Only a sophomore, Brooklyn Toombs made an emphatic statement.
Toombs scored a career-high 71 goals, helping Calvary Christian make the deepest postseason run in program history, reaching the district finals, where they fell to Pine Crest 15-8, and played in the state quarters to St. Andrew’s before finishing 12-5.
Toombs knew she would be counted on after being named the team captain following her standout freshman season. Toombs said the team aims to maintain its strong work ethic and chemistry to surpass this season’s success. She also lauded the team’s chemistry and motivation to have a solid year.
“I was looking up to players last year, and this year I had players looking up to me,” said Toombs, who also had 21 assists, 92 points, 45 ground balls and 107 draw controls. The Eagles’ season came to an end with a loss to the Scots in the opening round of regionals.
“It was definitely a little bit of pressure sometimes,” Toombs said. “I think it was super exciting and rewarding, particularly being able to influence my younger teammates. I believe we can either match or exceed this year’s achievements next season.
“The chemistry this year was unlike any other,” Toombs added. “We were so connected as a team, and were always working hard like no other.”
Toombs said she looks forward to the next two years on the squad.
“I think I’m just going to continue working hard on and off the field,” she continued, “especially keep working hard in school and just continue learning about leadership on the team and playing a bigger role in that.
“I think the highlight of the season was just making it as far as we did in the district tournament,” Toombs said. “I think next year we are going to be expected to go a whole lot further, and we are ready to take that next step.”
The school’s girls lacrosse coach, Alexis Fifelski-Watson, said Toombs is helping shape the future of Calvary Christian lacrosse and putting the program on the map.
“Brooklyn’s impact on our program goes far beyond goals, assists or statistics,” Fifelski-Watson said. “What makes her truly special is the way she elevates everyone around her every single day. She is the type of player every coach hopes to have in a program because she leads through both her actions and her character.”
Brooklyn Toombs, lacrosse player of the year from Calvary Christian. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)