Robertson continues to grow her game at West

by Matthew Ondesko: Managing Editor

Photos: Geoff Schneider @gmsphotowny

Reaching milestones is what makes sports exciting. Everyone knows sports is a team game, but on an occasion celebrating the one’s individual success is just as exciting.

On a cold, windy and snowy, night in Western New York, West Seneca West High School’s Sophie Robertson hit a milestone. The lacrosse player recorded her 100th point in WSW’s 11-9 victory over Hamburg.

Robertson on the season has 18 goals and five assists to go along with ten ground balls, seven caused turnovers, one interception and 14 draw controls. She has been good as advertised as West has moved to 4-0 on the young season.

Filling up the stat sheet is nothing knew for Robertson as that has been something she continues to work on throughout the offseason. Of course she can score goals in bunches, but it’s the little things that has been making her unstoppable.

“I personally like to focus on the fundamentals because once you can nail those everything else becomes easier and more fluent during game play,” stated Robertson. “I also want to be able to teach the younger players the fundamentals to become the best players they can be.”

Robertson is becoming the best version of herself. West has been known to produce to some top talent that has gone on to play college lacrosse at the highest level. She is the next in line. Recently, Robertson verbally committed to play at Division I Youngstown State.

Being able to play lacrosse at the next level is not something Robertson thought she would ever do. She grew up playing basketball but was persuaded by her sister to give lax a shot in seventh grade.

From there the rest is history.

“Although I haven’t officially signed. It is verbal until this fall. Committing this past October was a highlight moment for sure. If younger me was looking ahead I would not have believed I would make it this far,” stated Robertson. “But, I would not be where I am today without my Dad, my Mom, and my Sister. My sister Lily is the one who inspired me to play lacrosse. As I grew up playing basketball, I was convinced by her to play lacrosse in 7th grade. And she has been by my side ever since.”

You would think getting the college commitment out of the way would mean less pressure for Robertson. But, that isn’t the case. She feels there is more pressure on her to perform that ever before.

Now, all eyes are on her as she steps on the field knowing she is a DI commit. Already a great leader, Robertson knows she can become an even better leader both on and off the field. She isn’t just satisfied with where she is now.

She wants to continue to work hard to become even better.

“Surprisingly, I feel more pressure. I think it comes down to the fact that I know I have to step up and become an even better leader on and off the field,” stated Robertson. “It is no longer about learning but it is about perfecting my performance.”

That includes growing the game at West Seneca West. The program has seen its fair share of lax players play at the next level. But, they aren’t at the same level, just yet, of the Lancaster’s of the world.

Robertson wants to change all that. She wants to change the perception and help West continue to grow the sport while she is there for the next two seasons.

“It is definitely an accomplishment for me, my school, and the lacrosse program. I can’t wait to help grow the program while at West with the next two seasons I have ahead,” stated Robertson. “I am hoping to do my best and help my teammates strive to do their best as well with my remaining high school career.”

Robertson will freely admit there is still a lot to work on when it comes to her game. She scored 42 goals last season but that doesn’t mean she still can’t improve. One of the things she wants to improve on is shot percentage and being able to find her teammates more.

She already accomplished one milestone with 100 points, but there is still the 100 goal milestone that is in reach this year, especially with her strong start to the season. But, for her to that, she needs work on her shot selections, and let the game come to her.

Robertson knows at times she will be doubled as teams look to shut her down, and force her teammates to take over the game. She knows when that happens she needs to be patient and let the game come to her,

That could mean taking the shots when she has the chance or find an open teammates as they look to score.

“I want to improve my shot percentage. And work on assists to my teammates. I am trying to reach my 100 goals and points milestone this season. So I am trying very hard to accomplish that. My teammates help me out a lot with either setting me up for an iso dodge or feeding me the ball in the 8. I love the joy of scoring. It gives you so much energy and confidence after that 1st goal feeling,” stated Robertson. “Yes, I definitely don’t feel as much pressure to score. But I obviously still want to score as many as I can. I do love giving my teammates the opportunity to as well. If goals are needed I try my best to step up and make a difference.”

When the high school season comes to an end next month it’s on to the club season. To perfect her game, Robertson plays for Empress Lacrosse and takes part in all the tournaments through the country.

Playing for Empress allows her to grow her games, and work on things she might not know she needed to work on. Playing against some of the top players allows Robertson to work on certain parts of her game, and gives her the confidence to know she compete at the highest level.

“I appreciate the opportunity Empress has provided me. I am so grateful for the owner, my coaches, my dad who takes me to tournaments as well as coaches me, and my teammates all of whom have helped me develop into the player I am,” stated Robertson. “I have learned so much from the time I started playing travel lacrosse for Empress. It has changed me as a player. It has given me the confidence I need to perform at my best ability. It has taught me so much about the sport and given me the courage to pursue at the highest level I can.”