Girls lacrosse: Coach of the Year

Carin Peterson

Severna Park

Peterson is the most successful coach in state tournament history. In her 22 years, the Falcons have won 10 state titles, including the first Class 4A-3A crown in 1990 and the most recent, with an impressive 14-7 win over previously undefeated Westminster.

That victory capped a rebuilding season for the No. 7 Falcons (17-4), who were young, had no stars and reworked their defense using last year's line attack. They rebounded from a midseason skid to go undefeated in Anne Arundel County and beat their final six playoff opponents — including top rivals South River and Broadneck.

Peterson, who did a masterful coaching job in the state final, said the success was due mostly to basics such as draw control and shooting percentage, but she also focused on the mental side.

"We … went over what was working, what wasn't working. We also went over desire, what it is to work as a team and what it means to win," said Peterson, who played at Severna Park and was an All-American at Maryland. "That's something that they have to have. Coaches, we all have it and we have to teach them you have to want it for yourself."