When Ashley Hall fielded its first varsity lacrosse team during the 2011-12 season, it was the only SCISA school in the Charleston area to have a girls lacrosse team.

“We could only compete against public school teams,” says Athletic Director Franny Slay. “It wasn’t until 2016-17 that a few other SCISA schools started the sport for girls which meant we could finally hold a state championship.” The Panthers lacrosse team went on to become State Runners-up in 2016-17, 2017-18, and 2018-19.

Now, after two seasons off the field, the Panther Lacrosse Program will be revived this spring under new head coach Aimee Burgos, and no one is more excited to see the sport return to Ashley Hall than student athletes:

“The girls truly loved this sport and worked hard to build the interest so that we could field a team again this year,” says Slay.

Ashley Hall Varsity Lacrosse Coach Aimee Burgos

Coach Burgos (pictured right) has lived in Charleston for the past four years. Before relocating from Portland, Maine, she taught middle school Physical Education and coached both Varsity Lacrosse and Field Hockey. Outside lacrosse season, she’s the President and Programs Director for Charleston Field Hockey, a local non-profit organization trying to build the sport here in the Lowcountry.

“My true passion in life is coaching and working with young women to help them flourish through the lessons taught while being a part of a sports team,” says Burgos.

Ahead of the official start to the 2021-22 lacrosse season which kicks off Feb. 1, 2022, we chatted with Coach Burgos so the Ashley Hall community can get to know her better.

What’s your experience as a lacrosse player? 

I have been playing lacrosse since I was in middle school and have made it a lifetime sport by playing recreationally into my adulthood. As much as I admired the attackman and sharp shooters that score goals, defense was my jam! I loved the idea of “protecting our house” and working with the goalies to achieve that shared goal. I was taught early on that ambition is the incentive that makes purpose great and achievement greater.

What are you most excited about in this new position at Ashley Hall?

I am so excited to become a part of the Ashley Hall community. Every staff member, student, and parent I have met so far has welcomed me with open arms. This school has been a prominent institution for over a century, and I am honored to learn more about the culture of the school and its long standing traditions.

At the start of the new lacrosse season, what’s the number one thing you’ll be communicating to players?

The only purpose in life is to flourish and to aid in the flourishing of others. This season will give new life to the Ashley Hall Lacrosse Program and build a team that is stronger than any wins or loses. It’s my goal to cultivate a culture that is inclusive and supportive to any player regardless of skill level.