By Lawson Vaughan

When my teammates and I first learned that there was going to be a new coach for varsity lacrosse, we all had one person in mind who would be the perfect fit: Coach Carter. Growing up playing lacrosse at Collegiate, she has been an integral part of learning the game for me and my peers. Carter Reifsnider Toohers (‘12) is a Collegiate alumna and former assistant coach for Douglas Freeman High School girls varsity lacrosse, and she is joining the Collegiate girls lacrosse program as the head coach of the varsity team. Toohers played varsity lacrosse for three years at Collegiate and went on to play for James Madison University (JMU). 

Reifsnider playing lacrosse for James Madison University. Photo courtesy of James Madison University Sports.

In Toohers’ career at JMU, she was outstanding in her achievements. In her last two years there, she played and started in all 20 games. Through her four years, Toohers had 47 career ground balls, 24 caused turnovers, 32 turnovers, and 12 draw controls. She was also the team captain her senior year.   

When asked about why she wanted to come back to Collegiate, Toohers said, “Collegiate was such a special place for me, so hopefully I can help Collegiate, or even just help the athletic aspect be special for other people.” Toohers is truly excited to come back and work with Collegiate athletics because of the impact it had on her. She remembers how close her teams were at Collegiate, with team breakfasts before every game and doing team bonding activities off the field. Toohers played three sports at Collegiate: lacrosse, field hockey, and swimming. She was a co-captain for lacrosse and field hockey as a senior and won the team award in lacrosse and swimming. She also won the Leadership Award in field hockey as a Senior.  By her Senior peers she was voted “Most Athletic” for her Senior Superlative.

Returning to Collegiate, Toohers initially felt a bit nervous but was quickly comforted by all the people she recognized. Toohers explained, “I think I was surprised by how much has changed but, also how much hasn’t changed. I walked into our coaches meeting, and there were a million familiar faces.” Toohers remembered athletic trainer Shannon Winston and Upper School health and wellness teacher Annie Richards, who was her varsity lacrosse coach during her time at Collegiate. 

Getting ready for the upcoming season, Toohers said, “I’m excited about everything. It’s my first time being a head coach; I’m excited for…the challenge of it. I’m super excited to get to know the girls.” She is beaming with excitement and accepts the challenge that comes with being a head coach. At Freeman, she helped head coach Christina D’Angelo and the girls varsity lacrosse team win state championships three years in a row. 

The 2011 girls varsity field hockey team. Toohers is number 28. Photo courtesy of The Torch.

When asked what she wants to bring to the program. She explained that she wanted to bring back Program Day. Program Day at Collegiate is where teams are made throughout the program, with mixed levels of Cub to varsity players, and the teams play each other.

Upon hearing that she wanted to bring Program Day to lacrosse, I was excited. Program Day for field hockey has been one of my favorite traditions and days of the season, and to bring it to lacrosse makes me feel this upcoming season will be special. When Toohers played lacrosse at Collegiate, she loved Program Day, “because it brings the youngest girls all the way through varsity together, and you guys get to know each other, and I think it helps, year over year, people seeing you varsity girls are like the gold standard for them.” 

Toohers’ genuine enthusiasm for the upcoming spring makes me eager to see how the season plays out. Her character and work ethic will help the team to succeed, and I feel she will bring talent out of our players.

Featured image courtesy of James Madison University Sports.