As the Branson boys lacrosse team begins its new season this spring, they face an early challenge: a small roster and inconsistent turnout at practices.
Lacrosse requires 10 players on the field at a time: one goalie, three attackmen, three midfielders and three defensemen. For lacrosse practices, teams ideally need at least 15-20 players to run full offensive and defensive sets. According to captain Charlie Crump ’26, Branson has had only around 11 or 12 consistent players due to injuries, conflicting winter sports and a lack of commitment from new players.
Crump believes low turnout has made it difficult to prepare for games.
“With practices, we’ve never been able to play a full six-on-six game to really understand our offense or our defense,” Crump said. “It’s been a lot harder trying to bring in new guys and help them conceptualize how we’re actually going to play in a real game.”
Luke O’Connell ‘26 said the team has had to adjust practices because of the small roster.
“Even though we haven’t always had enough guys to run everything normally, everyone who comes out has been working hard and trying to improve,” O’Connell said.
Nevertheless, Crump and O’Connell hope more students will consider joining.
“It’s a really fun game,” Crump said. “You don’t have to be good. A lot of people are scared of not being good or not being able to throw and catch, but no one is when they first start.”
Crump added that equipment should not be a major concern for interested players.
“Branson’s got almost all of it covered,” Crump said.
The team is also entering a new chapter with Coach Sam Holton, whom Crump described as a strong addition to the program
“We have a new coach this year. He’s a great guy, really funny, and he really knows what he’s doing,” Crump said.
Despite the small roster, Crump said the team had developed a close bond and is working to create new traditions, including pregame themes, Friday stretch circles, and player-of-the-day recognitions. The program’s biggest goal is growth.
Echoing Crump’s point, O’Connell said the smaller roster has brought the team closer together early in the season.
“Having a smaller team has made us closer, and I think it’s helped create a more supportive environment for everyone,” O’Connell said.
“We’ll take anybody,” Crump said. “There’s no specific position. We just want bodies. We’ll fill a spot for you.”
After playing lacrosse since the second grade, Crump hopes others will give the sport a try.
“It’s been one of my favorite experiences my whole life,” Crump said. “If you have the smallest inkling, you should come out and try.”
