Centaurus girls lacrosse has a third new coach in three seasons, but the Warriors are ranked No. 6 in the preseason. (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)
Todd Breithaupt is not a new face to girls lacrosse. With time at Boulder, Dawson School, Boulder Valley Lacrosse, and youth programs, his experience runs wide.
But he will be the second new face in two years, and third coach in three years, for Centaurus girls lacrosse. The change comes after long time coach Genny Horning stepped down at the conclusion of the 2014 season, followed by a one year stint from Robert Kline in 2015.
But a seemingly challenging position for Breithaupt is alleviated with him being not as unfamiliar as expected. Most of the upperclassman on the Warriors team were coached under his leadership during their youth lacrosse years.
“It’s more of a ‘Getting to know each other again’ opportunity,” he said of the situation. “I will approach is with honesty, open dialogue and respect.”
Centaurus, a frequent powerhouse, advanced to the semifinals for the fifth year in a row last season. Their last championship appearance was in 2013, when they fell to Cherry Creek 20-10.
Though a new face enters the program, the team itself will remain a similar lineup to the previous season.
The Warriors return all-state leading scorer Andrea Kim, as well as Audrey Brown, Madison Hamilton, and Tessa Hannigan. The four tallied 92 goals last season. All three goalies, Morgan Pittser, Lindsey Rosen and Mia Sanchez, also return to defend the net.
And Breithaupt doesn’t plan on going anywhere soon.
“We are executing the first year of our three-to-five year plan for the program,” he said.
Within the detailed vision is an overall search for full transparency.
“Our communication will be improved in is directness,” Breithaupt said.
But the plan isn’t limited to that. Breithaupt and leadership seek a redefinition of roles, expectations, and goals.
“We want to focus on living in the present, going hard on every play whether it’s game or practice, and support each other as teammates should,” the coach said. “I want the girls to know that there are no short cuts to any place worth going.”
He also emphasizes happiness and a shared enjoyable experience in the game of lacrosse.
“I want the girls to feel they have contributed to he team and have grown as a person, leader and athlete,” Breithaupt said.
Though ambitious, foresight, and a sign of commitment will play a huge part in their hopeful success, the Centaurus program turns a new page, nonetheless.
When asked if his coaching style differs that the previous, Breithaupt answers with a definitive: “Absolutely.”
Centaurus will open its season on Friday evening against Mullen.
The Warriors enter 2016 ranked No. 6 in the preseason poll. Defending champion Colorado Academy is No. 1, and perennial power Cherry Creek, which has made every single state title game in the sport’s 18-year history, is ranked second.
Mullen enters as No. 3, Kent Denver is No. 4, and Regis Jesuit rounds out the top-5.
Girls lacrosse preview
- Preseason rankings
- Defending state champion: Colorado Academy
- Regular season begins: March 10
- Postseason begins: May 11
- State championships: May 25, University of Denver
- Returning All-State players: Anna Gallagher, Sr, Colorado Academy; Andrea Kim, Sr, Centaurus; Eliza Radochonski, Jr, Cherry Creek; Kathleen Roe, Sr, Regis Jesuit; Bridget Sutter, Jr, Colorado Academy; Ali Vanek, Sr, Mullen