The Homestead High School 2026 Girls Lacrosse Team is writing a comeback story that includes small wins, new leadership, and energy that can be felt at every practice. After recent seasons that included mostly losses, the team is beginning to shift its competitive reputation.
Over the past two years, the program has won just four games combined. This spring, however, is different. Five weeks into the season, the team has already matched half that total, winning two of its first four games. With many games left to play, the program’s hot start tells a deeper story of this year’s team’s growth and belief.
Much of this change can be traced to head coach Jason Palmer. Stepping into the first year of his role as head coach with a fresh perspective, Palmer has focused on building fundamentals while also creating a more positive and focused team dynamic. Practices are strict and include purposeful drills designed to improve individual skills and team connections.
Another key piece of the team’s turnaround is junior captain Keeley Linneman, who recently committed to play at Belmont Abbey College. As a leader on and off the field, Linneman sets the tone with her motivation and encourages her teammates to do the same even when games get hard. Keeley has a deep love for the game that is contagious for her teammates.
“Lacrosse helps make new friends, and it’s fun and has a quick pace,” Lineeman said. “It is nothing like ….any of the sports I used to do,” Keeley said.
For not only Keeley but for many players, the sport is about more than just wins and losses. Sophomore Kate Dykema feels the relationships she’s built through lacrosse are what keep her coming back each season.
“Lacrosse is important to me because I met so many people, and it is very fun,” Dykema said.
Dykema believes this year’s team has something special, and she is hopeful that the number of people who play the sport continues to grow.
“Everyone play lacrosse right now,” Dykema said.
Coach Palmer, current girls lacrosse coach, enjoys having his daughter on the team and watching the players grow both on and off the field. He continues to bring in new strategies to help the team improve and compete this season. While he is passionate about lacrosse, he encourages all students to get involved in whatever they can.
“Everyone in high school should play a team sport,” Palmer said.
