Deerfield students and faculty alike gathered in the Field House on Sunday, February 17th to celebrate the life of former Deerfield community member Lindsay Crosby who passed away this past summer due to complications from the birth of her third child.
Credit: Bailey Cheetham
Ms. Crosby graduated from Springfield College in 2008 where she competed on both the soccer and lacrosse teams. She took her passion for lacrosse with her as she pursued a career in coaching. During her career, she worked with athletes at Amherst College, The Bement School, Deerfield Academy, and, most recently, as Head Varsity Lacrosse Coach at The Westminster School. Ms. Crosby had a lasting impact on lacrosse in Western Massachusetts and beyond, and it was only fitting to hold an event that will further this impact.
Roughly 50 children ranging in age from three to fourteen were joined by current Deerfield lacrosse players and their coaches for a fun-filled afternoon of lacrosse. The boys and girls were split up and then divided by age and Deerfield athletes ran various stations. These drills ranged anywhere from “Duck, Duck, Goose” to 3v3 scrimmages. Girls Varsity Lacrosse Captain Bailey Cheetham ‘19 spoke to the positive atmosphere, saying, “The clinic was super fun for everyone involved. The kids were having a great time learning some basics and just playing around.”
The clinic follows lots of support for the Crosby family. A Go-FundMe page was started back in July to help Ms. Crosby’s husband, former Deerfield advancement officer Evan Crosby, and their three children in this difficult time, and has since raised over $360,000. All proceeds from the clinic went to the Crosby family, who joined the Deerfield community on Sunday for the event.
Head Varsity Lacrosse Coach Allison DiNardo organized the event and said, “The event was a team effort, and a lot of people stepped up to advertise the clinic and ensure that things ran smoothly. From advertising assistance and flier design to registration table help, so many Deerfield community members pitched in to show their support. Most importantly, varsity members of the boys and girls lacrosse teams showed up in huge numbers to coach the clinic and offer their support. They brought outstanding energy and made the event so much fun for everyone.” Science Teacher and long-time Deerfield community member Toby Emerson has been personally touched by Ms. Crosby as she coached his daughter when she attended the Bement School. He spoke to her outstanding contributions to the sport saying, “She is hands-down one of the best coaches I have ever been around. Demanding, caring, knowledgeable… You name, she had it!” Mae Emerson ‘19 first learned how to play lacrosse under Ms. Crosby’s guidance at The Bement School. Emerson will now be continuing her lacrosse career in the NESCAC at Connecticut College. This is something Emerson does not think would be possible with- out Ms. Crosby: “Ms. Crosby was one of the most influential coaches I’ve ever had. Being my first lacrosse coach, she showed me how great the game of lacrosse is. Hopefully, all the girls she impacted can keep her incredible legacy going.”