Layne Doherty earned varsity letters in four sports at Belmont High School: lacrosse, field hockey, skiing, and track and field.
But the first was her best, and the 5-foot-7 midfielder found a collegiate fit at Division II Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont. Currently a sophomore, the 2023 Belmont High School graduate owns four goals and two assists for the Purple Knights (3-7, 0-4 Northeast 10), who look to close the season with momentum.
A two-time Academic Honor Roll selection as an elementary education and psychology double major in the school’s honors program, Doherty is also involved with the school’s Best Buddies chapter, Student-Athlete Advisory committee and the Mobilization of Volunteer Efforts community service organization.
Doherty caught up with The Belmont Voice for a Q&A.
How did lacrosse become your sport?
I started with Belmont Youth Lacrosse in second grade. Something that’s special in Belmont is that a lot of the parents are the coaches. My dad was one of my coaches; my friends’ dads and moms were coaches. In the summer of seventh grade, I joined the Bay State Bullets club team. That was the turning point where I realized I loved lacrosse and liked being able to play it as close to every single day as possible. My brother, dad, and I played when I was younger, and even now when I go home, we’ll play lacrosse together.
What are some of your favorite BHS athletics memories?
My senior year of lacrosse was probably my favorite year out of all of them. We had just gotten coach [Dan] O’Brien. That was probably our strongest season in my four years. We had a really big win against Lexington, which is a team we hadn’t competed with in previous years, and I was on an awesome midfield line with one of my friends (Stella Lesnik) and her younger sister (Niamh).
Do you still keep tabs on the school’s athletics?
I do. When I come home in the fall I go to all the field hockey games that I can. I still follow all the team Instagram accounts. When I come back in May, I’m hoping I can help out [with girls lacrosse] or at least watch their games.
Why Saint Michael’s?
I did a search around like everyone else. I always loved Vermont so much. I did a prospect day at Saint Mike’s one weekend and one at the University of Vermont the next. I realized I just loved the culture of Saint Mike’s, got to do an overnight, and realized that it’s such a special school. It’s really small, so there’s a ton of camaraderie and community building. I really love my team here and have a lot of fun.
What is your favorite part of the school now that you’re nearly halfway done?
The main thing that I always talk about, which I feel is more unique, is when you’re walking to classes and buildings, people always hold the door, no matter who it is. The community is very strong here. Even when you’re pretty far back and you have to do that awkward little run, everyone’s always willing to say hi, hold the door and talk to anyone. The sports teams are also really close here.
What was the adjustment from high school to college lacrosse?
From my experience, I felt that this transition was very seamless. A lot of young high school athletes can be worried about different rules in women’s lacrosse, like the shot clock and running through the crease. Honestly, I feel like Belmont prepares you for that, being able to play every day with and against pretty great teams in the Middlesex League. I play against a lot of girls that I played in high school from the Massachusetts area. The adjustment went well. In high school, you play dual sports and now you’re just focused on one. The timing works out as you figure out a balance with school and friends.
Any surprises or differences from what you expected?
The biggest difference that I’ve noticed is the IQ level that you play at in the college game is very different. When we scout teams, we’re not just scouting individual players. We’re scouting how they’re going to play, and like if we implement a zone defense vs. a man-to-man defense, what that’s going to make them have to counteract. That’s something that I’ve really enjoyed. I’ve always loved IQ plays and being heads up.
The other thing is knowing how to not get too overwhelmed when you’re out of season vs. in season. Out of season is still as busy, but in season is more exhausting because you’re getting back late from road games. The NE10 [Northeast 10 Conference] is all kind of in one area, mostly New Hampshire and Massachusetts schools. Because we’re in Vermont, every road game is far. For opponents, we’re their farthest game. We drive to Pace, which is in New York City and Adelphi on Long Island. You need to take advantage of those moments when you do have time to fit in a little bit of homework and accept the late nights.
Do you have any lacrosse rituals or superstitions?
I used to not think that I was superstitious, but now I’m realizing that anytime I show up to a game I have to do the exact same things. I always wear the same pair of white socks, which I wash! I always get my hair braided by one of my teammates who’s also a sophomore. I always wear the black side of the pinny. I do things like a chest bump with one of my teammates. I have to keep things very stable. I listen to the same songs before each game.
What’s on your team’s pregame playlist?
I used to listen to calm, slower songs. Now I listen to faster songs because they get you more ready. Our team listens to songs and remixes in the locker room, and it’s always very fun to dance with them.
What are your career aspirations?
I’m hoping to become a third-grade teacher, probably back in Massachusetts. I just loved third grade so much. I had Ms. Clow from Wellington Elementary School. That was one of my favorite years of school. I used to not like school much, but now I love it. In third grade, the students are very impressionable, willing, and excited to learn and just need some help along the way. Ultimately, I want to get my special education certification so I can teach all different levels of students and help students access learning in all different capacities.
