By James Tatter
Staff Writer
Lexi Ciaccia has developed from her experience with lacrosse at Reynolds High School as much as lacrosse at Reynolds has developed from its experience with Lexi Ciaccia.
Ciaccia, a senior, was part of the inaugural women’s lacrosse team and has been essential to the development of the program over its first four years.
Ciaccia got her start in the seventh grade with the Triad Youth Lacrosse Association, but lacrosse has been a part of her family since long before then. Her parents both played lacrosse in high school, which was one of the reasons Ciaccia was inspired to play. She wears No. 21, the same number her dad wore in high school. Her two sophomore brothers, Nick and Andrew, are both members of the men’s varsity lacrosse team at Reynolds, and her older brother Anthony coaches youth lacrosse in Winston-Salem.
Ciaccia’s lacrosse experience has allowed her to be a fundamental part of the team since her freshman year, when the team was first getting off the ground. She fondly recalls her first practice, which was also the first practice for the program. She was nervous that she would be the worst player on the team, but by the end of that first session it was evident that she had the skills to play a starring role for the team.
“Ciaccia scores beautifully,” said junior team member Alexandra Bostic.
“Lexi has excellent stick skills,” said coach Brynn Lewallen, “so I can always count on her to catch and throw well on the field. Skill-wise, she has always been one of the strongest players on the team.”
Besides her on-field skill, Ciaccia is also regarded as a team leader and a role model for her teammates.
“She is strong at organizing everyone and making sure plays are executed well,” Bostic said. “She is a leader and a great team player.”
Ciaccia also has the kind of personality that keeps the mood light – most of the time.
“She has a great sense of humor, and she keeps her teammates and coaches laughing.” Lewallen said.
Despite that good reputation, Ciaccia admitted to losing her head in the heat of a game on occasion.
“If anyone knows me, they know I can’t stand losing,” Ciaccia said. “There have been countless times that Coach has pulled me off the field and told me to relax and take a deep breath and that it’s just a game.”
Ciaccia will carry her skill and intensity on to East Carolina University, where she plans on playing club lacrosse. Teammate and fellow senior Kate Elliott plans on playing club lacrosse at UNC Chapel Hill next year, which could create an interesting dynamic.
“We’re excited for the day that we get to play each other,” Ciaccia said.
Other teammates will miss having the opportunity to play with such a high-caliber athlete.
“It’s been an honor to be on a team and play with her over the last three years,” Bostic said.
When Ciaccia graduates, she will be leaving Reynolds with many valuable experiences and lessons. She has left a mark on Reynolds lacrosse and Reynolds lacrosse left a mark on her:
“Lacrosse at Reynolds has left me with a good attitude and a good sense of what lacrosse really is,” Ciaccia said. “Fun.”