Growing up, Richmond Hill senior Myah Ricker didn’t see lacrosse on her sports radar. However, once she started playing lacrosse, Ricker saw it as a passion. 

“I started lacrosse when I was in seventh grade,” said Ricker. “I had grown up playing a little bit of everything and never really took a sport seriously. I heard about lacrosse from one of my friends, tried out, and fell in love with the sport.”

Upon reaching high school, Ricker had a different perspective on the sport.

“I started really taking it seriously my freshman year when I had the opportunity to play with junior varsity as well as varsity,” said Ricker. “Playing on both teams really improved my skill set and helped me grow as a player.”

Nonetheless, Ricker encountered her share of obstacles. Last season, she had to overcome one that reshaped her career and gave her a different perspective of the game.  

A torn Achilles on the first day of practice provided an unexpected route ahead.

“Although it wasn’t a very happy moment, it made me reflect on my lacrosse career,” said Ricker. “It really made me consider not taking anything for granted and to enjoy the moments I have with the teammates I’ve grown to love and call my closest friends. 

“It required me to adapt and focus on sharpening my stick skills, even though I couldn’t participate on the field. I was able to take stats for my team and be an extra eye for my coach. Returning, I was able to be an asset for my team.”

Head coach Megan McCullough has been impressed with Ricker’s comeback and her grit and determination.

“Myah has been resilient and has been one of our top players,” said McCullough. “She is a leader and is comfortable with the role. She and the other seniors can play a huge role in us getting to the postseason.”

Ricker has realized her role, and she has expected her teammates to respond to the team state. Through their first 10 games, the Wildcats had a 3-7 record, but a 2-0 region record. Ricker had 11 goals in 11 games.

“This season has also required many players to step outside of their comfort zones, taking on new positions and responsibilities,” evaluated Ricker.  

“While it hasn’t always been easy, it has revealed the versatility and commitment of our group. This was my first year stepping up as a midfielder and it has been such an adrenaline rush. Getting to be a major part of helping the team has really helped me step up as a leader.”

Initially though, Ricker was filled with some uneasiness. Still, she has seen plenty of positives from McCullough’s and assistant coach Liv Carter’s leadership and motivation. 

“Coming into my senior year, I wasn’t sure what to expect, especially given the difficulty of our schedule,” said Ricker. “Coach McCullough intentionally set up a series of tough games early in the season, and while those games tested us, they have been incredibly valuable in building our experience and confidence as a team.”

"Assistant coach Carter has played a huge role in that growth [as well]. Her deep understanding of the game, along with the high standards she brings, has elevated our performance and pushed us to compete at a higher level.”

McCullough has maintained a favorable outlook for the rest of the season.

The team looks bad on paper right now,” explained McCullough. “Almost all of our losses have been to top-10 teams in the state. The schedule was made following a great season last year to keep a competitive edge. The girls have been focused in the face of adversity, and they continue to keep grinding at practice and aren’t letting anything distract them from the end-goal.

“We are 2-0 in region play and looking to secure the Region Championship. Lacrosse moved to Power Rankings this season out of the blue, so that has thrown everyone for a loop. Fortunately for us, our strength of schedule will keep us competitive for the playoffs.”

Like her coach, Ricker plans to keep the faith toward the postseason.

“We have had a challenging, but ultimately rewarding season so far. stands out most is our determination to improve.” said Ricker. “Each game, whether a win or a loss, has been an opportunity to learn and prepare for what’s ahead. Competing against teams we’ve never faced before has only added to our growth and has given us a clearer picture of what we’re capable of achieving.

“As the season continues, I’m excited to see how far we can go. Our team has built a strong foundation, and I truly believe our hard work will translate into success.”