2009 Girls Lacrosse Player of the Year: Francie Crowell

Los Alamitos senior Francie Crowell ended her career as she was hoping she would, as a champion.

Crowell, who took up lacrosse three years ago, capped her high school career by leading the Griffins to the U.S. Lacrosse-Southern California championship - the first in the school's history - and the Orange County crown.

Crowell, the Orange County Register girls lacrosse player of the year, led the county with 149 points on 76 goals and 73 assists. Crowell also had 46 groundballs. In the Southern California championship game against Cate of Carpinteria, Crowell scored six goals.

"I'm really happy with the way it ended up," said Crowell, who plays attack. "I think 19-0 is a big accomplishment and it says a lot for our team and how far we've come and it's a good feeling to know we did the best we could at something.

"The same three years it's been the same corps of girls. This year, we're just starting to break up. It's sad, but at the same time, what a way to go out."

Crowell was originally a cheerleader, but she heard about the school starting up a lacrosse program and gave it a shot in her sophomore year.

"I was done and I wanted something new," said Crowell. "The coach was really motivational. It's changed a lot of things, it's really changed my life, but definitely for the better. It's opened up a lot of opportunities."

Los Alamitos coach Meredith Meyran is glad that Crowell made the switch, too.

"Francie Crowell is a phenomenal player who makes her teammates better," Meyran said. "She is a natural leader and a fantastic role model for the underclassmen."

Crowell will take her game to Notre Dame next year to play for the Fighting Irish.

"I'm excited about the competition and the school in general," Crowell said. "From what I can tell, it's going to be a great experience."

Contact the writer: tburt@ocregister.com