This year, the Dos Pueblos High School boys varsity lacrosse team aims to offset the loss of last year’s seniors. The team captains plan on accomplishing this goal by doing more sprints and improving team bonds and communication.

“Last year we had a lot of skill and effort,” team captain Koa Birchim (11) said. “This year we need to just focus on the basics and lock in.”

As a team, they are trying to improve and grow together by working hard and pushing each other.

“I think we have a shot if we lock in and grow as fast as possible,” Birchim said. “They want to grow more as a team and show improvement throughout the season.”

Last year, the boys advanced to the playoffs, and with this year’s plan and preparation, the team hopes to do the same this year.

“Right now we’re just trying to make up for the lost skill,” Birchim said. “Personally, my goal is just to get the cardio up and just being able to go 110 percent all season, and for the team it’s just team bonding and getting all of us to go 100 percent.”

Birchim, one of the starting lineup players, said he is trying to help create a stronger community with the players.

“Last year’s team had a stronger bond than this year’s. “

As important as winning is for the team, he said that they don’t want to be too hard on each other or push each other too hard.

“If someone makes mistakes, we try to get them to learn rather than yelling at them,” Birchim said.

The team captains from last year have since graduated, and Birchim hopes to “carry on” their skills and practices. He is working to build the same connection as a team and have a good walk-out song.

“Last year’s team walk-out song was ‘Ain’t No Holler Back Girls,’” Birchim said. “This year, the walk-out song is different each game but includes a lot of white girl music. My walk-out song before the game is a childhood song that I used to listen to with my dad called ‘Let It Be’ [by The Beetles].’”