By Emily Vojtech

The second article in our 2024 Captains Series features the captains of the Chanhassen High School Girls Lacrosse team. 

The Chanhassen Storm will be led by four captains this season: Senior Defense/Midfield Jadyn Hahn, Senior Goaltender Katie Colleran, Senior Attacker Gabby Bjugan, and Junior Attack/Midfield Hannah Grinn.

Between the four captains, they have 35 years of experience playing lacrosse. The Storm compete in the Metro West Conference. Last season, they ended their season with a record of 13-5-0 and placed third in their conference. 

They also competed in the MSHSL State Tournament last year. After a successful season, the leaders of the Storm are ready to return to the state tournament and make another run towards a state championship. “We want to get to state and it would be awesome if we won state,” Jadyn Hahn said.

The Storm captains are looking forward to some big re-matches from last year. “I’m looking forward to playing Benilde again after losing to them last year in the state tournament,” Hannah Grinn shared. 

Chanhassen and the Benilde St. Margaret’s Red Knights faced off twice last season. During their first meeting during the regular season on Tuesday, May 16, Chanhassen won 10-9. In their second match-up in the state quarterfinal game on Tuesday, June 13, Chanhassen lost to Benilde 6-17. Other opponents the Storm players are looking forward to competing with include Bloomington Jefferson, Eden Prairie, and Prior Lake. 

To prepare for their competitive season, players on the Chanhassen Storm Girls Lacrosse team have been sharpening their skills during their winter training sessions held on Tuesdays, and games played on Wednesdays. Players also go to open dome sessions and participate in off-season tournaments, including the 10,000 Lakes Tournament. 

The four captains shared qualities of good leaders and what they’d like to bring to their team as captains. “I think you have to be a leader on and off the field,” Katie Colleran stated. “As a captain you’re a role model for the younger kids. I remember looking up to the captains when I was younger,” Hahn said. “I like to blend in. We are one of you guys and going through the same things,” Gabby Bjugan explained. “It is important to be compassionate and be someone who can shift the mood to be positive,” Colleran said. The four captains agreed that being positive and lifting up their teammates would be important for their season. “We want to be the most positive team, while still being competitive,” Hahn stated.

The Chanhassen Captains explained that their team atmosphere has been fun and positive. “We are going to grow as a team this year,” Bjugan said. “Everyone is so nice. It might be the most positive year playing for Chan.,” Hahn shared. “We have a family atmosphere on and off the field,” Bjujan shared.

The players have many fond memories playing is a positive environment in Chanhassen. “Last year, our hard work paid off,” Grinn said. “When we beat Benilde, the energy was amazing,” Grinn added. “When we beat Eden Prairie two years ago to get to the state tournament, it was a fight until the end,” Bjugan recalled. “Off the field, my favorite memories are our pasta dinners,” Hahn said. The team also has a variety of fun traditions.

“We have a team sleepover every year, hosted at someone’s house,” Hahn shared. “Pasta dinners together before games is a fun tradition,” Colleran said. 

The four Chanhassen leaders shared advice they would give to players interested in playing lacrosse in high school. “It’s nice because everyone wants to be there,” Grinn said. “Your team becomes like family,” Colleran stated. “If you’re having a bad day, lacrosse is going to make you happier,” Hahn added. “Trust the older girls and know that they were in your shoes,” Bjugan shared.

Jaydyn Hahn will be playing lacrosse at Grand Valley State University and earn a degree in Nursing. Katie Colleran will be attending Concordia St. Paul to play lacrosse and minor in photography. Gabby Bjugan will be playing lacrosse at Towson University. Junior Captain Hannah Grinn is still deciding on her post-graduation plans.

The four players agreed that if the Chanhassen Girls Lacrosse team had a theme song it would be “Cotton Eye Joe” by Rednex.