Junior Maddy Bullard has been playing lacrosse for six years, and her skills on the field make it evident that she is no novice. A member of Clayton varsity lacrosse for three years, Bullard continues to serve as a vital part of the team.

“Lacrosse is one of my favorite activities, not only because it’s such a fun sport, but because of the other girls who play,” Bullard said. “I’ve gotten to know some people who I didn’t know before playing lacrosse.”

Bullard’s experience with lacrosse goes back to middle school club sports.

“I started playing lacrosse in sixth grade, and that kind of gave me an edge because I learned how to handle the ball a little bit,” Bullard said. “A small group of us started playing together in middle school and it just sort of took off.”

Since then, Bullard has enjoyed the challenges of the game.

“It’s really hard at first, but it gets to be fun,” Bullard said. “It’s really fast-paced. That’s what I like most about the game.”

With 21 goals and 19 assists this season, Bullard indubitably plays an important role on the team.

“Maddy is one of my most solid players,” coach Christina Perrino said. “I know I can count on her to move the ball down the field without giving up possession. She can protect the ball as defense double and triple team her, and consistently uses her left hand successfully.”

In addition to scoring goals, however, Bullard considers supporting her teammates to be a top priority.

“She knows when it’s best to pass to a teammate on offense in order to have a better scoring opportunity,” Perrino said.

Senior varsity lacrosse player Shelby Sternberg agrees that Bullard plays a key role in fostering team cooperation.

“She’s really good at motivating the team and she has a really good spirit all the time,” Sternberg said. “She’s one of our strongest offensive players, but she also just makes the team experience more positive.”

Bullard believes that her strengths include a “good game sense” and a focus on team cooperation.

“I’m not as much about getting my stats up,” Bullard said. “I’m more about doing what’s best for the team.”

Perrino notes that Bullard consistently puts the team’s needs ahead of her own, citing examples from Clayton’s May 4 game against Kirkwood.

“Even though she was in total pain from an ankle injury early in the game, Maddy fought through the pain and stepped up to play in overtime,” Perrino said. “Her efforts paid off, and I know it was only with her help that we were able to pull off the win.”

According to Bullard, focusing on team cooperation has paid off for the team.

“I think we’ve played hard in all our games and we should be proud of our work,” Bullard said. “I really hope to come out with a strong record this season.”

She hopes to continue playing at the club level in college. But, for now, she still has another year with the Lady Hounds.

“This season has been one of our best, and I’ve been really happy with how I’ve played this season,” Bullard said. “I hope my effort has added to the team’s success this year.”