This spring is the first in 31 years (with one short hiatus in 2001) when I will not be on the sidelines of the Lebanon High School lacrosse field. It does not seem like long ago that I was fresh out of college navigating the end of my playing career with the start of my coaching career. There are no words to express the gratitude I feel toward Lebanon High School and the community for embracing me and for giving me and these athletes unwavering support throughout the years.

Over the course of three decades, I have had the privilege of coaching over 400 athletes and standing on the sidelines for just over 450 games. Every moment with this team has been a gift. Every win, every loss, every practice, and every bus ride. I grew up alongside this team and my children were blessed to have many many big sisters along the way.

Through it all one of the greatest sources of pride for me is not found in any scorebook. It has been watching all of these young people grow up to be incredible adults. My heart is filled every time I look and see an alumni in the stands. I have had several of my players go on to compete at the collegiate level and many more have chosen to give back by becoming coaches themselves. Lebanon youth lacrosse has employed a number of LHS lacrosse players and it has been an absolute joy and honor to witness this.

I am also so grateful that my successor, Mo (Moran) Marquis, is someone I had the honor of coaching myself. There is no greater compliment a coach can receive than to have one of her own players carry the program forward. I have full confidence that the future of Lebanon lacrosse is in extraordinary hands.

To every parent, administrator, fan, reporter, junior varsity coach, assistant coach, volunteer coach (most importantly Rob Fett, who was with me for 13 seasons) and neighbor who ever cheered for and supported us on and off the field (especially through our Not in Our House fund for children in homes with domestic violence), I thank you with all of my heart. And to every Lebanon High School lacrosse player who walked beside me these 31 seasons, there are no words to express my gratitude. I am a better mother and person because of you. It has truly been the honor of a lifetime.

Sara Ecker was varsity girls lacrosse coach at Lebanon High School from 1994 – 2025.