AJ Marcucci ’17: There is a new EA coach coming to town, and her name is Josie Ferri. Replacing former coach Amanda Vos Strache ’99, Ferri will be bringing her insights to the Varsity girls’ lacrosse team.
Ferri found her passion for coaching lacrosse when she was a senior in high school; she coached a Lower Bucks’ County first grade lacrosse team. From there, she went on to coach clinics and camps from which she learned valuable coaching lessons.
She and Julie Young, current Villanova head girls’ lacrosse coach, began their own camp called Philly Blast Lacrosse. Last year, she coached at the Division 1 level for Villanova University, but she said she is eager for the transition. Ferri has already had meetings with the team, and she is definitely ready to help defend their inter-ac champion.
“I am excited to bring my experience at the college level to Episcopal and I strongly believe that my coaching style will be a great fit for the team” Ferri explained. “We will have to work harder than ever before, but I’m confident that we will be successful this season, in more ways than just winning.”
Ferri believes that it is very important to connect with her players, both at a personal and team level. “The Episcopal Academy’s girls’ lacrosse program has an incredible winning tradition with the team claiming the last eight Inter-ac championships. I believe this tradition runs deep in every EA girls’ lacrosse player and I know they are willing to do whatever it takes to keep this tradition alive.”
Alexandra Silvera ’14, co-captain of EA girls’ lacrosse team, is excited to welcome Ferri to the team. Silvera said that everyone on the lacrosse team already loves their new
coach, sharing, “She has held meetings to talk to us about the season ahead. She’s intense, positive, and really understands the game of lacrosse, which is awesome. We were a great team last year, but with this year’s changes, we have the opportunity to be even better.” Taryn Gallagher ’14, co-captain of EA girls’ lacrosse team, has had three new coaches in four years, but said that she is not worried in the slightest due to the team’s flexibility. Gallagher continued, “Coach Ferri has been awesome so far and has made an effort to get things started early in the year so we will be accustomed by the time the season starts.”
The team as a whole appears eager to welcome its new coach, and Ferri says she can hardly wait as well. Ferri hopes to build on the team’s commitment and enthusiasm, so the Churchwomen can go out and add to their storied tradition.