The Air Academy Girls’ Lacrosse team rings in the New Year with a new head lacrosse coach, just in time for the 2015 season. Chelsea Beal was selected as one of four possible candidates from the many people that applied, and underwent an extensive interview from a board that consisted of the assistant lacrosse coach, players, and administration. She was asked to elaborate on her strategies for winning over players, parents, and of course, her plans to lead the Girls’ Lacrosse team to another state championship title.

After graduating from CU-Boulder, Chelsea Beal is ecstatic to return to the high school where she participated in sports, including Basketball and Lacrosse, and where she graduated in 2008. This time around, she returns as a head coach, and will be following in the footsteps of the lacrosse coach she once had and admired while at Air Academy. “I know the coach I am following has left a legacy; to fill this position will be no small feat,” admits Beal, but she continues by saying, “I will bring enthusiasm and determination every time I step on the field, and I will expect the same passion from my players.”

Beal has no shortage of accomplishments on her part. While attending CU-Boulder, she also took part in ROTC training, where she gained traits such as interpersonal tact, resilience, and sacrifice, among many others. Beal has been enlisted in the military since 2011 and along with her ROTC background, she currently holds the officer position of second lieutenant in the US Army and Colorado National Guard. Beal attended basic training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, where she learned how to become a leader as well as a soldier. After her training, she was awarded the Army Medal of Achievement for Outstanding Soldier. Five out of 700 receive this honor, and so it is certainly a considerable achievement.

On top of all her leadership skills she has gained from her background with the army, she also has past experience in coaching sports. She has assisted in coaching Girls’ Basketball here at Air Academy and she was also the Junior Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse coach for Palmer Ridge High School. Obviously, Beal is more than qualified to take the next step and claim her position as the new head lacrosse coach here at Air Academy. When asked what made her want to be a coach in the first place, she replied, “Coaches have been very inspiring in my time as an athlete. My father is a coach, and I had some pretty amazing coaches when I was in high school. I like working with athletes as well as those who want to be leaders.”

After a brief meeting with the lacrosse players on the first day back after winter break, all players, veterans and newbies alike, are excited to begin practices and get down to work. Players are awaiting a fun, but intense, season that will end in a reclaimed state title. Beal promises to continue the legacy of disciplined work ethic, leadership, and teamwork in the Girls’ Lacrosse program. When asked what she expects from her future players, she said, “I expect this team to stay on the path of championship excellence. Neither the players nor I would settle for any less.” Beal not only wants to see success on the field, but also from the individual players. She stressed that she wants not only strong athletes to emerge from this experience, but strong women as well. “I hope to develop athletes of character and integrity; I want them to walk away from the season better people. If we keep this as the definition of success, the wins will follow.”

When asked about what her plans were for the team and what changes she hoped to make to the program, she said, “My plan is to stick with the disciplined work ethic that has taken the team very far over the years. I’m keeping my changes close to the cuff right now, can’t relieve too many secrets.” Very understandable, after all, we don’t want to give away the whole cake before the season even starts. Regardless, everyone is excited to see what the new coach at Air Academy has in store, and what surprises lay ahead for the Girls’ Lacrosse team this approaching season.

Beal finishes by saying, “Taking over a team that has just come off a championship victory is challenging because of the expectations. We all have big shoes to fill. But this is our season and we will define success based on our standards.” Players couldn’t agree more and there is no doubt this coming girls lacrosse season comes with high standards, that both players and coach, are ready to meet and conquer.