Lindsey Linden, who previously coached Thomas Jefferson’s lacrosse team, is now the head coach of girls varsity lacrosse, replacing coach Martin Chamberlain.

Varsity girls finished with a 1-9 record season in 2011. Linden plans to put together a more experienced team this year.

“The requirements for the varsity level tryouts are going to be more challenging than in previous years,” said Linden. “The three day tryouts will involve a two-mile distance run, timed sprints, timed suicides, and proficient stick skills. The girls will need to show a firm knowledge of the game. They need to be open to constructive criticism and display positive attitudes at all times. The girls need to show a desire to excel in order to be considered for our varsity program.”

Senior varsity captain Abby Reed leads pre-season conditioning twice a week at South Lakes and two off-campus practices a week with Coach Linden.

“Coach Linden is doing a lot of work for our team, and the real season hasn’t even begun,” said Reed. “He is the first coach that has lead our team since I have been here that is super involved especially with preseason.”

Girls from South Lakes signed up for a tournament at Lynchburg College on Jan.13 and left the tournament with two wins.

“The two wins at Lynchburg were exciting. Hopefully they are foreshadowing the rest of the season,” said Reed. “With more organization and with more experienced underclassmen I believe we will have a great year under Coach Linden.”

The team’s first scrimmage is March 5 at home against West Potomac, which ended 2011 with a 6-6 record.