Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent

Growing up playing lacrosse in Colorado, Alexis Minton initially thought she wanted to be a goalie.

However, it proved to be a short-term proposition.

“I lived in Colorado until I was eight,” said Minton. “My best friend played (lacrosse), and I wanted to play with her. I thought it was fun and exciting, I remember really wanting to be the goalie. I played it for a game and never played it again.”

When she arrived in Richmond Hill, Minton quickly found a home, and she didn’t take long to adjust to her current attacking position with the Wildcats.

Head coach Maureen McDonough has watched Minton’s steady progression through the years, acclimating herself to the high school program.

“Alexis has been a part of the lacrosse program for as long as I can remember,” explained McDonough. “She started coming up to high school practices when she was an eighth-grader to get some reps in as we knew she would be a valuable asset to the high school team.”

In middle school, Minton believed she could become a consistent contributor.

“During middle school, I became more comfortable playing,” said Minton. “It was at the end of seventh grade and into my first club season that I felt things were changing for me.”

But Minton knew she had to further develop her game.

“One of the biggest challenges I faced in middle school lacrosse was developing my stick skills, especially using my non-dominant hand,” said Minton. “I had to work hard in my off time to become strong on both sides. Over time, it became more natural, and I turned it into a strength.”

Two years ago, however, Minton experienced a possible career-changing injury. Beginning her varsity career, it was the biggest hurdle she faced in her career.

The biggest thing I had to overcome was tearing my achilles my sophomore year,” said Minton. “It tested me both physically and mentally but it shaped who I am today as a player and person.”

McDonough was impressed with Minton’s resolve through her predicament.

“She started getting varsity time as a sophomore, but went down early with a wicked Achilles injury in the beginning of the season which set her back some playing time and on-field reps,” noted McDonough. “She is extremely resilient and bounced back with little-to-no delay in her game speed.

“She is one of the fastest players on the team and leads by example. She has been a candidate for captaincy both her junior and senior year and has been a varsity starter for us for two years.”

McDonough has appreciated Minton’s passion for the game.

“She is extremely flexible and willing to support her team in any capacity,” said McDonough. “If I ask her to play defense, midfield, or attack, she does so without hesitation and knows all sides of the game.

“She referees in her spare time for the middle school league and has been a true constant for our program during her time here. She committed to play at a university last year, and I have no doubt that she will continue to perform and demonstrate excellence during her college career.”

Minton also discovered a different aspect of the game that proved to be beneficial.

“I started to become more comfortable with lacrosse because my mindset shifted to learning the game more deeply,” said Minton. “It was a matter of building my lacrosse IQ, and committing to it for the long run.

“I see myself as someone who brings a positive, welcoming energy while using my lacrosse IQ to help others learn and grow.”

Minton plans to continue her career next season at Piedmont University, and will pursue a career in graphic design. She credits her mother, Erica, for her constant support, and McDonough and coach Ann Bomleny for her development as a player. Coaching is a possibility in her future, Minton said.

In the meantime, Minton expects the girls' lacrosse program at Richmond Hill to continue to grow. The Wildcats began the week with an overall 4-11 record, but they were in first place in the Class 2A Area 4 region with a 3-0 record.

“Yes, the program has definitely grown, especially with younger girls,” said Minton. “At our high school clinics over the past four years we’ve seen more and more girls come out and try it. There is a bright future ahead.”