Legacy in Motion: Pittsford Lacrosse Aims for Glory in 2025

Upstate New York is one of the country's most tradition-rich and hardworking regions, particularly in lacrosse. The game is deeply woven into the region's culture, with historic programs like Syracuse, RIT, UAlbany, Cornell, and Hobart. Cities such as Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany have long been known as lacrosse hotbeds, producing gritty, athletic players driven to succeed. Pittsford, located just outside Rochester, is no exception.   After facing McQuaid Jesuit, the Pittsford lacrosse team's 2024 season came to a challenging conclusion in the Section 5 Semifinals. Despite a valiant effort, the team fell short against the eventual state champions. Although the season ended sooner than hoped, it showcased the team's potential and set the stage for a promising 2025 campaign.   The offseason has been pivotal for Pittsford's development, featuring an opportunistic winter schedule designed to keep players sharp and enhance team chemistry, with optional skills practices held four days a week. Entering the new season, Pittsford boasts a young but exceptionally skilled squad. The key to success will be how quickly the team can gel, as their collective potential is immense. With a balanced mix of experienced seniors, high-ceiling juniors, and a talented sophomore core, the Panthers have the potential to make a deep postseason run if they can build chemistry and execute their game plan.   This Pittsford squad is characterized by its youth and skill, with sophomores playing a crucial role in defining the team's identity. The team's pulse lies within this sophomore class, a group that brings energy, tenacity, and technical prowess to the field.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Standout Players</h3>   Top Seniors:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='124903' first='Keegan' last='Ahern'] (Defense - Hofstra): A smart and consistent defender who provides a steady presence on the back end. Competed with Sweetlax.</li>   <li>[player_tooltip player_id='124906' first='Brady' last='Goetz'] (Attackman - Tampa): A high-IQ, two-handed attackman who leads the offense with smooth play and strong decision-making; the offense can run through him. Competed with Sweetlax.</li>   <li>[player_tooltip player_id='124909' first='Charlie' last='Ryan'] (Attackman - Roanoke): A shifty, quick lefty attackman known for his ability to feed and finish. Competed for Grizzly Lacrosse.</li>   <li>[player_tooltip player_id='124912' first='Dane' last='Lewis'] (Defense - Stevens): A long, athletic defender who anchors the backline with his length and leadership. Competed for Grizzly Lacrosse.</li> </ul>   Pittsford's greatest strength lies in its offensive stick skills and chemistry. Many players have been teammates for years, fostering an intuitive understanding of each other's tendencies. This familiarity, combined with elite offensive talent, gives them an edge in creating and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. The team has a clear mission: to reclaim the Section Championship and make a deep playoff run. Their guiding motto remains, “Be The Best,” and their focus is to “Win the last game of the year.”   Pittsford prides itself on a close-knit, dynamic team culture. Leadership spans seniors to sophomores, creating a balanced, mission-driven environment. Players maintain strong friendships off the field, reinforcing team chemistry and morale.   Head coach Andrew Whipple, a Maryland alum, is well-known for his impact on the Terps' storied tradition, helping establish the legacy of the top player wearing the No. 1 jersey for Maryland. This tradition has since become a hallmark of the program, symbolizing excellence and leadership.   This season also sees notable changes to the coaching staff:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Jake Piseno: The new defensive coordinator named Defenseman of the Year at UAlbany will replace outgoing assistant Peter Dearth and bring valuable expertise to the team's defensive schemes.</li>   <li>Bradley Voight: A former Syracuse standout who will complement Whipple with the offense, aiming to maximize the team's scoring potential.</li>   <li>Matt Gold: A former Clarkson standout player who brings consistency to the staff returning for his 3rd year.</li> </ul>   With a young but immensely talented roster, Pittsford enters the 2025 season with high expectations. If the Panthers can come together, develop chemistry, and stay healthy, they possess all the tools necessary to make a deep playoff push with aspirations for the state title.    Valenti is a dominant two-way midfielder with the size, skill, and athleticism to excel at the highest levels of college lacrosse. Standing at 6'3” and 225 pounds, he combines power and speed with a high lacrosse IQ, making him a force in transition and a threat on both ends of the field. Valenti is a true dual-threat, capable of shooting with both hands and creating offense while also being a strong defensive presence. Despite missing a substantial amount of time due to injury, he remains an ACC, Big Ten, or Ivy League-caliber talent with the potential to make an immediate impact at the next level.     Goetz is a highly skilled and versatile midfielder/attackman who has competed at the varsity level since eighth grade. A high-IQ player with exceptional vision, he plays with his head up, making him a dangerous feeder and an unselfish playmaker. Goetz is a relentless rider, applying constant pressure on clears, and he can finish or deliver pinpoint passes in tight spaces. His combination of intelligence, work ethic, and offensive skills makes him a valuable asset with the ability to impact the game in multiple ways.     Maiorani is a dynamic two-way midfielder who brings athleticism, speed, and power to the field. He thrives in transition, excelling in between-the-lines play and creating opportunities on both ends of the field. His shot has impressive velocity, making him a scoring threat from range and a strong defensive presence. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him another valuable asset and a high-level prospect.     Hezel is a powerful, athletic defenseman who can shut down top attackmen. Standing out as a physical presence, he uses his size and strength to dominate one-on-one matchups and lock down the opposition's best offensive player. Hezel's elite defensive skills, combined with his high lacrosse IQ, make him a true asset on defense. With ACC-level potential, he can make an immediate impact at the next level, using his shutdown ability to stifle the most dangerous attackers.

Upstate New York is one of the country's most tradition-rich and hardworking regions, particularly in lacrosse. The game is deeply woven into the region's culture, with historic programs like Syracuse, RIT, UAlbany, Cornell, and Hobart. Cities such as Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany have long been known as lacrosse hotbeds, producing gritty, athletic players driven to succeed. Pittsford, located just outside Rochester, is no exception.