Zana Spratling said. “While we’ve lost a lot of key players from last year, there’s a lot of hunger to step up and fill those roles. The returning players are eager to prove themselves and show that we can still compete at the highest level. There’s a strong sense of pride in our program, and everyone is committed to putting in the work to get back to the top.”

Indeed, the Titans lost some terrific players from last year’s state champion squad. Spratling said goodbye to 10 departing seniors, including four Academic All-State performers (Emma Davis, Lily Nelson, Lily Arrowood and Lily Nydegger). Hazel Baker and Hannah Nelson were USA All-Americans, while Nelson was the 2024 Ms. Utah Lacrosse player. Baker was player of the year last year, and she joined Sydney Rossi, Davis and Nelson on the All-State team. 

But the cupboard is hardly bare this season. 

Senior midfielder Sarah Anné is a two-time All-State performer. She was the playoff MVP a year ago and made the USA All-American squad in 2024. Attacker Masami Goodick and midfielder Lizzie Anné were also All-State players last season. 

Through 11 games this season, multiple Titan players had already racked up some impressive stats. Both Lizzie Anné and Sarah Anné amassed 82 points during this span, with Lizzie accumulating 55 goals and 27 assists, and Sarah scoring 42 goals and dishing out a team-best 40 assists. Goodick had 33 goals through 11 games. 

Sarah and Lizzie will both play at Penn State University next season. 

“It’s no secret Olympus’ senior Penn State commit twins, Sarah and Lizzie Anné, still have draw controls and transitions dialed,” Spratling said. “Over half our goals are from assists, and we look to continue that trend. One of our biggest strengths is our defensive unit. We have returning players who have a lot of experience, and they’re ready to anchor the team. Our speed and athleticism are also strengths; we have some fast players who can get out on the fast break and create opportunities in transition. I also see a lot of potential in our team’s work ethic and competitiveness—these players are hungry to prove themselves, and they’re willing to put in the work to make that happen.”

Repeating as champions won’t be easy this season—not just because the Titans lost big-time players but because there are some formidable foes in the way. Still, at a program like Olympus, greatness is the expectation. 

“Our primary goal is to build a team that can contend for a state title again,” Spratling said. “While we know that we’re in a rebuilding phase, we’re not lowering our expectations. We want to be competitive, improve every day and ultimately give ourselves the chance to make a run at a third state title in four years. Along the way, it’s important that we continue to develop our younger players, strengthen our team chemistry and focus on individual growth.”

Spratling wants to see good communication and have players who trust and support one another. The Titans also work hard each practice on improving their skills. She’s grateful to have young talent to complement the experienced leaders on the team. 

“For this season to be successful, we need to focus on building our team chemistry and developing a cohesive playing style that plays to our strengths,” she said. “Every player must be willing to put the team first, work hard in practice and be open to new strategies and tactics. Consistency in our fundamentals—passing, catching, ground balls and communication—will be crucial. We’ve pulled up a large class of younger players who need to rise to the occasion and the veterans need to lead them effectively.”

Other players that Spratling has admired this season include junior defender/midfielder Anna Lowry, who is also a captain, along with sophomore goalie Halle Peterson. Several other players are filling their roles and helping to make this Olympus team once again one of the best in the state. 

Spratling is looking for more consistency on offense from a group that features some new starters. She also noted how important it is for the players to be in good shape, especially as the season wears on. 

Win or lose, regardless of how much success the Titans have on the scoreboard and in the standings, Spratling loves coaching this group. 

“Coaching is a huge sacrifice of time, and it’s not a money maker by any means,” she said. “But the girls’ energy, drive and love for the game keeps me coming back. What I enjoy most about coaching this group is their resilience and work ethic. They’re a team that’s willing to put in the effort, even when the going gets tough. There’s a sense of camaraderie among them, and they genuinely support each other, which makes it a joy to work with them. Their willingness to learn and grow, even when faced with challenges, is inspiring and something that excites me every day as their coach.” λ