The Juan Diego Catholic High School boys lacrosse team have won eight of their nine games this season as the second-ranked team in the 4A ranks so far this season. 

“While our defense and attack are younger, we are fortunate to have experienced seniors leading our team through the midfield and between the pipes,” said third-year head coach Greg Stamatov.

The girls squad is being led by the 12th-best player in the country, Olivia Prosper, who has committed to Stanford. The 76 goals she has scored this season is second-best in the state so far this season, adding to her total of 197 that she netted her first two years of high school.

“Olivia could literally score every goal, she’s that good,” said head coach Shaun Judd, who is in his fifth year. “We’ve gotta step up the rest of our game to keep up with her.”

Boys

The boys team is being led by senior attacker Aidan Wigton with 31 goals, sophomore attacker Noah Schuyler with 23 goals and freshman attacker Parker Stolz with 22 goals. Schuyler has also helped offensively with 16 assists while Wigton added 11. Junior defender Will Conley has recorded 59 ground balls and senior goalie Austin Lund has 122 saves in the cage.

“Our team’s strength is our cohesive culture, characterized by dedication, tenacity and teamwork,” Stamatov said. “We are committed to continuing to play exceptional lacrosse by executing our roles with precision while prioritizing the collective success of
the team.”

Also on the 2024 JDCHS team this season are seniors Peter Azar, Jose Calderon, Weston Eder, Andrew King, Reven Lee, Angelo Lewis and Tommy Rock; juniors Antonio Archuleta, Aidan Janiga, Aidric Liljestrand, Nik Gil Martin, Caden Kerrigan, Roman Rossano, Miles Sears and Daniel Sosa; sophomores Brandon Backman, Loklin Cruiz, Juan Diaz, Christ Jimerson, Hunter Landers, Mario Maestas, Teag McMahon, Trey Nicolodemos, Cuauhtemov Pedroza, Colton Pugmire, Sebastian Ramirez, Liam Ross, Jack Stoback and Brian Walker; and freshmen Kai Fairbanks, Cooper Pecora and CJ Starks.

So far this year, Juan Diego has defeated Resurrection Christian, Colorado 13-11, Salem Hills, 8-5, Ridgeline 10-6, Skyridge 11-0, Cedar Valley 11-8, Waterford 12-11, Hillcrest 21-0, Jordan 21-5 and Waterford 8-6. The Soaring Eagle team’s one loss this year was to Judge Memorial 10-8 and Riverton 6-2.

They are still scheduled to face Judge Memorial, Hillcrest, Jordan and East during the regular season with the 4A state playoffs slated for May 14-24.

They are currently 9-2 overall this year and 4-1 in Region 10 play.

Girls

So far this season, Prosper has scored 70 of the team’s 79 goals in wins over Springville 15-13, Jordan 15-4, Uintah 17-4, Wasatch 13-0 and Hillcrest 16-4. Juan Diego has also lost to Highland 14-6 and Waterford 19-3 this year.

Just nine of the 19 players on the roster are returners from a year ago. “As a smaller school, every year is a building year where some are brand new to the sport and we continually rebuild,” Judd said. “And, with the limits on official practices from tryouts to games, we went right into play to start
the season.”

Key players that are back from last spring are seniors Sam Horner and Alex Moreno, juniors Sarah Azar and Hope Lowery and sophomores Ella Fortune, Hannah Haney and Kaitlin Hulverson. Newcomers of note this year are senior Hannah Bradshaw and juniors Campbell Gentry, Alli Green, Arianna Simonutti and Kesyn Worrall.

Also on the JDCHS team this season, who are currently 2-1 in Region 10 play and 5-2 overall, are senior Mia Perez-Ventura; sophomores Peyton McCoy, Jocelin Diaz and Kimara Benward; and freshmen Ruby Mags and Ana Paul.

“I am counting this season as a success if we can continue to come together and play as a team, learning to trust and respect each other,” Judd said. “If we can do that, we will see magic happen and win more games.”

Juan Diego is also scheduled to face Judge Memorial , Waterford, Hillcrest and Jordan The 4A state tournament will be held from May 14-24. λ