East Student Athlete of the Week: Devin Hatch

In the first year of East’s Lacrosse program, Devin Hatch is making a strong impression as this week’s Oswego East Athlete of the Week. Coach Loriel Miller recognized Hatch for her dedication to the team and consistently representing the E.A.S.T. values: Excellence, Academics, Spirit, and Tradition.

Devin Hatch, a senior, has never played lacrosse before and was very eager to join the team when she heard East was starting its lacrosse program. So far, she has greatly impacted the team with her incredible spirit and willingness to improve.

Head coach Loriel Miller is impressed with the team’s performance so far this season, pointing out Hatch’s improvements.

“Devin is committed to her team and has shown great improvements since the start of the season,” Miller said. “Devin scored her first goal in our game on 4/10.”

Miller has personally seen Hatch’s impact on the team firsthand, both on and off the field. From the first day of practice, Miller noticed she was ready to learn and dedicated to the team’s goals.

“Devin is always uplifting to her teammates, listens to them, and supports them both on and off the field,” Miller said.

Hatch’s motivation comes from a desire for personal growth and a deep commitment to helping the team succeed.

“I’m driven by becoming a better player, as a new sport to the school, most people have never played, or played once or twice,” Hatch said. “I want to benefit the team and be consistent.”

Hatch’s mother, Laura, has directly observed how her experiences at East have been crucial in shaping her into the confident individual she is today.

“As both a student and an athlete, she instinctively steps into leadership roles, helping her peers stay focused, motivated, and upbeat, “ her parents said. “Her ability to connect with teammates and adapt quickly made her a seamless addition to the team.”

Her parents credit Hatch’s development to the encouraging and supportive environment at East, which has allowed her to find strengths and push her boundaries.

“The supportive environment at OE has allowed her to take healthy risks, be herself, and speak her mind,” her parents said. “She’s emerged as a gifted, confident young adult who knows how to manage responsibility while staying true to who she is.”

Despite having no prior experience, Hatch and her teammates are embracing challenges and are eager to grow and contribute to the future of the program.

“As a new lacrosse team, our goal is to build the program and set a stable foundation for it to grow on,” Hatch said.

Devin has set the foundation for future players with her passion, leadership, and desire to get better. Her presence has helped shape the development of East’s lacrosse program’s culture that future East lacrosse players can build upon.

Miller is excited to see how the program will continue to grow and is happy with the foundation the team has been setting.

“While this season is the first season for lacrosse, the team, including Devin, has already been creating valuable traditions and will leave behind a wonderful legacy.”

Written by Seniors Morgan Luberda and Zach Jacobson. Edited by staff writers for Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.