Oh Captain my Captain

by Matthew Ondesko: Managing Editor

Photos: Geoff Schneider

It’s a privilege that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Being named a captain at any level is a big deal. It means the coaches, and players, believe in you to help lead the team on and off the field. When you get to high school, being named a leader of a team brings on the extra pressure. You are being picked to lead your peers, or at times, leading those older than you on the team.

Sacred Heart Academy lacrosse player Izzy Vranjes takes being a leader very seriously. She just isn’t someone who is happy to wear the “C” on the jersey. She is someone who is ready to lead a young team this season as they navigate the Monsignor Martin.

“I love being a captain for Sacred Heart, it’s important to me that everyone feels included and respected and I am lucky I have the opportunity to pass on positive energy for my teammates and coaches. We are a young team so I’m just trying my best to lead by example on and off the field,” stated Vranjes. “Being captain is a privilege that should never be taken lightly. I believe it’s really important to see my teammates as my friends. I’ve never looked at being captain like I’m above everyone else, it’s all about being a good friend and teammate.”

Vranjes leadership has been on display early on this season as the Sharks have been finding their way. With an early season loss to a very good West Seneca West team to start the season, things could have gone badly early on.

But, the Sharks have righted the ship and played very well over the past couple of games. Vranjes has been a big reason why. The senior has a little extra motivation heading into the season as she is looking to get back to the type of player she knows she can be.

Last season, Vranjes slipped to second team All-Catholic after being named to the first team the year prior. That has given Vranjes the little extra motivation she’s needed as the Sharks start Monsignor Martin play.

“There is so much motivation! I went into the season with a lot of negative feelings but excuses are unacceptable so it really was just a fluke,” stated Vranjes. “This season will be so different and I have such a good feeling about it.”

The MMA is extremely competitive. Nichols has been the team to beat over the years, but St. Mary’s showed last season they are a team to beat. Mount Mercy has been another team on the rise since they appointed a new coach last season.

After transferring in her sophomore year, Vranjes has always believed Sacred Heart has a chance to win the MMA and get to states.

“Ever since I transferred to SHA my sophomore year, I have always told everyone we were going to states. I have never had a doubt in my mind we couldn’t do it,” stated Vranjes. “There’s really good vibes throughout my team and I really think we could go all the way if we work for it.”

As the season progresses, Vranjes is closing in on a milestone. Coming in to the season, Vranjes was at 69 goals for a career. Thirty-one goals in one season is a lot to achieve, but Vranjes could do it.

While the milestone is in reach it’s not something she has put a lot of thought into. She is more focused on getting the team win. If the goals come, and she gets closer, than it will be something she puts more thought into.

For now, it’s about getting the Sharks to where they want to be.

“Lacrosse is all about finding the open space, I see space I go whether it's a designed play or just out of habit,” stated Vranjes. “I’ve put some thought into it, and it’s a really cool milestone to get but when I’m playing I’m not focused on scoring all the goals. The end goal is just to win.”

What makes Vranjes special is she just isn’t about scoring goals. You will see her taking the face-off in the circle. You will see her battle for the ground balls that are so key for position to get her team going.

Over the course of her career, Vranjes has really become an all-around player.

“I think being in the right place at the right time definitely helps but hustling and getting to the ball is always more rewarding,” stated Vranjes. “Practicing all aspects of the game are important to me. I think you have to be confident to play every sport so practicing and being uncomfortable really helps my confidence during games.”

Her play on the field has gotten noticed as Vranjes will continue to lacrosse career at Tiffin next season. For a young woman who didn’t even start lacrosse until eh age of 8, Vranjes has improved her game that much in the five years since she first picked up a lacrosse stick.

She wen’t from just learning the game, to playing her club lacrosse at Empress to know playing in college starting next year.

“I knew that I didn’t want to go too far from home, and TU is only 4 and a half hours away so I thought the distance was perfect. Tiffin is also a smaller school, so it was really important to me that I also got access to smaller class sizes,” stated Vranjes. “Playing club really helped me figure out what kind of team I needed to be on, the kind of coaching I needed, and who I am on the field. My most recent club team (Empress) did a lot for me.”