The Wooster boys lacrosse team remained one of the state’s best programs while the girls returned to that level this spring.
The Generals boys finished 14-5 as a Division II regional runner-up, and the girls were 11-8 and a Div. II regional semifinalist.
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Beyond the records and tournament runs, many players on both teams had outstanding individual seasons, and several will continue their careers at the collegiate level.
Holly Pope was honored as the OHSAA Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity Award winner for girls lacrosse while Reid Delaney was named regional co-Coach of the Year.
Boys
Delaney’s boys team had major graduation losses from its 2025 state runner-up squad. After a slow 1-3 start against a rugged schedule, the Generals went 10-1 from that point to run through the rest of the regular season.
“This is the kindest, most selfless and most genuine group of young men I have ever had the privilege of coaching,” Delaney said. “They cared deeply about one another, about the program and about leaving things better than they found them. They were great competitors but even better teammates and leaders. The reality is that every season comes with challenges and difficult moments, but this group made showing up every day enjoyable for players and coaches alike. They made the hard work worth it.”
Gilmour Academy defeated Wooster 8-7 in a regional final, bringing an end to the careers of a great senior class. The Generals opened the tourney with wins over Cardinal Mooney, Kent Roosevelt and Akron Hoban.
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“We earned the No. 1 seed in the region and were able to play for a regional championship at Follis Field,” Delaney said. “Unfortunately, we came up short. After a few days reflecting on the final game and season, it did not end the way we would have liked, but it was a successful season for me and the players.”
Leading the way were seniors Logan Beery (national All-American, regional Player of the Year, regional Face-Off Specialist of the Year) and Drew Thomas (regional Midfielder of the Year, 51 goals, 18 assists); first-team all-region players Liam Ozar (goalie, 61% save percentage), Max Haas (defense), Grady Hahn (MF, 28 G, 28 A) and Kellen Smith (long stickman); and honorable mention honorees Brooks Laughlin (MF, 37 G, 13 A) and Gavin Giauque (attack).
“Logan wraps up his career as one of, if not the most, decorated player in the history of our program,” Delaney said. “He finishes his career as a two-time All-American, three-time All-Ohioan, Ohio Div. II Face-Off Specialist of the Year, four-time all-region honoree and Ohio’s record holder in career face-off wins.”
Also receiving all-region honors were first-team junior Vincent Vande Velde (D) and second-team junior Axton Hammerly (D).
“I have been fortunate enough to coach many of them since they were seventh-graders and then again throughout their entire high school careers,” Delaney said. “Over that time I’ve watched them grow from boys into remarkable young men. Their accomplishments on the field speak for themselves: three consecutive regional finals, one regional championship and one state runner-up.
"They have helped elevate this program and set a new standard for what Wooster lacrosse can be.”
Committing to play in college are Laughlin and Hahn (Liberty), Thomas and Smith (Ohio Northern), Ozar (Ithaca), and Giauque (Mount Vernon Nazarene).
Girls
After a five-year drought, the Wooster girls lacrosse team returned to regionals, led by record-setting junior Jay-Cee Hackett and a strong all-around team.
The Generals defeated Highland and Brecksville-Broadview Heights in the playoffs before falling to Bay Village 16-8.
“We were in the regionals in 2017, 2019 and 2021, so we were happy to kind of snap that streak of not getting there,” 16th-year coach Pope said. “That was definitely a big deal for us. I have four seniors committed to play in college, and they really wanted it. What was special about this team is we had quite the mix of veterans that have been playing forever, but then I have some young, hungry kids too who work really hard.”
Wooster junior Jay-Cee Hackett set Wooster records for single-season goals (89) and career goals (232) while coming up with 104 draw controls (277 career).Reggie Hackett/700 Photography
Postseason girls awards have not been released as of June 1, but Hackett should certainly be up for some top honors. The Kent State commit set Wooster records for single-season goals (89) and career goals (232) while coming up with 104 draw controls (277 career).
Senior leaders who have committed to play in college are Alice Kirchhofer (Capital), Carolyn Green (Catawba), Amelia Correll (Findlay) and Addie Musser (Mount Vernon Nazarene).
Pope said the team’s IQ level was outstanding, allowing the Generals to make creative game plan adjustments throughout the season.
“Jay-Cee Hackett broke the Wooster season and career goals records,” Pope said. “She was 10 for 10 on shots on goal to set a Wooster record in a win over a tough opponent in Walsh Jesuit, but it also took a great defensive effort from our team to win that game. Jay-Cee is a huge, huge factor for us. She’s also really good in the draw circle.
“Carolyn set our school’s assist record. Maddie McNeil was a first-year goalie as a junior and had an incredible season. Amelia Correll is really tough on the circle and a great scorer. Sophomore Anaca Holcombe may not have a ton of stats, but she's like 5-foot-3, 100 pounds, and the most tenacious little player and great on defense.”
