LOS ALAMITOS – Meredith Meyran was the architect behind the Los Alamitos girls lacrosse program’s first two Orange County and U.S. Lacrosse Southern Section titles.
Meyran stepped down after the 2010 season, and Liz Connelly stepped in and built upon the foundation Meyran set with three more county and section championships.
Connelly stepped down after last season, leaving the coaching seat open for Emily Mukai.
Mukai has been the JV coach, where she’s compiled a 44-4 record, and a varsity assistant coach for the past three seasons.
The players – some of whom have played under her before – aren’t shy about expressing how they feel about playing for their new coach.
“It’s definitely different, but she’s way better than (anyone who) we would’ve gotten, because she has a lot more experience with things than other coaches I know of,” senior Caitlin Derry said. “So I’m glad it’s Mukai of all people.”
And Mukai’s predecessor agrees.
“(Emily) has been a part of the program,” Connelly said. “She knows the girls really well … she’s the best person for the job.”
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There are some programs where players graduate but tradition doesn’t, and Los Alamitos is one of those programs. In past seasons, the Griffins have had to deal with the loss of seniors and great players. This season is no different, as they’ll have to replace first-team All-County player Julie Crowell.
Los Alamitos will be armed with a heavy array of senior standouts this season, such as Derry, Haley Fessenden, Grace Schmidt-Beck and Breezy Hastie.
Those veterans are making it easier for Mukai to transition from the background to the forefront.
“They’re used to me kind of being on the back end a little bit, so that’s a change from how they’ve perceived me in the past,” Mukai said. “But they have such good attitudes. We’re all here for the same thing, and that’s to continue the success of the program.”
The team’s success might not change, even if the personality of the person leading it has.
“They’re kind of different people, in general,” Fessenden said. “One’s a little more up front, one is a little more laid back.”
The more mellow personality belongs to Mukai. But when it comes to claiming sixth straight county and section titles, expect Mukai to have her team speaking loudest.
Contact the writer: amorales@ocregister.com
