This is an article in Sporty Seniors, a bi-weekly column celebrating M-A senior athletes’ dedication to their sport.
For senior Carey Wolf, sports have played a prominent role in both his childhood and his current life. From playing baseball as a young child to late-night sports-watching, athletics have always been something he treasures.
Wolf’s introduction to lacrosse stemmed from his longtime family friend, Steven Kryger, M-A’s boys lacrosse coach and math teacher. Growing up, Wolf played baseball and didn’t pick up a lacrosse stick until the age of 10. “I kind of fell out of love with baseball,” he said. “One day, Steven Kryger invited me to a lacrosse tryout for the Grizzlies, so I went to the tryout that day.” From there began his lacrosse journey, spanning through his senior year of high school.
When playing a sport competitively, Wolf noted the importance of having strong role models and supporters. His father’s love for sports influenced both Wolf and his older brother, sparking their love of athletics. Aside from Kryger, Matt Bond, the boys lacrosse offensive coordinator and the Grizzlies Boys Director, was an important supporter for Wolf. “He’s been there throughout my whole lacrosse journey, and I still talk to him today,” he said.
Through inevitable hardships, Wolf relies on the mentality that lacrosse is built on teamwork. “You can’t be out there if you’re half-assing it, because then you’re half-assing it for your team too. That, doing it for someone else, doing it for your team, has kept me going,” he said.
As a senior, Wolf’s role on the team has become more leadership-focused. “Our coach is big on establishing a culture and being inclusive, and that’s something he’s tried to create throughout the years,” he said. Wolf was elected captain by his peers last year, along with juniors Will Clark, Will Torre, and Teddy Honerkamp. “Following his example and his values, I think that’s something that he would want me to push forth to the others,” Wolf said.
Like all student-athletes, Wolf has to navigate the demands of his high school academic career alongside lacrosse training. “Honestly, I just have to power through, you get home late at eight or nine, and then you have to sit down and do your homework into the night,” he said. “You just got to get through to the end.”
For those struggling to balance academics and sports, Wolf advises keeping one foot forward. “Just try to stay on top of your work, because it piles up quickly,” he said.
Wolf’s journey with lacrosse hasn’t been defined solely by his achievements on the field, but also by the relationships he has built along the way. Over the past four years, the sport has become more than a competition. Despite doubts and wavering motivation, he found himself drawn back to the team, grounded by a sense of community.
Reflecting on his experience, Wolf offered honest advice for students who may be struggling with their sport: “If you don’t enjoy it, don’t do it. There was a time when I thought about quitting, but what kept me going was the people on the team. I liked being around them, even outside of the sport. But you also have to be willing to put in the time.”
Wolf added that if he could give advice to his younger self, he would tell himself to slow down and appreciate the journey more. “Just enjoy the moment a little bit more than I did. Every year, you kind of have to adapt—you get a new team, you lose people,” he said. “There are years where you struggle, and also years that are really good, so I think it’s about cherishing those good moments and good seasons.”
Looking ahead, Wolf may play intramurally in college, but the end of this season marks the informal closing of his lacrosse career.
