Ridgefield: A New Era of Leadership and Championship Aspirations

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ridgefield High School (CT) Men's Lacrosse 2024 Team Preview</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Under the guidance of James Goldmann, Ridgefield lacrosse embarks on a new chapter with great promise and high expectations. Having spent 14 years at Archbishop Stepinac in New York, where he built the program from the ground up, Goldmann now steps into a tradition-rich program in Ridgefield. This transition comes with unique challenges and opportunities, but the team is poised for success with a senior-driven roster, strong leadership, and lofty goals for the upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coached by Professional Lacrosse Hall of Famer Roy Colsey, Ridgefield's 2024 campaign ended with a hard-fought loss to Fairfield Prep in the CIAC State Semifinals. Despite falling just short, the team's overall success and resilience laid a strong foundation for this year, as a large portion of last season's roster returns hungry for more. With a solid core of experienced players, the Tigers are eager to push further and achieve their championship aspirations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A significant shift for Coach Goldmann has been adapting to Connecticut's off-season restrictions, which contrast sharply with New York's more liberal coaching policies. In Connecticut, off-season training relies on captain-led practices, outsourced coaching, and independent winter workouts. This adjustment has emphasized building <strong>team chemistry and continuity</strong>, even when working around these structural limitations. Despite the challenges, Ridgefield has worked tirelessly in the offseason, prioritizing cohesion and a strong team culture over tactical drills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The senior class forms the backbone of the team, providing both talent and leadership: <strong>Dylan Penn</strong> (Hobart - goalie), his brother <strong>Brandon Penn</strong> (Middie/FO), and <strong>Jake Carney</strong> (Sacred Heart - Attack). Although the junior class is small, it includes some versatile and impactful players: <strong>Liam Kristan </strong>(Middie/Attack) and <strong>Ryan Troy</strong>. The sophomore class showcases incredible talent, poised to make a significant impact this season: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='23626' first='Chris' last='Colsey']</strong> (attack), <strong>Andrew Fitzpatrick </strong>(LSM/D), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='123565' first='Connor' last='Chojnacki']</strong> (Defense) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='124255' first='Tommy' last='Lunn']</strong>(midfield).&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Goldmann brings a new perspective to Ridgefield, having spent over a decade building a private school program from scratch. He's joined by <strong>Greg Lewis</strong>, a former Darien High School assistant coach and longtime friend. Together, they aim to create a streamlined and cohesive system that integrates Ridgefield's high school and youth programs, fostering a culture of continuity and unmatched chemistry. With Ridgefield's strong youth foundation, he is confident in building a sustainable program that thrives on local talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["23626"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6785d97b9ee9e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Colsey is a standout sophomore and a pivotal player for Ridgefield, with his development this season playing a key role in the team's success. Carrying a big name thanks to his older brothers, Ryan and Kyle, who play lacrosse at Virginia, Chris is carving out his legacy with his talent and potential. As he continues to grow, he is expected to significantly impact the offensive end. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["124308"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6785d97b9efaa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fitzpatrick is a hard-nosed and physical LSM/defender who adds grit and toughness to Ridgefield's backline. As a returning starter, his experience and aggressive playing style make him a key asset in shutting down opponents and anchoring the defense.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["123565"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6785d97b9f028"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Chojnacki is a long, athletic defender whose dual-sport success as Ridgefield's starting quarterback highlights his versatility and competitive edge. His size, athleticism, and field awareness make him a formidable presence on defense, capable of matching up with top offensive threats.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["124255"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6785d97b9f10e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='124255' first='Tommy' last='Lunn'] is a skilled lefty midfielder known for his lethal outside shot, bringing depth and versatility to Ridgefield's offense. His ability to stretch defenses with his range makes him a valuable scoring threat and a key contributor in the midfield unit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["124311"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6785d97b9f1f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kristan is a dynamic, positionless athlete who thrives across both midfield and attack roles. His exceptional speed, athleticism, and versatility allow him to contribute effectively in any situation. Whether dodging from X or attacking from up top, Liam's adaptability makes him an invaluable playmaker on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["124314"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6785d97b9f2da"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Troy is a dependable junior midfielder known for his exceptional footwork and shifty style of play. A skilled distributor and feeder, he brings creativity and precision to the offense. His ability to navigate tight spaces and make smart plays adds valuable depth to the midfield unit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->